Past Events
Phase 2 Open House #6 - How We Will Grow
This event is one of six open house events in Phase 2 of the Bellingham Plan.
Some of the best things about Bellingham are the result of intentional choices made by our community in the past. As we update the Bellingham Plan, we must choose how to balance immediate concerns, such as public safety and housing affordability with long-term goals like developing regional transportation options and adapting to climate change. This session focused on how themes from previous discussions relate and connect with each other in an overall growth strategy for 2045.
The first half of the session was open house style. The second half of the session was devoted to group discussion and playthrough of a new boardgame around the Bellingham Plan. Information about the boardgame including how you can borrow a version to play at home or around town can be found at the top of our Engagement page.
If you have any general comments for us, please feel free to leave them here.
Phase 2 Open House #5 - Housing Types and Neighborhoods
This event is one of six open house events in Phase 2 of the Bellingham Plan.
This session will delve into what design considerations are most important as we plan for new housing types across all of our unique neighborhoods.
The first half of the session was open house style. There was one activity with a digital submission opportunity. If you missed the event, we would still love to hear your input:
The second half of the session was devoted to round table discussions on two topics:
- Round Table Activity 1: Middle Housing Approach to Zoning. Great conversations were held during this activity. If you have more that you would like to share with the Bellingham Plan staff, please leave more comments here.
- Round Table Activity 2: Missing Small-Scale Commercial Options. This activity is available as an online activity.
If you have any general comments for us, please feel free to leave them here.
Fase 2 El Evento de Puertas Abiertas del Plan Bellingham en Español / The Bellingham Plan Open House for the Spanish-speaking Community
Esta sesión incluye información general sobre el proyecto del Plan Bellingham, como por ejemplo la línea de tiempo y próximos eventos a los que usted esta invitado(a) a participar. La sesión también incluye información educativa sobre el costo de vivienda, acción por el clima, seguridad publica, así como los espacios artísticos, culturales, y comunitarios.
Este evento forma parte de la Fase 2 del Plan Bellingham, además de 5 otros eventos. Esta sesión completa fue hecha en español con la intención de ser accesible a la comunidad hispanohablante.
¡Por favor, tómese el tiempo de revisar el material virtual en esta pagina para informarse y poder participar en el proceso de planificar la comunidad que queremos para nuestros niños!
- Participe en una actividad sobre como debería crecer la ciudad de Bellingham. Si participó en el evento en persona el 23 de Mayo, esta es la tercera actividad(External link) de mesa redonda.
- Consulte todos los tableros/paneles informativos de este evento.(External link)
La primera mitad de la sesión fue de puertas abiertas y se distribuyó un folleto informativo que puede ver aquí(External link). También hubo varios tableros con oportunidades para dejar comentarios al equipo de proyecto.
La segunda mitad fue reservada para actividades en mesa redonda en donde los participantes tuvieron discusiones abiertas sobre los siguientes temas.
Phase 2 Open House #4 - Economic Vitality
This event is one of six open house events in Phase 2 of the Bellingham Plan.
This session will focused on how remote work, new technology, new businesses and other factors are changing the economic landscape, including the types of jobs and wages available here, and how Bellingham can adapt to maintain a resilient and sustainable workforce.
The first half of the session was open house style. There was one activity with a digital submission opportunity. If you missed the event, we would still love to hear your story:
The second half of the session was devoted to round table discussions on three topics:
- Round Table Activity 1: Community Changes and Trends. This activity is available as an online activity.
- Round Table Activity 2: Climate and Economic Vitality
- Round Table Activity 3: The Ideal Urban Village. This activity is available as an online activity.
If you have any general comments for us, please feel free to leave them here.
Phase 2 Western Washington University Open House
Our May event at Western Washington University covered the full range of Phase 2 topics, including welcoming newcomers, off-campus housing affordability and transportation, economic opportunities, and how we grow as a city over the next twenty years. This event was open to anyone associated with Bellingham colleges and universities.
Phase 2 Open House #3 - Housing Affordability
This event is one of six open house events in Phase 2 of the Bellingham Plan.
This session explored housing affordability, a top issue identified by the community at the start of the Bellingham Plan project. This session explored where gaps in the housing spectrum exist today and how local government can address those gaps with new housing types, programs, and approaches. The later Housing Types & Neighborhoods session will continue to expand on this topic.
The first half of the session was open house style. An informational handout was distributed and a video presentation was available for viewing. There were multiple boards with opportunities to provide comment. One activity, "Your Housing Story" is available as an online activity.
The second half of the session was devoted to round table discussions on two topics:
- Round Table Activity 1: Climate and Housing is available as an online activity.
- Round Table Activity 2: Housing Growth Alternatives is available as an online activity.
If you have any general comments for us, please feel free to leave them here.
Phase 2 Open House #2 - Vibrant, Equitable and Welcoming Community
This event is one of six open house events in Phase 2 of the Bellingham Plan.
This session explored the importance of cultivating a vibrant, equitable, safe, and welcoming community. Discussions centered around how the Bellingham Plan can support the well-being of all who live, work, attend school in, or visit our community. The open house took place at Bellingham High School from 5-7 p.m.
The first half of the session was open house style. Several activities presented on poster boards are available as digital activities:
- Tell us your safety story
- Healthy food access quick poll
- City's role in reversing inequities
- Map significant art, cultural and community spaces
The second half of the session was devoted to round table discussions on three topics.
If you have any general comments for us, please feel free to leave them here.
Phase 2 Open House #1 - Community Vision
This event is one of six open house events in Phase 2 of the Bellingham Plan.
This session set the stage for later sessions with big picture discussions around housing, jobs, inclusivity, and more. The open house took place at Sehome High School from 5-7pm.
The first half of the session was open house style. There were two activities with digital submission opportunities. If you missed the event, we would still love to hear your story:
The second half of the session was devoted to round table discussions on three topics:
- Round Table Activity 1: Recreated as online activity "Neighborhood Considerations"
- Round Table Activity 2 & Round Table Activity 3: Recreated as online activity "Project Priorities"
If you have any general comments for us, please feel free to leave them here.
Western Washington University Open House
In an effort to better capture the perspectives of more renters, 18-24 year-olds and students, the City hosted a special event at Western Washington University. The City heard from students about their experiences in Bellingham, which will help to inform updates to the Bellingham Plan.
Public Open House - Options High School
Open house event held at Options High School to learn more about The Bellingham Plan and share ideas on interactive boards about how the city could grow over the coming years.
Virtual Open House
Information and visioning session held over zoom to introduce comprehensive planning concepts and the upcoming Bellingham Plan. The end of the session included breakout group discussions (not recorded) with participants to gather feedback on what they are most passionate about for Bellingham and any information they may want to share with the team.