Contact Info
2620 N Harbor Loop #26
Bellingham, WA 98225
The Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition
Our Waterfront Works
From developers wishing to locate residential and retail shops along our water’s edge, to tough environmental issues, our waterfronts experience extreme ongoing pressures. With shipyards giving way to condominiums, ship chandleries replaced by upscale boutiques, Whatcom County faced the impending realities of working waterfronts displaced by non-water-dependent development.
In 2014, a group of citizens met to advocate appropriately and effectively for the preservation and enhancement of our important waterfront sector. The Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County was formed and its all-volunteer leadership and members have worked hard to establish their credibility.
Now, with a solid organizational structure ensuring wide representation, we are over 135 members strong, representing businesses and individuals keenly interested in preserving the health of our working waterfronts. Board and members meet regularly and work collaboratively with the Port of Bellingham, our local governments, and the broader community advocating for appropriate measures to ensure the continuation of a thriving working waterfront for all.
What is the Coalition?
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About Us Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
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What We Do Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
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Our Working Waterfront Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
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Membership Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
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Board of Directors And Staff Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
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Job Board Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
Our Mission
To promote the economic diversity and vitality of a working waterfront to the people of Whatcom County.
Our Goals:
- Communicate with one voice to improve understanding between maritime businesses and public entities.
- Educate the community about the value of economic contributions, diversity, and heritage of Whatcom County’s working waterfronts.
- Share ideas to mutually preserve, promote, and enhance maritime businesses.
- Claim for maritime businesses a place at the table in the waterfront planning and development process.
- Promote a healthy shoreline through appropriate infrastructure and sustainable practices.
Banner Credit: Steve Hardin
Our Whatcom Waterfront Economy
6000+
JOBS SUPPORTED
MILLIONS
IN ANNUAL REVENUE TO REGION
7%
OF TOTAL WHATCOM WORKFORCE
140+
MEMBERS OF THE COALITION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARE MEMBERS
A COALITION OF YOU
Our structure includes an all-volunteer Board of Directors with a President, VP, Treasurer and representatives from all the sectors of our maritime and waterfront economy. These volunteers work on all our behalf as elected positions that all Coalition members vote on. Your voice is heard in the Coalition, and we encourage our membership to get involved in our Board, attend meetings, and run for Board positions!
The Coalition also employs a paid staff to manage and run programming, provide logistical support and keep the daily business of the Coalition organized.
ADVOCACY MATTERS
Our members know it!
"I lived in Ballard for nearly 10 years before moving to Whatcom County. During the time I was there, we watched Seattle transform from a town that had local waterfront industry and jobs, to a place where condominiums and expensive development overtook the ability of the local population to find work in middle-class, living wage jobs. The 'economic exodus' left only low-wage service work for locals, requiring long and arduous commutes for those still working in trades or industry.
Meanwhile, expensive tech salaries from downtown and Bellevue were paying for all the housing, driving costs up above what any local could sustain. I want to keep that from happening here."
- Dan T
BECOME A MEMBER
The Coalition is a diverse member-organization that anyone is welcome to join. Become a member today and help us preserve Whatcom County's working waterfronts!
A COALITION OF WHATCOM
The Coalition is group of concerned businesses, organizations and individuals, and is made of anyone who has an interest in keeping Whatcom County and our waterfronts, balanced, affordable, clean, and working. All of us share concerns and ideas about how our waterfronts work best - and we'd like you to be a part of the conversation. Information comes to us from our community, and we want to hear from you about the issues, the challenges, and the successes of our working waterfronts.
Do you have ideas about how we can preserve our working waterfronts? Would you like to get involved?
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© 2024 Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County. Homepage banner by Steve Hardin.