State law (RCW 82.02) allows cities to assess multimodal TIFs for new development to collect a proportional share of the cost of City investment in multimodal transportation system improvements. Bellingham has been assessing TIFs for new development since 1994 (BMC 19.06). The multimodal TIF base rate changes each year based on the amount of funding invested in construction of the citywide multimodal transportation system during the previous six years and the funding programmed for investment in the current Six-Year TIP. Transportation planners calculate multimodal TIFs based on project-specific transportation impacts.
- 2022 Multimodal TIF Rate Schedule
- Comparison Chart of 2021-2022 TIF Base Rates in Western WA
- 2018 Multimodal TIF Rate Study by Fehr & Peers
- Presentation – Slides from Nov. 19, 2018 City Council Public Hearing
- Adopted Bellingham TIF Rates 2019-2025
Urban Village TIF Reduction Program
In 2010, Public Works transportation planners created the Urban Village TIF Reduction Program to provide regulatory incentives for more sustainable development. The Bellingham City Council adopted the Urban Village TIF Reduction Program in February 2011 to further promote comprehensive plan goals for mixed use urban infill, multimodal transportation, and financial incentives for new development in designated Urban Villages.
- Case Study: The Urban Village TIF Reduction Program in Bellingham, WA. Practicing Planner; Volume 11, Number 3 Autumn 2013 (PDF)
- Urban Village TIF Reduction Individual Project and Cumulative Savings (March 1, 2011 to October 31, 2018)
Other transportation links
- Transportation Commission
- Washington State Department of Transportation
- United States Department of Transportation
- National Transportation Safety Board
