What We Do

OUR WORK

Waterfronts that work for all.

The waterfronts and shores in Whatcom are a precious resource to all those who work, live and play on them. 


That waterfront is under constant pressure to change and develop with non-water-reliant uses that threaten to remove access not only for our businesses who rely upon having it, but also for our communities who enjoy the public access beaches, walks and parks along our shores. 
 

Our endeavors seek to promote our working waterfronts, and to promote policies, regulations and practices that allow our water-reliant businesses to not only survive - but to thrive.


The diversity and vitality that a working waterfront brings is necessary for a healthy waterfront community.

The Coalition:

  • Advocates for You

    From pushing for favorable moorage for our fishing fleet, to pushing back against gentrification uses that drive up costs of living, the Coalition liaises with several local entities, organizations and individuals to promote the waterfronts and keep them thriving.

  • Is a Network

    We keep you connected with your waterfront community. With two newsletters and a radio show, the Coalition keeps you up to speed on local events, people to know, and important news.  Our membership is a diverse group of business leaders, trades persons, and officials that form a wide net of connection to our region.

  • Is a Service

    We constantly seek input from our membership on what they need, and offer a series of workshops, learning sessions, events and services to help bring our members the help they need to stay informed, to learn, and to network. From Financial Literacy, to networking event meetups, keep up with all the latest events on our Calendar page!

Advocacy & Issues

Working for your waterfronts

The Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition advocates for ideas and policies that promote our waterfront economy. We also tackle issues around our waterfront that will promote our regional economic stability and resiliency in the maritime and waterfront sector.

Advocacy & Issues

DATA & RESEARCH

Working with academic and private sector partners at the county, state, federal level, the Coalition gathers and analyzes data to meet the needs of our stakeholders.  Our goal is to empower our community leaders with hard data so they can hold informed discussions, guide planning processes, and anticipate future concerns.


Data & Research

IMPACTS & SUCCESS

Making a Difference

The Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition has had several large successes in our work since our founding in 2016. Interpretive signage, rent policies to help waterfront businesses, and helping to start an apprenticeship program are just a few of the impacts we continue to bring to our County.


IMPACTS

MARITIME WASHINGTON NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

Our Coasts. Our Stories.

The Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition is a proud anchor-organization to the recently-designated Maritime Washington National Heritage Area.


The federal designation gives tools and resources to local communities, to tell the stories and share the events that happen along our coasts, from Astoria to the Canadian Border.



Maritime Washington National Heritage Area