Bellingham Mitigation Bank opening early next year
We’re excited to share that Bellingham’s first mitigation bank is on track to open in February or March 2027. The Bellingham Mitigation Bank will improve water quality, reduce flooding, and support fish and wildlife, all while providing a more efficient, consistent way for development projects to meet environmental requirements.
In 2018, the City purchased a large area of land with streams, wetlands, and forest habitat. City staff will restore and permanently protect this land to generate “credits” that can be purchased by development projects through the Bank to make up for unavoidable impacts to wetlands, streams, and their buffers. Learn more on our Mitigation Bank page.
Learn more about the City Budget
We know “budget season” isn’t the most thrilling phrase—but it does lay the groundwork for the services, programs, and investments our community relies on. These sessions help ensure we’re allocating resources responsibly and transparently, with thoughtful discussion along the way.
On Monday, Oct. 19, City Council will be diving into details of the proposed 2027 budgets for Police, Fire, and Municipal Court. In the evening, they will hold a public hearing about our 2027 revenue projections, including a 1% increase to the regular property tax levy.
Learn more about how we create our budget and the details of this year’s proposed budget on our budget page.
Tax incentive supports investment in key Bellingham areas
Two areas in Whatcom County, including Bellingham’s downtown and waterfront, were recently selected for a competitive, national designation as Opportunity Zones for a second time. These zones benefit from a federal tax incentive that’s designed to attract private investment in low-income communities. The program allows eligible investors to defer and reduce their capital gains taxes when they invest capital gains in a business or property in an Opportunity Zone. Gov. Bob Ferguson announced Washington selections Oct. 8. Learn more, including how Bellingham has benefited from this designation in the past, on our Opportunity Zones page.
Celebrate York’s new playgrounds
Join us at Rock Hill Park next Thursday, Oct. 22, at 4:30 p.m. for a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the park’s new upper and lower playgrounds. These long-awaited improvements have been in the works since 2024, and we’re excited to finally open them for play. You’ll have a chance to meet Parks & Recreation Director Nicole Oliver, learn about the park’s history and the project, and connect with neighbors. Visit our event calendar for more details. See you there!
Roeder Avenue Bridge work starting next week
Plan for possible delays and changing traffic conditions along the Roeder Avenue Bridge between Central Avenue and C Street from Oct. 19–30 as we repair the bridge approach. The sidewalk will remain open and bike lanes will merge with vehicle traffic. During a routine inspection, we discovered minor erosion at the base of the bridge caused by tidal changes in the Whatcom Waterway. This work will help protect the bridge’s foundation and keep it strong and reliable for years to come.
Join us for family-friendly Halloween fun
Whether your kids are in it for the tricks or the treats, our Parks & Recreation team has a Halloween event for you. Preschool – 2nd-grade kids will love Boo at Bloedel, while anyone ages 6 and up can appreciate Spooktacular at Woodstock Farm with Gabriel’s Arts Kids. For a truly unique way to pick your carving pumpkin, head to Arne Hanna Aquatic Center Saturday afternoon for a floating pumpkin patch (kids 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult).
Boo at Bloedel & Sensory Friendly Hour – Free ($5 suggested donation at the door)
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Bloedel Donovan Park Community Building
Pumpkin Patch in the Pool – $10 at the door
Saturday, Oct. 24 | 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Arne Hanna Aquatic Center
Spooktacular – $15-25 (Tickets must be purchased in advance)
Thursday, Oct. 22 – Saturday, Oct. 24
Shuttles depart from Fairhaven Park
Visit Gabriel’s Arts Kids website to buy tickets and get information on parking, shuttles, and accessibility.
