New affordable housing complex opens
Community members have started moving into Cedar Commons, a new affordable housing project near Bellis Fair Mall being built and operated by Opportunity Council. In all, the project includes 129 permanently affordable rental units and a five-classroom early learning center that will create about 80 new childcare slots for local families.
Last week marked completion of phase I of the project, which includes 65 units that will primarily serve families making $25,000 to $60,000 per year and the early learning center. During the second phase, 64 apartments will be built to primarily serve seniors. Phase II construction has already begun and is expected to be complete by next summer.
The whole project is estimated to cost $64.8 million. Of that, the City of Bellingham is investing $10.1 million, primarily from housing levy and affordable housing sales tax. Find out more about the project on the Opportunity Council website and in this City news release. Learn more about other City-supported affordable housing projects on our website.
Improving public spaces
Summer maintenance season is underway
If you’ve noticed more City crews out and about lately, you’re not imagining it. Summer is one of our busiest maintenance seasons, with crews repairing potholes, refreshing crosswalks and lane markings, clearing weeds and brush, regrading alleys, and maintaining streets, sidewalks, parks, and trails across Bellingham.
When you see crews at work, please slow down and use extra caution to help keep everyone safe. And if you notice something that needs attention, report it through SeeClickFix. Whether it’s a pothole, damaged sign, graffiti on City property, or another maintenance concern, your reports help us prioritize work and respond more quickly.
Edgemoor sewer improvements
Survey work is also beginning for our Edgemoor sewer improvements project. During the weeks of July 6–10 and 13–17, you may see survey crews working throughout the neighborhood. In some cases, crews may need to access the City’s sewer infrastructure located within our easements through private property, so you may receive a knock on your door. Survey work will be brief and minimally disruptive. Survey crews will be easily identifiable as staff from Wilson Engineering, RH2, or City of Bellingham. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Public Works at (360) 778-7700 or askpw@cob.org.
Free First Friday at the Museum
Step into an immersive, audiovisual installation this weekend at the Whatcom Museum. “Kollide” brings together videos and musical works from WWU students, all combined into a single, experiential artwork you can explore from many different angles. The museum is closed July 4, but you can catch the exhibit July 3 (for free!) or July 5. Find the full Free First Friday schedule at Whatcom Museum’s website.
Recognize Disability Pride with the Library
July is Disability Pride Month! Discover books, movies, and more about Ability Diversity and Disability Pride at all Bellingham Public Library locations throughout July, as well as digital materials online. Disability Pride is celebrated annually in the U.S. to commemorate the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990.
Have a fun and safe Fourth of July!
City Hall and Bellingham Public Library locations will be closed July 3–4. Arne Hanna Aquatic Center and Whatcom Museum will be closed July 4. Public Works and Parks emergency services can be reached at (360) 778-7700. Police, fire, and medic services are always available by calling 911.
An important reminder: All consumer fireworks are prohibited within City limits. Instead, join us for the official fireworks display over Bellingham Bay at the 2026 Peoples Fourth of July Spectacular at Zuanich Point Park. To prep for the Port of Bellingham’s annual fireworks show, a section of the ASB waterfront trail will be closed July 2–6.
More 2026 Independence Day event listings can be found on the Visit Bellingham calendar.
Planning to spend some of your holiday weekend at the lake?
If so, good news! Lifeguards are back at the Bloedel Donovan swimming area through August 30. They will be on duty daily from 1–6 p.m., depending on weather.
