About the Coalition
Our Waterfront Works
From developers wishing to locate residential and retail shops along our water’s edge, to tough environmental issues, our waterfronts experience extreme ongoing pressures. With shipyards giving way to condominiums, ship chandleries replaced by upscale boutiques, Whatcom County faced the impending realities of working waterfronts displaced by non-water-dependent development.
In 2014, a group of citizens met to advocate appropriately and effectively for the preservation and enhancement of our important waterfront sector. The Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County was formed and its all-volunteer leadership and members have worked hard to establish their credibility.
Now, with a solid organizational structure ensuring wide representation, we are over 135 members strong, representing businesses and individuals keenly interested in preserving the health of our working waterfronts. Board and members meet regularly and work collaboratively with the Port of Bellingham, our local governments, and the broader community advocating for appropriate measures to ensure the continuation of a thriving working waterfront for all.
Our Mission
To promote the economic benefits and vitality of a working waterfront to the people of Whatcom County.
Our Goals:
- Communicate with one voice to improve understanding between maritime businesses and public entities.
- Educate the community about the value of economic contributions, diversity, and heritage of Whatcom County’s working waterfronts.
- Share ideas to mutually preserve, promote, and enhance maritime businesses.
- Claim for maritime businesses a place at the table in the waterfront planning and development process.
- Promote a healthy shoreline through appropriate infrastructure and sustainable practices.
Banner Credit: Steve Hardin
What is the Coalition?
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About Us Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
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What We Do Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
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Our Working Waterfront Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
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Membership Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
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Board of Directors And Staff Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
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Job Board Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
Our Whatcom Waterfront Economy
6000+
JOBS IMPACTED
MILLIONS
IN ANNUAL REVENUE TO REGION
4.1%
OF TOTAL WHATCOM WORKFORCE
140+
MEMBERS OF THE COALITION
A COALITION OF MEMBERS
Our membership is our community
Our membership comes from all along our waterfronts and shores, and all over our county. They're business owners, vessel operators, tradesmen and women, and individuals just like you. They all share a desire to see our working waterfronts endure, and for our waterfronts to continue to work for all.
COMMITTEES AT WORK
Our Committees are working hard
Our four committees work hard to help spread our message, develop our programming, liaise with various organizations and entities, and communicate with our members. If you're interested in being on a committee, message us today!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARE MEMBERS
A COALITION OF YOU
Our structure includes an all-volunteer Board of Directors with a President, VP, Treasurer and representatives from all the sectors of our maritime and waterfront economy. These volunteers work on all our behalf as elected positions that all Coalition members vote on. Your voice is heard in the Coalition, and we encourage our membership to get involved in our Board, attend meetings, and run for Board positions!
The Coalition also employs a paid staff to manage and run programming, provide logistical support and keep the daily business of the Coalition organized.
WE ARE NEIGHBORS, FRIENDS AND PEERS
We live, work, and play here.
Our members are all residents of our region, many of them right here in Whatcom County. We're your neighbors, your friends and your peers that you see about town every day working at the businesses, shopping at the local stores, dining at the local restaurants and enjoying our public spaces, parks and beaches.
All of us recognize that in order to have a balanced and affordable quality of life, we must preserve the working aspects of our waterfronts from boat-building to kayak tours, and keep our shores clean and healthy so that we may all enjoy this wonderful resource and unique feature of Whatcom County.
