Port of Bellingham
The Port of Bellingham is a countywide independent special purpose government located in Whatcom County overseen by three nonpartisan elected commissioners. It was created by a countywide vote in 1920. From a beginning focused mainly on increasing shipping on the Bellingham waterfront, the port has expanded into a multi-purpose government with operations in Bellingham, Blaine and Sumas. The port supports economic development throughout Whatcom County.
An independent county-wide government, the port operates all of Whatcom County’s transportation terminals, the two major marinas and a deep-draft marine terminal. The port also manages over 1,600 acres of public land with about 250 local business tenants. Port and tenant operations provide over 4,000 jobs in Whatcom County.