Downtown BellinghamPhoto byBellingham Washington

BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON – In a recent address, the Mayor of Bellingham, Kim Lund released a comprehensive six-month progress report detailing the city's ongoing efforts to revitalize and enhance the downtown area. This initiative, known as "Downtown Forward," is central to the city's strategy for creating a vibrant, safe, and inclusive community space that serves as the cultural and economic heart of Bellingham.

The Mayor emphasized the significance of downtown, describing it as the "heart of our community" and a "destination for visitors, an engine of economic activity, and a center of arts and culture." Acknowledging the challenges posed by the fentanyl crisis and the lingering effects of the pandemic, the Mayor underscored the importance of taking decisive action to ensure downtown remains a thriving neighborhood for all residents.

Early in the Mayor's term, an executive order was signed to address safety concerns in the downtown area. This executive order was the first step in a broader effort to not only reinvigorate but also reinvest in downtown Bellingham. The initiative builds on a foundation of safety, with a clear vision of transforming downtown into a neighborhood that reflects the aspirations of the entire community.

"Downtown Forward" is described as a bold and forward-thinking plan that honors Bellingham's rich history while paving the way for a vibrant future. The initiative encourages residents to engage in the process by sharing their hopes for downtown's future, identifying what should be preserved, and suggesting areas for improvement.

The Mayor's address concluded with a call to action for the community, highlighting that this is a unique opportunity to learn from recent challenges and work collectively to shape the downtown of tomorrow. The vision for downtown Bellingham is one that supports the entire community, making it a place where everyone can come together and enjoy life's moments.

As the city continues to implement the "Downtown Forward" plan, residents are encouraged to participate in the ongoing dialogue about the future of downtown Bellingham, ensuring that it remains a great place to live, work, and visit.

Progress Report | August 2024

The Vision for Downtown Bellingham

Downtown Bellingham is envisioned as a vibrant, inclusive neighborhood where safety and community are prioritized. It is a place that offers a welcoming atmosphere with active public spaces, thriving arts, and a culture that reflects the spirit of Bellingham. The area aims to be a top destination for work, shopping, investment, and recreation. This vision is built on creating a walkable, bikeable, and resilient neighborhood that is both desirable and affordable for everyone.

Downtowns are often considered the heartbeat of great cities. They serve as the social, economic, and cultural centers, and when they flourish, the rest of the city thrives as well. The Downtown Forward initiative by the City of Bellingham is a bold and ambitious plan to ensure the long-term prosperity of downtown. By prioritizing safety and cleanliness, the City is laying the groundwork for further investments in economic vitality, arts, culture, housing, and public spaces.

This progress report outlines the steps taken so far under the Downtown Forward initiative, emphasizing the City’s commitment to transforming downtown Bellingham into a neighborhood for everyone.

Building a Thriving Downtown

Phase 1 - 2024: In the initial phase, the City focused on implementing existing commitments outlined in Executive Order 2024-01 and additional short-term, City-led actions. This phase has set the foundation for future work by addressing immediate safety concerns and beginning infrastructure improvements.

Phase 2 - 2025-2026: The next phase will continue with short-term projects while documenting progress. This phase will also engage the broader community in generating new ideas for the future of downtown, including actions that can be taken in the coming years and bold, long-term strategies. Collaboration with public and private partners will be key to realizing the community's vision.

Phase 3 - 2027 and Beyond: This future-focused phase will concentrate on big ideas requiring significant planning and investment. The City will continue to work on priorities identified in earlier phases and begin launching catalytic actions for long-term projects. The goal is to ensure that downtown remains a dynamic and integral part of Bellingham’s identity.

Progress Highlights and Accomplishments

Since the launch of Downtown Forward in February 2024, the City has made substantial progress in addressing safety, cleanliness, and economic vitality. The following are key accomplishments to date:

1. Addressing the Fentanyl Crisis:

• Downtown Public Safety Response Office: A new office was established where Bellingham Fire/EMS, Police, and other response service partners operate, providing a coordinated approach to downtown safety.
• Community Paramedic Program Expansion: The focus of the Community Paramedic program was expanded to provide quick responses to overdoses and offer outreach and treatment options in the downtown core.
• Support for Opioid Treatment: The City is exploring ways to increase access to methadone and other opioid treatments.
• Task Force for Downtown Safety: An internal task force was created to coordinate weekly operations aimed at enhancing downtown safety and well-being.
• Increased Law Enforcement: The City has prioritized enforcing laws prohibiting the sale and distribution of illegal drugs, resulting in increased police presence through additional patrols and community engagement efforts.

2. Improving Cleanliness and Sanitation:

• Increased Cleaning Services: The frequency of cleaning and litter control has been significantly increased downtown, with over 3,000 Public Works hours dedicated to cleaning streets and removing 28 tons of garbage.
• Portland Loos Installation: The City installed three new public restrooms designed to be easily cleaned and resistant to vandalism, ensuring access to hygiene facilities for all downtown visitors.
• Graffiti Removal: A total of 441 graffiti tags have been removed as part of the City’s commitment to maintaining a clean and welcoming environment.

3. Enhancing Public Safety and Community Well-being:

• Downtown Emphasis Patrols: Since March, the Bellingham Police Department (BPD) has conducted hour-long, community-oriented foot patrols downtown, enhancing safety through increased police visibility and engagement.
• New Police Recruits: Six new officers have been hired in 2024, with ten additional applicants undergoing background checks.
• Behavioral Health Support: The City has embedded a behavioral health specialist at the Bellingham Central Library, offering support and referrals to individuals in need.

4. Supporting Economic Vitality and Culture:

• Funding for Events and Activities: The City provided funding and logistical support for several signature events, including the 20th anniversary of Downtown Sounds, which drew large crowds to the heart of downtown.
• Beautification Grants: The City awarded $350,000 for seven projects aimed at adding aesthetic appeal and enhancing the pedestrian experience downtown, including the completion of a mural on the Old Fire Station 1 building.

5. Promoting Walkability and Biking:

• Holly Street Bike Lane Pilot: The City began piloting a new bike lane through downtown on Holly Street, with a final evaluation scheduled for fall 2024 to inform the design of permanent bike infrastructure, but There have been mixed opinions on the current bike lanes on Holly Street. Some suggest instead considering protected bike lanes on a less busy parallel street to improve safety and flow
• Bike Lockers Installation: Ten secured bike lockers are set to be installed downtown, with approval pending from the City Council.

6. Expanding Housing Options:

• Affordable Housing Developments: The City has contributed significant funds to affordable housing projects, including the Laurel and Forest Senior Housing development and the Mercy Millworks Family Housing project. These developments provide housing options for seniors and families with lower incomes.
• Multifamily Tax Exemptions: The City’s Multifamily Tax Exemption program continues to support the development of market-rate residential units, with 240 new units planned for downtown.

Looking Ahead: Plans for 2025

As the City looks toward the future, several initiatives are planned for 2025 to continue improving downtown Bellingham:

• Return of the BPD Bike Unit: The Bellingham Police Department will resume its regular bike patrol unit downtown, enhancing community-oriented policing and fostering stronger relationships between police officers and downtown residents, businesses, and visitors.
• Continued Beautification Efforts: The Downtown Activation and Beautification grant program will continue into 2025 and 2026, funding projects that add beauty and interest to downtown. A total of $250,000 per year has been allocated for this purpose.
• Central Library Renovations: Plans are in place to renovate the Central Library, further enhancing its role as a community hub in downtown Bellingham.

Conclusion

The progress made under Downtown Forward reflects the City’s dedication to creating a safe, vibrant, and welcoming downtown Bellingham. With ongoing investments in safety, cleanliness, infrastructure, arts, culture, and housing, the City is well on its way to realizing the community’s vision for downtown. The efforts outlined in this progress report are just the beginning, and the City looks forward to continued collaboration with the community to ensure downtown remains a dynamic and integral part of Bellingham’s identity.