What’s your vision for the future of Bellingham?
We recently released a full draft of the Bellingham Plan and welcome your feedback. The plan will guide how our City grows over the next 20 years — including how we can help provide more housing, jobs, and services to make Bellingham a place where everyone can thrive.
Review the draft plan and submit a comment online or in person at the 6 p.m., Sept. 18 public hearing. Your feedback will help guide the Planning Commission as it makes a final recommendation on whether to approve the plan. Later, that recommendation will be brought forward to the Bellingham City Council for discussion, another public hearing, and a vote on adoption. Learn more about the Bellingham Plan.
Join us for a Parks work party
Want to help care for your favorite green spaces and meet more members of our community? Join a Parks & Recreation work party! This season, we’re heading to Whatcom Creek, Big Rock Garden Park, and Whatcom Falls Park to tackle important restoration projects that will help keep these green spaces thriving for years to come. All ages and availabilities are welcome, but space is limited, so please register early.
Downtown street sweeping reminder
Plan ahead and avoid a ticket or a tow if you plan to park overnight downtown on Mondays or Tuesdays. Our street sweepers sweep north/south streets on Tuesdays from 2-6 a.m. and east/west streets on Wednesdays from 2-6 a.m. Not sure which way is which? Just follow the posted signs in parking stalls on the street. Weekly street sweeping helps keep downtown clean, reduces flood risk, and keeps harmful pollutants from being washed into Whatcom Creek and Bellingham Bay.
Lakeway tree maintenance is starting
Starting next week, crews will be removing dead or dying trees from the median along Lakeway Drive from I-5 to Ellis Street. The medians will be cleaned up and replanted later this fall. The work is expected to take about three weeks and will occur 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to avoid major commute times. Travelers can expect lane closures in the south, eastbound lane closest to the median. Access to businesses and side streets will be maintained.
In case you missed it!
Whatcom Water Week: Are you ready to celebrate our county’s water resources? Starting Saturday, Sept. 13, join us at a variety of fun and educational events, ranging from water treatment plant tours to guided walks. Find the full schedule of events on the Whatcom Water Week website.
Tree Coupon Program: This beloved program is back. Sign up now to get a discount on a variety of eligible trees from participating local nurseries. Last year, the program helped community members plant more than 500 trees on private property — we’d love to top that this year!
Public Works and Parks staff celebration
Public Works and Parks & Recreation staff members hit pause on their busy schedules this week to gather for their annual employee appreciation barbecue. The celebration included recognizing 25 staff members for their years of service, ranging from 5-30 years with the City, plus plenty of laughs (and a little friendly rivalry) with tricycle races and excavator skill challenges.
