Port of Bellingham Meeting Recap: New Faces, Fresh Ideas, and Big Moves for Bellingham

The January 7th Port of Bellingham meeting was packed with updates, laughs, and exciting news. From fresh seafood to broadband upgrades and a hearty welcome for new team members, here’s what you need to know!

Dockside Market’s New Fee Structure: Supporting Small Businesses

The Dockside Market—our go-to spot for fresh seafood and maritime-inspired goodies—just got even better. The Port approved a new fee structure to support smaller vendors, making it easier for them to thrive:

• $10 for sales under $300

• $35 for sales between $301 and $1,000

• $50 for sales over $1,000

The market continues to shine as a community hub, rain or shine (well, except for that one stormy Saturday last October). Did you know they also accept SNAP benefits? That means more people can enjoy healthy, local seafood—win-win!

The Port is also looking into ways to spread the word about the market. Right now, most of the buzz comes from social media and word of mouth, but they’re cooking up some ideas to bring even more people to the docks.

BUMP-ing Up Sustainability Efforts

Let’s talk about the Building and Infrastructure Energy Management Program (BIEMP)—a mouthful, but a big deal for keeping Port buildings energy-efficient and eco-friendly. The BUMP helps the Port comply with the Clean Buildings Act, but it’s not just about checking boxes. It’s about saving money, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and making our spaces more comfortable for everyone.

Here’s what BIEMP has been up to:

• Upgrading lighting and HVAC systems

• Creating long-term maintenance plans

• Encouraging energy-saving habits among staff and tenants

To keep the momentum going, the Port is bringing in a Civic SPARK Energy Fellow. Enter Danica, a recent WWU grad who’s been crushing it as an intern. She’ll step into this new role, helping the Port bridge the gap between legal requirements and day-to-day operations. Bonus: Danica gets professional development, health benefits, and even a housing stipend. Pretty sweet deal!

Broadband: Full Steam Ahead!

Fast, reliable internet is a must, and the Port is on it. Projects in North Ferndale and North Lynden are underway to expand broadband access, thanks to grants from the county and state.

Economic Development Director Tyler Schroeder—now the Port’s unofficial “Broadband Guy”—has been busy keeping these projects on track. The good news? Design and engineering are moving forward, with completion targets set for later this year. The challenge? Rising construction costs. But don’t worry—the Port is exploring funding options to make sure these plans stay on budget.

And kudos to the Whatcom County PUD for teaming up with the Port on this effort. With their expertise, Bellingham’s connectivity is set to reach new heights.

Welcome Aboard, Joey and Zeke!

It’s always exciting to see new faces at the Port. This time, we’re saying hello to:

• Joey Twinford, an engineer with serious stormwater expertise. He’s worked with municipalities, utilities, and even spent time at Roche Harbor. The Port couldn’t be happier to have him on board.

• Zeke Smith, who earned his stripes as a seasonal worker and is now a full-time member of the grounds crew. You’ll spot him mowing lawns and keeping things tidy—give him a wave if you see him!

There was even a little fun at the meeting when commissioners joked about Joey singing the Cougars’ fight song as a new hire tradition. Spoiler: no singing happened (this time).

The Big Picture

Whether it’s supporting local seafood vendors, tackling broadband projects, or leading on sustainability, the Port of Bellingham is making moves that matter. With new team members like Joey and Zeke and programs like BIEMP keeping things fresh, 2025 is already off to a great start.

And don’t forget—Dockside Market runs on the first and third Saturdays of every month. See you down at the docks!

Full Video Here: