Downtown Bellingham consists of the central business district and surrounding areas situated on Bellingham Bay. It has a history as home to Coast Salish tribes and later became known for its sawmilling and gold mining industries in the 1800s. Today, downtown has a diverse population and remains a cultural hub with various events, businesses, arts, and entertainment venues. However, it also faces challenges from economic struggles affecting local businesses and a need to address homelessness.

1. The Heart of Bellingham The City of Subdued Excitement Photo essay prepared by Erin Dobie, Lindsey Hayes, & Katrice Nicol

11. The college culture is a large part of Downtown Bellingham night life. Caila of Downtown Bellingham Partnership expressed “relationships between students and community members are difficult to foster due to interest differences. In the future it would be nice to have a more inclusive community culture and less of a divide between families and students”.

12. Community Relationships History And Art Culture and Entertainment Government Establishments Local Business Human Services Organizations Natural Water Source and Environment Transportation Downtown Bellingham Assets

14. business The Farmers Market supports local agriculture and promotes interaction between farms with the greater Bellingham community by providing goods and mutual supportive relationships.

15. Local Business are a significant asset of the downtown community. Downtown dollars are used similarly to gift certificates to support local business owners that serve not only downtown Bellingham, but also the greater Northwest population.

18. Veteran services Bite of Bellingham, BellingJam, and Ski to Sea are examples of community entertainment and events that foster positive community relations and influence expansive community development.

20. The City Hall, Courthouse, and Jail are local government facilities, located downtown, that serve Whatcom County.

21. Downtown has a unique and vibrant tradition of expression.

22. Community members have engaged in forms of peaceful political and artistic expression for many years. Seen here is a local resident playing a guitar on a downtown street and a peace vigil that has been maintained every Friday afternoon since the Vietnam War.

24. The public library, YMCA, and WorkSource are just a few of the many Human Services resources located in downtown and available to all of Whatcom County.

25. Natural environment resources The Harbor is a natural water source as well as a place of entertainment and beauty. Maritime Heritage Park provides a way to enjoy the sites with friends and family. Need: Waterfront Development Plan

27. Need: Revitalization and clean-up of waterfront/Old Town area.

28. Need: Local economic stability and support.

29. Need: The streets of downtown Bellingham are sadly the home to many homeless individuals. The community lacks an adequate amount of resources for these people. Veterans who have little or no access to services make up a significant portion of the homeless population. This compromises the quality of life for both the individual and the community.

30. The original city hall which is now a museum and popular tourist attraction, is one of downtown’s most well known and recognized landmarks.

31. Some photos courtesy of Ann Chaikin.