Businesses United for Industry and Labor Development
Businesses United for Industry and Labor Development
Business and Industry Make our Community Work
When we support local business, labor and industry we strengthen our opportunities and long-term stability.
LEARN MORE AND GET INVOLVED
Why Your Support Matters?
Local businesses and industry are the backbone of Whatcom County, creating reliable, well-paying jobs that let families stay, grow, and thrive here.
From neighborhood coffee shops to major manufacturers, businesses create the jobs that help working people afford housing and build lasting futures.
Whether big or small, these businesses don’t just operate here – they invest here, supporting our schools, youth sports and local services that make Whatcom County vibrant.
Let’s BUILD Whatcom together and keep our communities strong.
Build with us!
Why Your Support Matters?
Local businesses and industry are the backbone of Whatcom County, creating reliable, well-paying jobs that let families stay, grow, and thrive here.
From neighborhood coffee shops to major manufacturers, businesses create the jobs that help working people afford housing and build lasting futures.
Whether big or small, these businesses don’t just operate here – they invest here, supporting our schools, youth sports and local services that make Whatcom County vibrant.
Let’s BUILD Whatcom together and keep our communities strong.
Build with us!
New report finds more than one in three Whatcom County households struggle to afford basic needs
June 25, 2026
A growing number of Whatcom County residents are working, earning paychecks and still finding it difficult to cover the cost of everyday necessities.
According to the 2026 United For ALICE report, 38% of Whatcom County households lived below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Threshold in 2024, meaning they could not afford the basic cost of living in the county. That includes 11% of households living in poverty and another 27% classified as ALICE households.
These findings reflect the affordability challenges facing families across Whatcom County and highlight the importance of long-term economic solutions. While assistance programs can provide immediate relief, lasting progress depends on creating more family-wage jobs that allow working households to meet their basic needs. That means attracting and growing industries that offer higher-paying careers, expand workforce training opportunities and build a more diversified and resilient regional economy.
Click here to read the United Way’s letter to Whatcom County council on the affordability issue.
By investing in economic development that supports quality employment, Whatcom County can help more families move above the ALICE Threshold and reduce the number of households forced to make tough financial choices. Read more
Mayor Lund signals Bellingham is open for business
Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund’s executive order to drive economic opportunity comes at an important moment for Whatcom County.
With affordability concerns front and center, it’s encouraging to see recognition that housing is only part of the equation. A truly affordable community also requires access to family-wage jobs, opportunities for entrepreneurship and a business environment that supports investment and growth.
Economic growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when communities choose to create the conditions for jobs, investment and local businesses to succeed. Efforts to streamline permitting, reduce uncertainty and improve responsiveness can make a real difference for employers, workers and residents.
BUILD Whatcom looks forward to seeing these priorities translated into action. Let’s keep the conversation going and work together to build a more prosperous future for Whatcom County. Read more
Mayor Lund signals Bellingham is open for business
Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund’s executive order to drive economic opportunity comes at an important moment for Whatcom County.
With affordability concerns front and center, it’s encouraging to see recognition that housing is only part of the equation. A truly affordable community also requires access to family-wage jobs, opportunities for entrepreneurship and a business environment that supports investment and growth.
Economic growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when communities choose to create the conditions for jobs, investment and local businesses to succeed. Efforts to streamline permitting, reduce uncertainty and improve responsiveness can make a real difference for employers, workers and residents.
BUILD Whatcom looks forward to seeing these priorities translated into action. Let’s keep the conversation going and work together to build a more prosperous future for Whatcom County. Read More
Ferndale School District Voices Support for Cherry Point Industry
BUILD Whatcom applauds the Ferndale School District for passing a resolution supporting the long-term future of Cherry Point and for recognizing what many in Whatcom County already know: strong industry helps build strong communities.
Cherry Point has long played an important role in the regional economy by supporting good paying jobs, generating tax revenue and helping fund essential public services, including schools and local programs. The district’s resolution highlights the importance of maintaining clear, consistent planning policies that support long-term economic stability and future opportunity for local families and students.
As regional conversations about land use and growth continue, this resolution reinforces the value of thoughtful planning that balances economic opportunity and environmental stewardship with community needs.
Preserving industrial lands at Cherry Point helps ensure Whatcom County remains a place where people can live, work and build successful futures close to home for generations to come.
ALA Energy Appealing Decision on Ferndale Terminal Modernization
BUILD Whatcom member AltaGas (ALA Energy) is appealing the recent Whatcom County hearing examiner’s ruling on the Ferndale Terminal modernization project.
While ALA Energy is filing this appeal, it will continue to work closely with the Whatcom County Department of Planning & Development Services, including toward finding a reasonable path to resolve the separate remand proceedings.
You can learn more about ALA Energy’s appeal here.
Community voices can truly make a difference and we’re thankful for everyone who continues to stay informed and contribute to this important conversation.
Economic Impact - By the Numbers
$200 Million in Tax Revenue
Businesses in the Cherry Point Industrial Zone pay more than $200 million in total state and local taxes annually.
35%-100% Higher Wages
Average wages in the industry range 35%-100% higher than county averages across all industries.
Supports One in 10 Jobs
The Cherry Point district directly or indirectly supports approximately 11% of all the jobs in Whatcom County.
$1 Million to Charities
Businesses in the region donate up to $1 million to charitable organizations annually.
(Source: Western Washington University)
What We Stand to Lose
Without strong industrial anchors, our economy becomes vulnerable. Local businesses lose customers. Tax revenues that fund schools, roads, and public services drop. And the stability we rely on during economic downturns begins to erode.
Voices of Whatcom County
“The Whatcom Business Alliance believes investment in our community is the single largest driver of prosperity and growth. We focus our efforts on facilitating that growth through advocacy, research, and education….We believe it is critical to welcome investments that support and create living wage jobs in this region.”
Barbara Chase, Executive Director, Whatcom Business Alliance
“Cherry Point industries are a critical part of the City of Ferndale’s economic base. While not actually within the City of Ferndale, a significant number of Ferndale residents work at Cherry Point supporting numerous families and businesses. Even more impactful, Cherry Point businesses support Ferndale Schools and dozens of local community organizations. Cherry Point industry is part of the DNA of the Ferndale community.”
Greg Hansen, Mayor, City of Ferndale
“We support projects that address concerns around environmental impacts, and help modernize industry, to aid them in becoming more efficient in how they manage and care for the land they steward.”
Dan Tucker, Program Manager, Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County
“By investing in local businesses and skilled local labor, we help build stronger communities and a more resilient economy. We stand for dependable, family-wage jobs that give workers the opportunity to live and thrive in the communities they serve. We continue to support projects that responsibly address environmental impacts while sustaining good-paying jobs for our region.”
Charles A Burgess,
Business Manager, Secretary Treasurer,
LIUNA Local
Whatcom County Economic Development in the News...
Working Whatcom County residents are even finding it difficult to cover the cost of everyday necessities.
Mayor Kim Lund issued an executive order to expand economic opportunity in Bellingham.
Cherry Point debate deserves facts, not fear. What happened after the review process?
Local leaders weigh in on AltaGas/ ALA Energy project at Cherry Point as new challenges arise
Press Release
Business and Industry Groups Unite To Support Economic Development In Whatcom County
Whatcom County Economic Development in the News...
Working Whatcom County residents are even finding it difficult to cover the cost of everyday necessities.
Mayor Kim Lund issued an executive order to expand economic opportunity in Bellingham.
Cherry Point debate deserves facts, not fear. What happened after the review process?
Local leaders weigh in on AltaGas/ ALA Energy project at Cherry Point as new challenges arise
Business And Industry Groups Unite To Support Economic Development In Whatcom County
January 8, 2026
Ferndale City Council unanimously passes a resolution supporting economic development at Cherry Point
