The Port completed an industrial lands study to assess the current and future industrial land needs of Whatcom County’s manufacturing sector. It is the first study of its kind in Whatcom County and supports the Port’s broader mission to promote sustainable economic development, manage public land and facilities, and strengthen regional transportation and infrastructure.
The study, produced by consultants Maul Foster Alongi, provides a comprehensive look at how industrial land is currently being used across the county and whether the available supply is well positioned to support job growth and business investment over the next 20 years. It considers industry trends, land availability, infrastructure readiness, and projected employment growth through 2045.
A detailed assessment of 19 industrial areas in Whatcom County helped determine the quantity and quality of land that is realistically developable, and projections of industrial employment growth through 2045 were used to estimate future land needs. The analysis also included a County-level comparison of industrial land use to better understand neighboring trends and to confirm the industries where Whatcom County has a competitive advantage locally. The report concludes that there is an adequate supply of industrially zoned land in the county, however, several barriers limit the usability of this land, including utility access, parcel size, transportation connections, and other site constraints.
To address these challenges, the study offers a range of recommendations aimed at improving industrial land readiness and supporting long-term economic development. These include expanding wetland mitigation options, improving freight corridor infrastructure, coordinating infrastructure planning with local jurisdictions, promoting regulatory consistency across the county, and preserving space for both established industries and emerging sectors.
Finally, the report also highlights the importance of the Port of Bellingham as an economic actor and employment generator in Whatcom County. Of the industries analyzed, maritime manufacturing was found to have the smallest space requirements per employee (470 square feet per employee). The next most efficient industries are other manufacturing (730 square feet per employee) and energy manufacturing (740 square feet per employee). By continuing to support the marine trades and maritime manufacturing opportunities, the Port is therefore not only supporting an industry of historical and culture significance to Whatcom County, but also contributing to a responsible, sustainable, efficient use of our remaining buildable industrial lands. The Port was further identified as serving an essential coordinating role for improving regulatory consistency and addressing infrastructure gaps across jurisdictions.
“As the Associate Development Organization for Whatcom County, the Port is focused on supporting the retention and expansion of living-wage jobs,” said Port Economic Development Director Tyler Schroeder. “This study is about helping businesses thrive by making sure we have the right tools and space in place to meet the demands of a changing economy.”
The findings from this study come at a key time, as the Small Cities, the City of Bellingham, and Whatcom County work to finalize their 2025 Comprehensive Plan updates. The report provides valuable insight to help guide local land use, infrastructure investments, and future economic development strategies.
For more information about the Port’s economic development efforts, visit www.portofbellingham.com/154/Economic-Development