County Economic Plan Update Lacks Public Input

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  Whatcom County, its seven incorporated cities, the Port of Bellingham, and other agencies are updating the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)“Whatcom County, its seven incorporated cities, the Port of Bellingham, both sovereign tribes and other public agencies are working to update a shared roadmap for economic growth, infrastructure investment and community resilience, called the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).”
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  The update is being done without public participation“But the update process is happening without public participation and without substantive review of the current plan, writes a participant in the process in a CDN guest commentary.”
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  The plan aims to support living-wage jobs and maintain eligibility for federal grant funding“The plan's purpose is to facilitate the retention and creation of living-wage jobs and to foster a stable, diversified regional economy while also maintaining eligibility for grant funding through the U.S. Economic Development Administration.”
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  The plan is being updated for 2027-2031“The Port of Bellingham is facilitating the 2027–31 update of the plan, which is preparing to take public comment in September and October, prior to county council approval in December.”
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  Public comment is scheduled for September and October“The Port of Bellingham is facilitating the 2027–31 update of the plan, which is preparing to take public comment in September and October, prior to county council approval in December.”
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  County council approval is scheduled for December“The Port of Bellingham is facilitating the 2027–31 update of the plan, which is preparing to take public comment in September and October, prior to county council approval in December.”
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  At a July 14 Port of Bellingham meeting, Commissioner Michael Shepard questioned whether the previous CEDS should be graded“At the Port of Bellingham’s July 14 meeting, Commissioner Michael Shepard asked about the CEDS plan: “Do we grade our previous CEDS? Because we’ve done these before.” Tyler Schroeder, the port’s economic development director, answered: “I haven’t gotten to the point that I see value in grading the”
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  Economic development director Tyler Schroeder stated he hadn't reached that point“Tyler Schroeder, the port's economic development director, answered: "I haven't gotten to the point that I see value in grading the”
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  The commentary argues the update process needs greater transparency“The process and draft plan, however, need greater public transparency and scrutiny.”
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  The commentary argues the update process needs substantive review of the current plan“But the update process is happening without public participation and without substantive review of the current plan, writes a participant in the process in a CDN guest commentary.”