Table of Contents

Welcome to Whatcom County 6

Something for Everyone 8

Whatcom County Communities 10

Education 12

Sports 16

Outdoor Recreation 18

Shopping, Dining & Entertainment 19

Health Care 22

Retirement 24

Housing Stats 25

Open for Business 26

Employment 29

Your Chamber 30

Real Estate 32

Government 34

Life on the Canadian Border 35

Convention & Meeting Spaces 36

Relocation Information & Contacts 38

Members Alphabetical 40

Members by Category 49

Bellingham RegionalChamber of Commerce

119 N. Commercial St., Suite 130

Bellingham, WA 98225

(360) 734-1330 | www.bellingham.com

This is a Town Square Publication

created and produced for the

Bellingham Regional
Chamber of Commerce

Copyright © 2024 Town Square Publications

P.O. Box 280, Arlington Heights, IL 60006

(847) 427-4905 | tbusby@tspubsdigital.com

www.townsquarepublications.com

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The Chamber and Town Square assume no responsibility for misinformation. Please contact the Chamber with any additions or corrections. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the Chamber and Town Square is prohibited.

Chairman, CEO and Publisher | Douglas K. Ray

President and Chief Operating Officer | Scott Stone

Vice President / Director | Scott Ray

Managing Director | David Small

Director of Production | Ryan Moore

Director of Operations | Joseph Nugara

Ad Services Supervisor | Tiffany Hogan

Advertising Coordinator | Cindy Groenhof

Directory Coordinator | Michael Sumrak

Sales Executive | Dac Randall

Senior Editor | Rebecca Anderson

Editor | Angela Holmes

_________________________

Contributing Designer | Melissa Hernandez

Cover Photo | Mark Turner

Welcome to Whatcom County

A great place to call home!

Bordering British Columbia, Canada, and the Bellingham Bay, Whatcom County combines local industry, various outdoor activities, the savvy of a college town and a robust lifestyle dating back to 1854. The area is filled with magnificent scenery, a culture of outdoor recreation, the Alaska Ferry, the Canadian border, Mount Baker and the Cascade Mountain Range, the Salish Sea, local food, spirits, art and music. These are all part of the genuine Whatcom County experience.

Bellingham

Pop: 95,960

Whatcom County

Pop: 231,919

* As of April 1, 2023, per the Washington State Office of Financial Management.

* U.S. Census Bureau 2023 estimate

Bellingham Something for Everyone

ARTS

For those looking for culture, Bellingham will not disappoint. A combination of nationally touring and locally produced museum exhibits, gallery tours, theater productions and symphony performances provide an active and diverse calendar of events throughout the year. Bellingham’s cultural arts district is packed with venues for all interests.

BUSINESS

Bellingham is a leader in business opportunities. It offers an endless supply of customers with 8 million people living within one hour’s drive from Bellingham. Importers and exporters benefit from the Bellingham International Airport, Bellingham Shipping Terminal, railroad and trucking up and down the I-5 corridor with easy access to Canada.

CANADIAN CONNECTION

The proximity to the Canadian border has a strong effect on the local economy. Large local retailers see half their shoppers coming from British Columbia. When the Canadian dollar is strong, it creates demand for Canadian shoppers seeking retail bargains and real estate in Whatcom County. The commodities that are in highest demand among our neighbors to the north are gasoline and milk.

EDUCATION

Whatcom County offers a highly educated workforce due in-part to the number of higher education institutions in the area. They include Western Washington University, Whatcom Community College, Bellingham Technical College, and Northwest Indian College.

GO GREEN

Locals are cognizant of their carbon footprint and increasingly walk, bike and bus to work rather than using cars. “Bellingham already has one of the highest bicycling and walking rates in the entire state,” according to Peter Lagerwey, the Regional Office Director for Toole Design Group in Seattle.

Bellingham employers like Faithlife, encourage biking by providing an employee bike shop.

RETIREMENT

For years, Bellingham has been listed as one of the “Top 25 Places to Retire.” Due in part to the beauty of the area, mild climate and exceptional air quality, the variety of cultural activities, low crime rates, access to public transportation, and miles of urban trails for walking and biking. Bellingham is a volunteer-centric community and has opportunities to keep retirees busy and active.

Whatcom County Communities

The Forestry Center educates the community on natural resources and promotes sustainable forest practices. The Forestry Center, Provided by the Mount Baker Foothills Chamber of Commerce.

Birch Bay, WA
Pop. 9,917

Birch Bay is located in the northwestern corner of Whatcom County. Birch Bay has been a resort destination for over 100 years and more than doubles its population in the summertime. Most of the city’s economic activity relies on tourism to the city, offering wine tasting tours, golf clubs, and many outdoor opportunities.

The C Shop. Photo provided by Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce.

Blaine, WA
Pop. 5,976

Known as the Peace Arch City, Blaine is nestled north of Bellingham sitting on the international border between British Columbia, Canada, and the United States. Blaine is home to exceptional biking trails, bird watching, and aquatic activities such as kayaking and sailing.

The 300-acre Semiahmoo Resort is indeed the epitome of Northwest beauty and charm, complemented by a tremendous range of things to do, play, create, eat, and explore — for adults and families alike. Photo provided by

Ferndale, WA
Pop. 14,564

Ferndale is one of Whatcom County’s fastest growing communities and boasts beautiful views of Mount Baker and the San Juan Islands. The city is home to multiple oil refineries. The city is home to the Silver Reef Casino Resort, offering more than 50,000 square feet of gaming, dining and entertainment and an award-winning hotel.

Silver Reef Casino Resort brings a high quality and exciting gaming experience to the Northwest.

Mount Baker Foothills
Deming – Pop. 174
Maple Falls – Pop. 226
Glacier – Pop. 142
Kendall – Pop. 884
The Mount Baker Foothills region encompasses the towns of Deming, Maple Falls, Glacier and Kendall – the region is located along state route 542, the main thoroughfare to Mount Baker. The timber industry is a significant employer in the area, while ski shops, restaurants, B&Bs and rental cabins serve tourists.

A beautiful hike near Mount Baker. Photo provided courtesy of the Mount Baker Foothills Chamber of Commerce.

Lummi Nation
Pop. 5,213
The Lummi Nation provides social services to all spouses and children of Tribal Members, resulting in a service population of over 16,000 people.

Lynden, WA
16,048
The City of Lynden is known for its Dutch architecture and abundance of churches. In August, the Northwest Washington Fair lures over 200,000 people to the area and allows Whatcom County residents to display their agricultural products, art, crafts and wares. The surrounding area is filled with dairy, raspberry, strawberry and blueberry farms.

Nooksack, WA
Pop. 1,548
Nooksack is a quaint little town nestled in the beautiful Nooksack Valley on State Route 9. With a small business district, Nooksack is mainly a residential community.

Point Roberts,WA
Pop. 1,100
Point Roberts is a geopolitical oddity; it is part of the mainland United States, but is not physically connected to it, making it a pene-exclave of the U.S. It is located on the southernmost tip of the Tsawwassen Peninsula, south of Delta, B.C., a suburb of Vancouver, B.C. To reach Point Roberts from Washington state, you need to go through the U.S. Canada border twice — once to enter Canada and once to re-enter the U.S. at the Point Roberts border crossing.

Sudden Valley, WA
Pop. 7,407
Sudden Valley is a beautifully planned, private community on the shores of Lake Whatcom, approximately 9 miles east of Bellingham. The community is home to the Sudden Valley Golf Course, Maple Leaf Park, the Sudden Valley Marina, tennis courts, multiple beaches and much more. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the 25 parks and trails within the community and watch the wide variety of wildlife that visit their backyards.

Sumas, WA
Pop. 1,629
Sumas is a warm town burrowed in the foothills of Mount Baker in the fertile Nooksack Valley. The town’s growing economy has a strong industrial, agricultural and tourism base backed by a thriving international railroad and trucking center. The economy thrives on Canadian shoppers who cross the border to purchase milk and gasoline. The Sumas – Huntington port of entry at the north end of State Route 9 operates 24 hours a day. It is one of the highest volume crossings.

Our Schools

Educational excellence is one of the many factors why families move to Whatcom County. With seven school districts, the Bellingham School District is the largest, serving approximately 11,500 students and about 1,300 staff members. Quality education is provided by 15 elementary schools, four middle schools, and three high schools. Additionally, the Bellingham School District offers an alternative high school, a preschool program, and post-high school classes for students with disabilities.

Whatcom County School Districts

Bellingham School District
1985 Barkley Blvd. Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 676-6400 | bellinghamschools.org
Enrollment: 11,439 students

Blaine School District
770 Mitchell Ave. Blaine, WA 98248
(360) 332-5881 | www.blaine.wednet.edu
Enrollment: 2,145 students

Ferndale School District
6041 Vista Drive Ferndale, WA 98248
(360) 383-9200 | ferndalesd.org
Enrollment: 4,398 students

Lynden School District
1203 Bradley Road Lynden, WA 98264
(360) 354-4443 | www.lynden.wednet.edu
Enrollment: 3,425 students

Meridian School District
214 W. Laurel Road Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 398-7111
www.meridian.wednet.edu
Enrollment: 1,775 students

Mt. Baker School District
4956 Deming Road Deming, WA 98244
(360) 383-2000 | www.mtbaker.wednet.edu
Enrollment: 1,694 students

Nooksack Valley School District
3326 E. Badger Road Everson, WA 98247
(360) 988-4754 | www.nv.k12.wa.us
Enrollment: 1,678 students

Source for enrollment data: WA State Superintendent of Public Instruction – October 2014 Federal & State Ethnicity/Race Enrollment Reports

Independent & Private Schools

Alger Learning Center
Independence High School
(360) 595-2630 or (800) 595-2630
www.independent-learning.com

Assumption Catholic School
(360) 733-6133 | school.assumption.org

Baker View Christian School
(360) 384-8155
www.bakerviewchristianschool.com

Bellingham Christian School
(360) 733-7303
www.bellinghamchristianschool.org

Bridgeway Christian Academy
(360) 384-6500
www.bridgeway-christian-academy.com

Bellingham Covenant Church Preschool : (360) 671-2115
www.bellinghamcov.org/preschool

Cedar Tree Montessori Elementary
(360) 714-1762 | cedar-tree.org

Childlife Montessori School
(360) 671-3380
bellinghamchildlife.weebly.com

Children’s Co-Op Preschool
(360) 510-9558
childrenscooppreschool.com

Ebenezer Christian School
(360) 354-2632
www.ebenezerchristianschool.org

Evergreen Christian School
(360) 738-8248
www.lyncs.org/schools/evergreen-christian-school

Bellingham includes a multitude of post-secondary education institutions which provide the county’s businesses with an extensive and intelligent workforce.

Western Washington University (aka Western) is a comprehensive, highly ranked, four-year liberal arts university that offers bachelor and masters degrees. With nearly 15,000 students, Western is the county’s largest employer.

Whatcom Community College (aka Whatcom) is a regionally and nationally accredited, state-funded, two-year college serving 11,000 students annually. Whatcom now offers a four-year degree in the IT Networking Cybersecurity program.

The Northwest Indian College (aka NWIC) headquartered on the Lummi Indian Reservation is the only accredited tribal college in the states of Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

Bellingham Technical College (aka BTC) is a leading educational institution and the only technical college in northwest Washington State. They offer training programs that are tailored to the needs of local businesses.

Higher Education

Western Washington University
516 High St., Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 650-3000
www.wwu.edu

Whatcom Community College
237 W. Kellogg Road
Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 383-3000
whatcom.edu

NW Indian College
2522 Kwina Road
Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 676-2772
www.nwic.edu

Bellingham Technical College
3028 Lindbergh Ave.
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 752-7000
www.btc.edu

Explorations Academy
(360) 671-8085
www.explorationsacademy.org

Lakeside Co-Op Preschool
(360) 647-7578
www.lakesidecoop.com

Lynden Christian Schools
(360) 318-9525 | www.lyncs.org

Lynden Co-op Preschool
(360) 209-4181
www.lyndenco-oppreschool.com

Montessori at Samish Woods
(360) 650-9465
www.samishwoods.org

Providence Christian School Northwest (360) 318-1347
www.ferndalechristianschool.com

St. Paul’s Academy
(360) 733-1750
stpaul.academy

Whatcom Center for Early Learning (360) 671-3660 | wcel.net

Whatcom Hills Waldorf School: (360) 733-3164
www.whws.org

sports

Fueled by an active community, the semi-professional and amateur sports scene in Whatcom County is booming. Local teams are frequent contenders for their league’s titles, making for a fun and exciting viewing experience for fans. Some local teams also feature former standout athletes who attended high school or college in the area, so fans can continue to follow their careers. Some teams even feature local tryouts, so even you could be the next Whatcom County resident wowing fans on the field, pitch, ice or track.

Bellingham Bells - Baseball

The Bells play in the West Coast League (WCL), a summer, college, wood-bat league for up-and-coming college baseball players. The WCL season runs from early June to late August, with Bells home games being played at Joe Martin Field.

Bellingham Blazers - Hockey

The Blazers play in the Western States Hockey League (WSHL), an Amateur Athletic Union-sanctioned Tier II Junior Hockey League for 16-20 year-old players. They play at the Bellingham Sportsplex from mid-September to early April and games are often played on Friday or Saturday nights.

Bellingham Roller Betties - Roller Derby

The Roller Betties are a female, flat-track, roller derby league. The Roller Betties host bouts at the Lynden Skateway and Bellingham Sportsplex. Part of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, an international roller derby league, the Betties season begins in late January and goes to late June.

Chuckanut Bay Rugby - Rugby

Chuckanut Bay Rugby is made up of seven youth teams and a men’s and a women’s team. It is part of USA Rugby, the Pacific Northwest Rugby Football Union and the British Columbia Rugby Union. The teams play home games in Ferndale, and admission is always free.

Bellingham United FC - Soccer

Known to fans as the “Hammers,” Bellingham United FC is the local semi-pro soccer team and plays in the Evergreen Premier League Washington, of which it is a founding member. The EPLWA season runs from mid-April to late-July, and United plays its home games at Civic Stadium. Bellingham United FC often fields current and former local college players.

Bellingham Blazers on ice, provided by the Bellingham Blazers.

Bellingham Roller Betties in a huddle, provided by the Bellingham Roller Betties.

United by Jon Bergman Photography, provided by Bellingham United FC.

Outdoor Recreation

The Mountains

The North Cascades are a wild and scenic outdoor adventurer’s paradise with 15 peaks towering over 9,000 feet. Mount Baker stands 10,781 feet high and is an active volcano.

The Chuckanut Mountains trails rise and traverse these wooded wonderlands connecting to various viewpoints and lakes.

The Salish Sea

Whatcom County is positioned where the Strait of Georgia, Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Puget Sound meet. You may choose to paddle a kayak, take the helm of a sailing or motor vessel or take a charter boat to see the sights — including the iconic Orca whales in nearby waters.

Lakes and Rivers

Lake Whatcom, Baker Lake and Ross Lake offer multiple opportunities for water recreation.

The Nooksack River flows west from the high snowfields and glaciers of Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, and the Twin Sister Mountain Range to the sparkling, salty waters of the Salish Sea. In the upper reaches you can find world-class whitewater for thrillseekers.

County Parks

Semiahmoo, Hovander Homestead Park and Tennant Lake Wildlife Area, Lake Terrell, Deming Homestead Eagle Park and Lake Whatcom Park offer excellent wildlife viewing areas. Silver Lake Park offers boating, camping, fishing, horseback riding, playgrounds and biking.

Bellingham Parks & Trails

The American Hiking Society and the National Park Service designated Bellingham as a “Trail Town USA.” As one of the “Top Mountain Bike Trails” in the United States, Galbraith Mountain is a must-do destination for mountain bikers and ultra-runners around the region.

A blue heron swoops over June Road Pond.

Early morning kayak.

A mountain biker soaking up the view of Bellingham while climbing up Galbraith Mountain.

North Bennet makes his way through a boulder field on the way up the North Twin sister.

Photographer and local athlete Evan Skoczenski captures a photo of himself biking up Galbraith after a winter storm.

Mount Baker is an essential part of the Bellingham community. Here, Adam Wilson is fully enjoying his time up at the mountain. This photo was taken during the opening week of the season.

Shopping Dining & entertainment

A Taste for Everyone

From farm-to-table, gluten-free and non-GMO, to chain restaurants and critically acclaimed chefs, Whatcom County has something for everyone. If you’re looking for fine dining with views of the bay, you’ll find it all at one of the many oceanfront restaurants across Bellingham, such as Anthony’s at Squalicum Harbor, Keenan’s at the Pier and many more.

Whatcom County is home to a multitude of microbreweries, wineries and distilleries. Craft brewing and microbrews are so popular that there is a 10-day Bellingham Beer Week festival each year to celebrate.

You won’t find a shortage of coffee around Bellingham. The town was ranked among the top 10 small cities for the best coffee fix by National Geographic Travel in 2018.

Our community is fortunate to have award winning restaurants in our backyard. The Steak House at the Silver Reef Casino Resort never disappoints as it continuously wins local and national accolades for food, wine selection, and service. Recently one of the regions new restaurants, Carnal, was named one of the best in the state by Seattle Met magazine by showcasing meat and fire.

The Horseshoe by Daniel Cohen.

Enjoying food and drinks on a sunny day in Bellingham, by Philip Humphries.

A Shopper’s Delight

Bellingham’s wide range of boutiques, handcrafted wares and big-box stores attract shoppers of all kinds. If you’re looking for department stores, Bellis Fair Mall has what you need, while the smaller shops in Fairhaven and downtown Bellingham offer as much charm as variety.

Tucked away next to the Fairhaven Village Green is the popular tourist attraction, Village Books. The bookstore features a café on the top floor with views of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands.

In historic downtown, specialty shops line the shopping strip along Railroad Avenue. Downtown Bellingham is home to clothing and jewelry stores, art galleries, record shops, cafés and more.

Something For Everyone

Theater, Music & Comedy

The iconic 1,500-seat Mount Baker Theatre was built in 1927 and is home to the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra, a variety of professional touring companies and local performances.

If you’re looking for laughs, the Upfront Theatre features live improv comedy shows Thursday-Saturday.

Museums & Galleries

A Smithsonian affiliate, the Whatcom Museum has two locations in Bellingham’s downtown cultural arts district.

The Lightcatcher Building features contemporary art exhibitions and an interactive family gallery. Nearby, the landmark 1892 Old City Hall Building and the Syre Education Center hold vast collections of historical significance, spanning more than a century.

Health Care

Peacehealth St. Joseph Medical Center

Health care is the largest industry in Whatcom County with PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center as the second largest employer in the county.

PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center, which includes a not-for-profit full-service hospital founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, is part of the PeaceHealth system with medical centers in Alaska, Washington and Oregon. In addition to the hospital and PeaceHealth Medical Group, PeaceHealth’s services in Bellingham include comprehensive cardiology, oncology, orthopedic and rehabilitation services, a diagnostic laboratory, and a joint venture outpatient imaging service. In Northwest Washington, PeaceHealth additionally operates critical access hospitals in Sedro-Woolley and Friday Harbor.

PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center
2901 Squalicum Parkway
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 734-5400

Medical

Arcpoint Labs
4220 Meridian St #101A
Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 873-5075

Bellingham Advanced Medical Imaging
1344 King Street, Ste. 101
Bellingham, WA 98229
(360) 325-4661

Bellingham Anesthesia Associates
2980 Squalicum Parkway #304
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 647-3377

Bellingham Urology Group, PLLC
340 Birchwood Ave.
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 714-3400

BioLife Plasma Services
905 Darby Drive
Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 756-1700

Care Medical Group
4280 Meridian St., Ste. 120
Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 734-4300

Cascade Ambulance Service Inc
1482 Slater Road, Ste. A
Ferndale, WA 98248
(360) 312-0911

Dementia Support Northwest
1301 Fraser St., Ste. A1
Bellingham, WA 98229
(360) 671-3316

Erin Jacobson, LLC
12 Bellwether Way, Ste. 223
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 707-7608

Family Care Network
709 W. Orchard Drive
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 318-8800

Family Foot and Ankle Care Inc P.S.
1100 SW Bowmer St., Ste. A-103
Oak Harbor, WA 98277
(360) 679-3117

Frontier Dermatology
4540 Cordata Parkway, Ste. 101
Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 336-3026

Home Attendant Care, Inc
1151 Ellis St., Ste. 204
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 734-3849

Kucumber Skin Lounge
436 W. Bakerview Road #101
Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 738-7197

North Cascades Health & Rehab
4680 Cordata Parkway
Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 398-1966

PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center
2901 Squalicum Parkway
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 734-5400

Rejuvenation MD
2219 Rimland Drive, Ste. 105
Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 685-8408

Right at Home
114 W. Magnolia St., Ste. 107
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 392-3934

Unity Care NW
1616 Cornwall, Ste. 205
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 676-6177

Whatcom County Pregnancy Clinic
1310 N. State St.
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 671-9057

Chiropractors

Color Chiropractic
1114 Finnegan Way
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 922-0626

Natural Way Chiropractic of Bellingham
2000 N. State St.
Bellingham, WA 98225-4218
(360) 671-1710

Spine & Scoliosis Clinic
1728 Iowa St.
Bellingham, WA 98229
(360) 305-3231

Dental

Apple Pediatric Dentistry
3100 Squalicum Parkway, Ste. 103
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 389-3198

Associate Implant & Family Dentistry
2901 Meridian St.
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 671-7228

Bright Now! Dental
4291 Meridian St. #101
Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 715-8400

Fusion Dental Lab
2134 James St.
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 647-4573

Horizon Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
400 E. McLeod
Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 746-6492

Yaremko, Eric DMD
520 Lakeway Drive, Ste. A
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 734-6620

Vision

Bellingham Retina Specialists
200 Westerly Road, Ste. 101
Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 656-5839

Cascadia Eye
3115 Old Fairhaven Parkway
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 424-2020

Mt. Baker Vision Clinic
720 Birchwood Ave.
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 733-1720

Northwest Vision Development Center
1616 Cornwall Ave. #105
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 393-4479

You can reach out to any of the above practices. Their contact info can be found in the alphabetical business listings in the back of this directory.

Unity Care NW Pharmacy offers free home delivery of prescription medications, further removing barriers to patient care. Photo courtesy of Unity Care NW.

Retire in Bellingham

Betirees come to Bellingham for the small-town feel and mellow lifestyle, and the dynamic cultural mix of college students, outdoor enthusiasts and artisan communities keep them here. Kiplinger named Bellingham one of the top retirement communities in the United States and rated it No. 2 in “Cities Ranked and Rated.”

Bellingham offers active seniors hundreds of miles of trails to walk, run and bike. Up at the Mount Baker Ski Area, retirees can find adventure on the slopes or on a hike to Artist Point for breathtaking views. Golfers will find their own adventure on one of Whatcom County’s 11 golf courses.

Western Washington University’s Academy for Lifelong Learning and Whatcom Community College’s extended education programs give retirees the chance to take classes. The fee can be reduced or waived for seniors; see each institution for details.

The Bellingham Senior Activity Center coordinates wellness programs for seniors including strength and balance classes for fall prevention, strength training classes, Tai Chi, dancing, walking and hiking groups, flu shot clinics, and a variety of other classes and activities.

Getting around town is a breeze with Whatcom Transportation Authority. Reduced bus rates are available for seniors over 64 and adults over 74 can ride for free with a WTA gold card.

Housing STAts

Over the last 12 months (June of 2023-June of 2024) home values declined slightly this winter before bouncing back this spring. Home prices have been stable or up along the I-5 corridor, and home values are only down in Sudden Valley and further east in the Mount Baker and Deming area.

This chart was provided by Paul Balzotti of John L Scott Real Estate. These numbers are based upon the residential MLS data for a 12-month cycle of 2023-20234 The metrics include median sales price, average sales price, number of units sold, and days on the market (DOM), including the percentage change for each data point for specific markets in our region.

Whatcom County Open for Business

If you’re looking for a place that will keep both you and your employees happy and healthy, look no further than Whatcom County. Ranked one of the healthiest places in America, Whatcom County has it all: Skiing and snowboarding at Mount Baker, an eclectic downtown scene, lively music venues, museums, local breweries and wineries, farm-to-table restaurants, some of the best mountain biking in the world and much more.

Whatcom County has created an attractive environment for new and expanding businesses.

Workers’ compensation insurance based on business classification, experience and hours worked as opposed to paid wages which assures an inflationary increase is not built into the system when wages rise.

Washington state uses a Business & Occupation Tax (B&O) in lieu of an income tax, depending on the industry. This can be beneficial to companies since the flat rate tax system allows manufacturers to retain more earnings as profitability increases.

The B&O tax credit for new hires is up to $4,000 credit for each new position.

Both Washington state and Whatcom County offer tax incentives that benefit a myriad of industries and sectors. Here are the general incentive categories:

General manufacturing

• Rural county/community empowerment
zone (CEZ) incentives

• High unemployment county/CEZ

• High technology industry

• Aerospace industry

• Extracting & timber manufacturing

• Food processing/manufacturing industry

• Biofuel industry

• Semiconductor industry

• Aluminum smelting industry

• Farming & agriculture

• Renewable energy/green incentives

• Miscellaneous incentive programs

• Warehouse incentive programs

Green Incentives

Whatcom County and the city of Bellingham have put a huge focus on green development and sustainability. Because of this, we offer special incentives for energy efficiency, water conservation and green building practices. Benefits include rebates, free technical assistance and consultations, lower utility fees and more. Learn more about our green incentives with Sustainable Connections’ helpful green building guide.

Convenient transportation options:

• I-5

• Eight trucking/freight companies

• Rail service

• Three cargo ship loading services

• Two ship loading/unloading facilities at Bellingham Cold Storage facility and Port of Bellingham Shipping Terminal

• The Bellingham Shipping Terminal (BST), specializing in break bulk and clean bulk cargo, has a long history of efficient cargo handling and distribution. With 1,250 feet of dock space, over 85,000 square feet of covered storage and 35 acres of available upland, BST is a full-service marine terminal that has the flexibility to customize its services to meet your needs. BST is also available as a long-term, lay-up facility for large ocean-going vessels of all kinds.

• Three nearby port at Port of Vancouver, Port of Everett and Port of Seattle

• Commercial /general aviation at Bellingham International Airport

• International Trade

For Canadian business owners, relocating or opening a branch in Whatcom County is one of the smartest business decisions you could make.

You can stay close to your Canadian headquarters, while benefiting from a much lower cost of doing business and a much larger consumer market (the U.S. market is nearly nine times the size of the Canadian market).

Our four border crossings make it easy to go back and forth between British Columbia and Whatcom County. In fact, some of our community’s most successful businesses originated in Canada, and grew substantially after relocating here.

We have a number of private bonded warehouses and services in the county including T.C. Trading Co., and International Market Access.

Why choose Whatcom?

✔ A highly educated workforce

✔ No state corporate or personal income tax

✔ Washington state doesn’t impose a tax
on intangible assets such as bank
accounts, stocks or bonds.

✔ Low average UI tax rate – 1.24% on the
first $45,000 earned. Rates range from
0.10 – 5.7%

Whatcom County is open for business!

If you’re interested in opening a business or relocating your business to Whatcom County, call the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce and we’ll be happy to provide you with resources and referrals to help you get started.

Economic Development and Business Resources

Bellingham and Whatcom County are great places to do business. Our cost of living and active lifestyles make people want to live here. Businesses have access to an affordable and educated workforce. Additionally, the proximity to the Canadian border and major shipping lanes provides easy access for import/export. The business-friendly atmosphere has helped to create a variety of organizations and agencies whose job it is to attract and assist businesses in the county to help them succeed.

Whatcom County offers recruitment activities and assistance provided by the Associate Development Organization (ADO) at the Port of Bellingham. As the lead economic development agency for the region, the Port of Bellingham is the first point of contact for companies looking to open a facility anywhere here in Whatcom County. The Port has close connections with the commercial real estate brokerage community and can assist with site selection while keeping your project confidential. They work closely with state and local agencies to help clients get the information they need when they need it. Potential tax incentives, workforce training programs, Labor Shed Analysis are just a few things they can assist with in this area. The Port also brings in other agencies and advocacy groups according to the client’s needs and goals. These typically are local organizations that work in the same sector as a prospective company and can provide valuable information about opening and operating a business here.

In addition, Bellingham Technical College (BTC) works with local employers to ensure they have qualified employees. BTC is responsive to the training needs of local businesses and works closely with those employers to ensure that there are classes and training specifically for those jobs. Their proactive approach is evident in their recent manufacturing summit which tasked industry, education and policy leaders on identifying action steps to address the manufacturing workforce skills-gap and ways to increase the number of graduates for the manufacturing industry.

The Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit membership organization that functions primarily as a business advocate. We work in partnership with the Port of Bellingham, City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, Whatcom Council of Governments, local institutions of higher education, and economic development agencies on inbound recruitment of new businesses and industries. These targeted efforts are designed to attract a diverse assortment of industries to create opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their economic status and level of education, which helps to ensure a healthy local economy. In addition, the chamber offers a variety of programs to help the business community including networking & connection events, education, leadership and professional development training, and promotional opportunities.

There are a variety of programs and organizations designed to help your business. Contact the appropriate organization below for information or call the chamber at (360) 734-1330 for a referral.

Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce
119 N. Commercial St., Ste. 130
Bellingham, WA | (360) 734-1330
bellingham.com

Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
904 Potter St., Bellingham, WA
(360) 671-3990 | www.bellingham.org

Downtown Bellingham Partnership
114 W. Magnolia St., Ste. 503
Bellingham, WA| (360) 527-8710
www.downtownbellingham.com

NW Innovation Resource Center (NWIRC)
2200 Rimland Drive, Ste. 210 Bellingham, WA
(360) 255-7870 | www.nwircc.com

Port of Bellingham
1801 Roeder Ave., Bellingham, WA
(360) 676-2500 | www.portofbellingham.com

Sustainable Connections
1701 Ellis St., Ste. 221 Bellingham, WA
(360) 647-7093
www.sustainableconnections.org

WorkSource Washington
101 Prospect St., Bellingham, WA
(360) 676-1521
fortress.wa.gov/esd/worksource/

WWU Small Business Development Center
2219 Rimland Drive, Ste. 319,
Bellingham, WA | (360) 650-7232 |
https://wsbdc.org/advisor-location/bellingham/

Employment

Whatcom County offers a variety of employment opportunities – from construction to engineering, commercial fishing to telemarketing, aerospace to software development, health care to farming, we have something for everyone.

In 2022, Whatcom County’s labor force was nearly 115,504 strong, with an unemployment rate of 4.9 percent, according to the Employment Security Department.

The county’s 2021 average annual wage was $58,567 and the median household income was $72,055, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Whatcom County’s
Top 20 Employees

St. Joseph Medical Center 3,588

Western Washington University 2,486

Bellingham Public Schools 1,714

Lummi Nation 1,698*

City of Bellingham 1,073

Whatcom County 959

Whatcom Community College 832*

Haggen 715*

BP Cherry Point 700*

LTI Inc. 557**

Family Care Network 545

Whatcom Educational Credit Union (WECU) 419

Fred Meyer 398*

Costco 395

Peoples Bank 333

Alpha Technology Services 301

Whatcom Transportation Authority 296

Blaine School District 271

Walmart 265

Semiahmoo Resort, Gold and Spa 260*

Bellingham Regional Chamber of commerce

The Chamber: The Voice of Business in Whatcom County

The Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce has contributed to the success of the local business community for over 120 years. As a non-profit organization, the chamber provides value to its members by promoting their businesses, hosting programs and events that encourage peer connection, facilitating educational opportunities and advocating for policies that bring about positive change in Whatcom County. The chamber also serves as a catalyst in our community through its efforts to convene leaders and influencers in ways that drive growth. Visit www.bellingham.com to learn more and engage with us.

We are the leading advocate for business and industry in Northwest Washington. The chamber advocates for a strong business community and aims to make Bellingham and Whatcom County a great place to live, learn, work and play by influencing public policy, aiding in economic development, and helping its member businesses to succeed.

The primary role of a chamber of commerce is to help create a strong economy. We partner with a variety of economic development agencies to attract new business and industry to the area.

The chamber is an independent, membership-based organization funded by its membership dues and program revenue. All the business events, community events and programs the chamber hosts are funded by those individual member businesses.

One of the chamber’s key responsibilities is making sure that business has an equal and fair voice regarding the issues facing the community.

When poorly thought-out citizen initiatives appeared on the ballot, the chamber was the lead agency that worked to defeat these anti-business policies as they would have driven up our cost of living in the community and most likely resulted in business closures.

The chamber also has become a lead advocate for quality childcare and early learning opportunities for our community, including advocating for a Healthy Children’s Fund and partnering with the Opportunity Council in the creating of the Center for Childcare Retention and Expansion.

The chamber’s government affairs committee brings representatives from various industries to the table to ensure clear communication and discussion of the issues while emphasizing the pro-business perspective.

With a variety of marketing and outreach benefits, networking opportunities, resources to help your business grow, and strong advocacy in all levels of government, there is no question that your voice is heard louder and stronger as a member of the chamber.

To help support our mission and learn more about investing in chamber membership, please visit the front door of the community, www.bellingham.com

Whatcom County Chambers of Commerce

Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce
119 N. Commercial St., Ste. 130
Bellingham, WA | (360) 734-1330
bellingham.com

Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Information Center
4550 Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Birch Bay, WA
(360) 371-5004 | www.birchbaychamber.com

Blaine Chamber of Commerce
728 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine, WA
(360) 332-6484 | www.blainechamber.com

Ferndale Chamber of Commerce
5683 Second Ave., Ferndale, WA
(360) 384-3042 | www.ferndale-chamber.com

Lynden Chamber of Commerce
518 Front St., Lynden, WA | (360) 354-0401
www.lynden.org

Mount Baker Foothills Chamber of Commerce
7509 Mount Baker Highway, Maple Falls, WA
(360) 599-1518 | www.mtbakerchamber.org

Point Roberts Chamber
of Commerce
1423 Gulf Road, Point Roberts, WA
(360) 945-2313 | www.whidbey.com/prcoc/

Sumas Chamber of Commerce
433 Cherry St., Sumas, WA | (360) 988-5711
www.sumaschamber.com

Real Estate

Low inventory and strong demand continue to shape the real estate market in 2024.

By Paul Balzotti,
Broker/Owner of John L. Scott Real Estate Bellingham.

Realtors frequently hear the question: “How is the real estate market?” The typical answer is: “It depends (if you are a buyer or a seller).” In Bellingham, there is a persistent shortage of homes for sale. For homes under $1.5 million, we have less than a 2-month supply of inventory, and it is a sellers’ market until you go above $1.5 million. In the low to mid-price range, sales activity has reached a frenzy level with 60% of homes selling in the first 30 days, many with multiple offers on the opening weekend. This makes the market increasingly difficult for buyers, as interest rates have stubbornly remained around 7%, exacerbating affordability issues in Bellingham.

With the market environment the way it is, many potential buyers are delaying their moves, resulting in a continued year-over-year decline in home sales. Despite this, home values have remained stable and are up 5% this spring compared to last year.

One key factor supporting stable and appreciating home values is the lack of new construction to meet demand. As of May 2024, there are only 5 new construction single-family home listings within the city limits.

Including townhomes, that number is still shy of 20. Apartments are being built at a more productive rate, but that is not going to be a factor for dealing with the demand for single-family homes in Bellingham. What will make a positive impact however is ADUs.

The new ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) law HBv1337, passed in Washington State in 2023, is positively impacting Bellingham’s housing market. This law allows for up to 2 detached ADUs of up to 1,000 square feet each, with relaxed parking requirements and streamlined permitting. It also eliminates the requirement for the primary home to be owner-occupied. Consequently, the city has seen nearly double the applications for ADUs over the past year, a trend expected to continue.

Although this may only slightly alleviate the affordability issue, it will create more housing options and offer attractive investment opportunities.

For monthly housing updates, visit whatcom.johnlscotthousingupdate.com. To find all homes for sale, go to johnlscott.com.

Our Government

The City of Bellingham’s charter establishes a council-mayor form of government. City management is led by Mayor Kim Lund. The mayor is elected for a four-year term. Six council members are elected to serve four-year terms with a seventh council member elected every two years in an at-large capacity.

The Whatcom County government is made up of a council of seven elected members and the county executive. Satpal Sidhu is the current county executive, which is a role similar to that of a mayor’s role to a city.

Washington state government is headed by Gov. Jay Inslee. The Whatcom County area is part of two legislative districts, the 40th and 42nd. The county is also part of two congressional districts in electing representatives to the U.S. House of Representatives, the 1st and 2nd Congressional Districts. Contact information for local and state officials are listed below.

Voting

Whatcom County is a “vote-by-mail” county meaning that all voters must send in their ballots via the mail or at designated ballot drop sites. There are no in-person live voting locations, only “vote-by-mail.” Citizens can register to vote online or in person with the Whatcom County Elections Department.

Whatcom County
Elections Department
311 Grand Ave., Ste. 103
Bellingham, WA 98227-0369
Phone: (360) 676-6742
Email: elections@co.whatcom.wa.us
wei.sos.wa.gov/county/whatcom/

Whatcom County
Courthouse
311 Grand Ave.
Bellingham, WA 98227-0369
Phone: (360) 676-6700
co.whatcom.wa.us

City and Town Information:

Bellingham City Hall
210 Lottie St., Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 778-8000
Email: info@cob.org

Ferndale City Hall
2095 Main St., Ferndale, WA 98248
Phone: (360) 384-4302

Lynden City Hall
323 Front St., Lynden, WA 98264
Phone: (360) 354-1170
Email: cityhall@lyndenwa.org

Blaine City Hall
435 Martin St., Blaine, WA 98230
Phone: (360) 332-8311

Elected Representative Information:
40th Legislative District:
Sen. Liz Lovelett
(360) 786-7678
Liz.lovelett@leg.wa.gov

Rep. Debra Lekanoff
(360) 786-7800
debra.lekanoff@leg.wa.gov

Rep. Alex Ramel
(360) 786-7800
alex.ramel@leg.wa.gov

42nd Legislative District:
Sen. Sharon Shewmake
360-786-7854
Sharon.shewmake@leg.wa.gov

Rep. Alicia Rule
360-746-3744
alicia.rule@leg.wa.gov

Rep. Joe Timmons
360-786-7850
joe.timmons@leg.wa.gov

U.S. Representatives
and Senators:
Rep. Rick Larsen,
2nd Congressional District
360-733-4500
www.larsen.house.gov

Sen. Maria Cantwell
206-220-6400
www.cantwell.senate.gov

Sen. Patty Murray
206-533-5545
www.murray.senate.gov

Gov. Jay Inslee
360-902-4111
www.governor.wa.gov

Life on the Canadian Border

Living on the Canadian border is one of the perks of living in Whatcom County. British Columbia offers spectacular mountain resorts, cosmopolitan attractions in Vancouver and beachfront leisure in White Rock. But before you travel across the border, there are a few things you need to know.

There are four major border crossings in Whatcom County, referred to collectively as the Cascade Gateway. These include Peace Arch and Pacific Highway, both located in Blaine and one in Lynden and one in Sumas, located further east. Of all of these crossings, Peace Arch is the largest and ranks as the busiest United States-Canadian border crossing for passenger vehicles in the nation.

There are “trusted traveler” programs that allow travels to get through the border faster. Go to www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs for more information.

Be prepared to present a passport or other acceptable document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the United States. U.S. citizens under age 16 may present proof of citizenship using a birth certificate or Naturalization Certificate.

If you’re new to crossing the border, you need to be aware of items that cannot be transported. For information on prohibited and restricted items, go to www.cbp.gov/travel/clearing-cbp..

A portion of this article was written by Laurie Trautman, Ph.D., Director of the Border Policy Research Institute. The Border Policy Research Institute: BPRI was established by Western Washington University to promote research and inform policy-makers on a variety of issues related to the Canada –
U.S. border.

Convention & meeting Spaces

Consider holding your next company retreat, banquet, meeting or tradeshow in beautiful Whatcom County. Whether you’re looking for a waterfront hotel venue, a campus classroom or a quaint coffee shop locale, the perfect setting is waiting for you.

Planning a retreat is easy with the assistance of the conference coordinators at our local venues. They can accommodate all your needs: Theater seating, projection screens, A/V systems, gourmet food and luxurious boardrooms – we have it all.

Guest lodging is simple with a luxurious waterfront resort, mid-priced hotel or economy lodging to choose from.

Your toughest decision will be choosing a hotel with a spa and a room with a bay view or a mountain view.

*WWU conference spaces available the 3rd week of June through the 2nd week of September.

**Samsom Estates & Winery outdoor venue is available primarily in summer months.

Relocation Information

Driver’s License, Plates & Tabs

Department of Motor Vehicles
4180 Cordata Parkway, Bellingham
(360) 676-2096 | www.dol.wa.gov

Moving & Storage

Moving & Storage
Cordata Self Storage
200 W. Kellogg Road, Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 671-0127 | www.bellinghamselfstorageunits.com

Bellingar Storage
1998 Midway Lane, Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 733-1032 | www.bellingarstorage.com/

Central Moving & Storage / United Van Lines
211 Anderson Road, Mt. Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 424-7714| www.centralmovingstorage.com

Transportation

AMTRAK
(800) 872-7245 | www.amtrak.com

Whatcom Transit Authority
(360) 676-7433 | ridewta.com

Utilities

COMMUNICATION/TELECOMMUNICATION
CenturyLink
(360) 715-2401 | www.centurylink.com

Comcast
1145 E. Sunset Drive, #105
Bellingham, WA 98226
(800) 934-6489 | www.comcast.net

T-Mobile USA
One Bellis Fair Parkway, #0124, Bellis Fair
(360) 312-4568 | www.t-mobile.com

ELECTRIC WATER & SEWER
City of Blaine Electric,
Water & Sewer Services
435 Martin St., Blaine WA 98230
(360) 332-8311 | www.cityofblaine.com

City of Sumas Electric,
Water & Sewer Services
433 Cherry St., Sumas, WA 98295
(360) 988-5711 | www.cityofsumas.homestead.com

Public Utility District #1
(360) 384-4288 | www.pudwhatcom.org

Puget Sound Energy
(888) 225-5773 | www.pse.co

NATURAL GAS
Cascade Natural Gas
(360) 733-5980 | www.cngc.com

PROPANE
Northwest Propane
(360) 354-4471 | www.nwpropane.net

RECYCLING & SANITATION
Northwest Recycling
1419 C St., Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 733-0100 | www.nwrecycling.com

Recycling & Disposable
Services Inc.
4916 La Bounty Drive, Ferndale, WA 98248
(360) 384-8011 | www.rdsdisposal.com

Sanitary Services Company (SSC)
21 Bellwether Way, #404
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 734-3490 | www.ssc-inc.com

SOLAR & RENEWABLE ENERGY
Ecotech Solar
1331 Meador Ave., Ste. 103
Bellingham WA 98229
(360) 318-7646 | www.ecotechsolar.com

Fire Mountain Solar
18388 Periwinkle Lane
Mt. Vernon, WA 98274
(360) 422-5610 | www.fmsolar.com

Water & Sewer
Public Utility District #1
(360) 384-4288 | www.pudwhatcom.org

Birch Bay Water & Sewer District
(360) 371-7100 | www.bbwsd.com

City of Bellingham Water & Sewer Services
(360) 778-8000 | www.cob.org

City of Blaine Electric, Water
& Sewer Servic
(360) 332-8820 | www.cityofblaine.com

City of Everson Water & Sewer Services
(360) 966-3411 | www.ci.everson.wa.us

City of Ferndale Water & Sewer Services
(360) 384-4006 | www.ci.ferndale.wa.us

City of Lynden Water & Sewer Services
(360) 354-3446 | www.lyndenwa.org

City of Nooksack Water & Sewer Services
(360) 966-2531 | www.cityofnooksack.com

City of Sumas Electric, Water & Sewer Services
(360) 988-5711
www.cityofsumas.homestead.com

Lake Whatcom Sewer District
(360) 734-9224 | lwwsd.org

Voter Registration

Whatcom County Election Division
(360) 778-5102 | www.whatcomcounty.us/1832/Register-to-Vote