The City of Bellingham strives to support our local and regional economy in a variety of ways. Targeting specific neighborhoods for revitalization and redevelopment programs, providing funding and strategic planning to economic development agencies and organizations, creating great public amenities, and supporting tourism are just a few examples.
The Office of Business Relations and Economic Development (BRED) staff are available to assist you with your business-related questions and direct you to community resources and city services to support your business. Please contact BRED staff at: business@cob.org or 360-778-8105. We look forward to talking with you.
Doing Business in Bellingham
For complete details on starting a business or supporting an existing
business.
About Bellingham - all the things you need to know about the Bellingham area, including an extensive list of awards and recognitions highlighting the City's vibrant and diverse community assets.
This Phase I report dated April 15, 2009 provides a current overview of Bellingham's industry sectors, employment zones, and future employment capacity. 2008 City of Bellingham Employment Lands Report (5,400K PDF). Cover Memo from Tim Stewart, Planning Director (PDF).
Phase II of the study, completed in December 2009, builds upon the 2008 Employment Lands Report to identify ways to retain and expand existing businesses and attract industry sectors that are compatible with Bellingham's comprehensive planning goals. 2009 City of Bellingham Employment Lands Report - Phase II (565K PDF). Cover Memo from Tim Stewart, Planning Director (PDF)
Bellingham's revitalized downtown is due in large part to the concentrated efforts of the city, working closely with the Downtown Bellingham Partnership and other partners to take actions outlined in the City Center Master Plan. Accomplishments thus far include new garbage cans, benches, public art, downtown landscaping, sidewalk improvements, and improvements to Maritime Park as well as the boardwalk along Whatcom Creek. More residential units are now located downtown due to increased private sector investment, and projects such as Depot Market Square have had a huge influence on economic development downtown.
The City also promotes Bellingham by funding arts and other organizations through two grant programs, the Tourism Promotion Fund, and the Municipal Art Grant Program. For 2010 both programs are on hiatus due to revenue shortfalls.
Please visit the Waterfront Development Planning webpage for more information.
For more information, contact the Community Development Division.
