Expanding public input — and commission seats — at the Port of Bellingham

Serving as your representative on the Port Commission for the past seven years has been a privilege. At our Sept. 17 meeting, several important topics were raised about public participation and representation, specifically related to the Waterfront District and the possible expansion of the commission itself. These are important issues and need thorough public participation. I also recognize there is an opportunity for our commission to continue working to improve public collaboration and transparency.

Public input leads to action

Local government works best when there is a high level of public participation. This leads to meaningful outcomes. Elected officials should welcome input, be open to criticism, and maintain respectful communication with the public. At our last meeting, we discussed a proposal for more public input on Waterfront District planning. I fully support continuing to offer dedicated opportunities for community involvement, where residents can learn about upcoming plans and share their perspectives.

The port has held several successful “open house” events in recent years on major projects like the waterfront redevelopment, environmental cleanups and the redevelopment of the ASB Lagoon. These sessions have generated good ideas and have resulted in action. For example, community feedback has shaped plans for increased public access, affordable housing and sustainable energy solutions in the Waterfront District.

Today, these contributions are reflected in projects like the Waterfront Pump Track, the Portal Container Village, and popular festivals that bring our community together throughout the year. In 2024, we saw the opening of the Millworks affordable housing project and early childhood learning center, benefiting 85 families and providing six early learning classrooms run by the YMCA. Additionally, all new developments in the district will connect to the District Energy system, which uses waste heat from the Encogen Power Plant to provide sustainable heating and cooling.

Continued public input will be vital as we approach new decisions about future development. Whether determining the types of projects we want to prioritize, the density of new construction, or the public amenities that will best serve Whatcom County, our transparency in these discussions is essential to success.

The port staff is planning more open house events to gather feedback on major upcoming projects, including the modernization of the Shipping Terminal and the expansion of marine trades at the ASB Lagoon. These sessions are opportunities for the public to help shape the direction of port projects so crucial to our region, and I encourage everyone to participate. The next occurs at the Shipping Terminal from 3-5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 at 661 Cornwall Ave.

Expanding the commission

When I ran for office in 2017, I saw value in expanding the current three-person commission to five, and I continue to believe it’s a good idea. The current three-member structure means that no two commissioners can meet or discuss issues outside of a formal public meeting because they would represent a quorum. This limits collaboration and reduces opportunities to attend events with the community.

Whatcom County is home to 230,000 residents, and the port plays a key role in the economic development of our growing community. Expanding the commission would allow for broader representation, greater diversity of ideas, and more transparency in decision-making. Neighboring counties have recognized the value of this approach — Skagit County, for example, has two ports with a combined total of eight commissioners, even though it serves a smaller population than Whatcom.

If we were to expand to five commissioners, aligning the commission districts with the five Whatcom County Council districts would ensure fair and equitable representation across the county. While any change in the commission’s structure would need to be approved by voters, the current commission has the authority to put this initiative on the ballot. I support moving this conversation forward and maintaining our existing election process, where voters cast ballots district-wide in the primary and county-wide in the general election.

Moving forward

The port’s work touches many aspects of our lives in Whatcom County, from creating family-wage jobs to environmental clean-up and stewardship, to creating opportunities for waterfront access and activity. By continuing to involve the public in decision-making, ensuring transparency, and considering how to strengthen representation on the commission, we can ensure the port remains responsive to the community’s needs and priorities.

I recognize there are opportunities for improvement and appreciate when the public is engaged in governance. I look forward to working with you to advance these conversations and shape the future of our region together.

Port of Bellingham Commissioner Michael Shepard represents District 1, South Whatcom County, in a four-year term that runs through Dec. 31, 2025.