Regional Economic Partnership

Our Goal

The goal of the Regional Economic Partnership (REP) is to retain and attract livable wage jobs and to assist businesses, entrepreneurs, and local organizations to thrive. We aim to work with our partners to create a resilient community and economy for all. We have expertise in financing, planning, research, real estate, and technology to help businesses start, develop, and grow throughout Whatcom County, Washington. 

Visit our Whatcom County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) 2022-2026 page for more details on our mission, goals, strategies and action plan for economic development in Whatcom County.

What We Do

• Promote Whatcom County as a great place to live, work and do business. 
• Connect businesses with economic development services and skilled workforce resources.  
• Assist businesses with the creation of Federal Trade Zones (FTZ), site identification and selection. 
• Work with our partners in Canada to help enhance and grow cross border trade opportunities. 
• Work collaboratively with our local and regional partners to create a vibrant community of higher education learning, prosperous agricultural lands, high tech businesses, marine manufacturing, and local food processing.  

Want to learn more about doing business in Whatcom County? 

• Check out our amazing community and browse the brochure below!
• Contact our Team (econdev@portofbellingham.com) for business assistance and support.
• Visit our Choose Whatcom page to see how we can help your business start, grow, or expand.