Global retailer coming to downtown: We are pleased to partner with Fjallraven to bring an exciting new retailer to the City-owned store space at the corner of Holly Street and Commercial Street downtown, in the same building as the Commercial Street Parking Garage. Fjallraven, a global outdoor retailer known for their signature arctic fox “kanken” backpacks, quality gear and sustainability ethics, determined downtown Bellingham is an excellent fit for their company. They will be a great addition to this area of downtown, which is the core of the emerging retail district envisioned in the City’s downtown retail strategy. The Downtown Bellingham Retail Strategy, developed with the Downtown Bellingham Partnership to strengthen the retail mix downtown, is intended to attract more business and residential investment downtown and increase fiscal health and vibrancy. The Fjallraven storefront build out is underway and the store is scheduled to open in February 2024.
Rental registration fees are due by December 31. Rental property owners can lock in a lower cost and avoid late fees by submitting payment by the end of the year. Registration fees will double starting January 1, 2024, per a resolution approved by City Council on October 30. The increase supports Rental Registration and Safety Inspection Program enforcement. Current fees (if paid by December 31) are $10 per unit for properties containing up to 20 units, and $8 per unit for properties of 21 units or more. Fees can be paid via the City’s eTrakit system through Dec. 26, or via a new and improved payment option if you have your customer number (which is listed on invoices emailed December 20, 2023). You can also pay invoices by mailing a check to: City of Bellingham Finance, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225. In addition to registration fee increases, penalties for missing or failed safety inspections will also increase in the new year. You can find more information about the 2024 fees on our website. For questions, email rentals@cob.org or call (360) 778-8361.
New police officers: We’re pleased to announce that three new Bellingham Police Officers have graduated after nearly six months of Basic Law Enforcement Training. Congratulations to Officers Camacho, Dunn, and Sturtz on joining BPD! We wish them the best as they start their public service careers with the City and embark on field training.
More hiring: Fleet Mechanics! Ready to drive your career to the next level? The City of Bellingham Fleet Department is now hiring Fleet Mechanics. The City provides the opportunity to work on all things big and small, and from simple to highly complex. Join us in a dynamic field that is evolving rapidly. Check out our website for this and other job opportunities: cob.org/jobs
Winter weather reminders – Pedestrians at night: While the days are getting brighter, during the dark and wet winter months it is especially important to be thoughtful when walking around town. Here are a few safety tips:
- Wear reflective gear or lights to help drivers and bikers see you.
- Only cross the road at designated crossings and use the flashing crossing beacons when they are available.
- Pause to check that cars see you before stepping into the road. While you may have the right of way at a crossing, it is still important to make sure that vehicles see you and know to stop.
Longer days are coming. In the meantime, travel with care and make sure you’re seen while you enjoy your walk.
Thank you: This holiday season, we are once again inspired by the spirit of our community. After the fire that destroyed the Fairhaven Terminal Building last weekend, first responders from Fire and Police, as well as Public Works crews, Planning and Community Development officials, and other staff across the City, have worked diligently over many long hours during the ongoing response. We thank them for their expertise and commitment to safeguarding our community. We’ve also witnessed the Bellingham community’s generosity reflected in the tremendous outpouring of support for the individuals, families and businesses affected by this loss. As we hold them in our hearts, our thanks also go out to all of you for your many acts of kindness and care.
