A project is currently underway to take a look at economic development and business retention possibilities in the Foothills area. Funded through the Bellingham Whatcom Economic Development Council, this project is being conducted by Northern Economics, Inc.

The basic components of this project are:

1. Utilizing the 2007 Foothills Subarea Plan (Draft) and other existing plans, summarize existing conditions (including demographics, forecasts, zoning, Cottage Industry and Small Town Commercial policies, etc., which impact commercial and industrial businesses), identify stakeholders, and list current projects and proposed implementation of economic development within the Foothills area.

2. Identify entities in the Foothills region participating in community and economic development activities. Summarize the mission and scope of each.

3. Identify key projects and/or parcels that would be appropriate for a charrette type process to consider possibilities for commercial, industrial, and/or economic development. Identify next steps needed to conduct such charrette(s).

4. Develop a plan for small business retention and expansion within the Foothills area including identification of targeted industries. Outline steps and resources needed to implement plan and to conduct a targeted industry analysis.

At the conclusion of this project, a report will be written addressing Economic and Workforce Development, and will contain a summary of existing conditions of economic and workforce development efforts, entities participating, and key projects in the Foothills region. This report will also outline business retention and expansion plan and resources needed for implementation.

Click here to view the report of this project (1.68 MB PDF file)