Port of Bellingham & Team Whatcom Release Annual Economic Development Progress Report

For More Information:
Kori Olsen (360) 676-2500; korio@portofbellingham.com
Port of Bellingham Communications and Economic Development Associate

For Immediate Release
January 16, 2024

Port Releases Annual Economic Development Progress Report
The Port of Bellingham is pleased to announce the release of its annual Whatcom County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) progress report.

The report highlights the accomplishments of community stakeholders and economic development partnerships across Whatcom County, aligned with the goals outlined in the 2022-2026 CEDS strategy. To review this report, please visit www.portofbellingham.com/1003/CEDS. CEDS highlights will be featured on the Port’s Facebook and Instagram pages throughout 2024.

“This progress report describes the most important economic development initiatives and partnerships in Whatcom County and details how they are advancing growth and sustainability throughout our region,” said Port Commission President Ken Bell. “The Port’s mission is to promote sustainable economic development and the CEDS annual report highlights how the Port and its partners are fostering innovation and driving positive change.”

The Port is the Associate Development Organization (ADO) responsible for economic development for all of Whatcom County and operates in a collaborative effort with the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County to generate a programmatic approach on behalf of the Washington State Department of Commerce. The goal of this effort is to ensure a resilient regional economy that has a dynamic and inclusive business community, a commitment to living wage jobs and equity, and the physical, social, and economic infrastructure to support it.

The 2022-2026 CEDS is an overarching countywide economic development plan, created with input from multiple stakeholders. Representatives providing input included, but were not limited to, higher education institutions, business and workforce advisories and councils, the incorporated seven cities, Tribes, local chambers, municipalities, and local area service providers.

The CEDS progress report details stakeholders’ accomplishments by year-end 2023. Each accomplishment aligns with the six sub-goals within the CEDS: building and strengthening Whatcom County’s economic base, developing and enhancing critical infrastructure, developing a skilled workforce and enhancing educational attainment, creating dynamic cross-border and regional relationships, cultivating diversity, equity, and inclusion, and supporting countywide economic resiliency and recovery efforts.

About the Port of Bellingham
The Port is a countywide municipal corporation with a mission to fulfill the essential transportation and economic development needs of the region. Throughout Whatcom County, the Port owns, operates and maintains approximately 1600 acres of property including a shipping terminal, a cruise terminal, two marinas, industrial development areas, commercial uplands, parklands, shoreline public access areas and an international airport. For more information about the Port of Bellingham, please visit www.portofbellingham.com