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Top 10 Incorporation Facts
Incorporation Attempts...
In 1992, an attempt was made to incorporate Birch Bay; however, it was defeated by the voters. In 2008, the county completed an incorporation feasibility study for the Birch Bay UGA which identified the issues with the benefits of incorporating. It concluded that Birch Bay incorporation was financially feasible given the community's tax base and service needs. The community has not made another attempt to incorporate as of 2015. (Source: Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan, Page 2-47)
Most Recent Incorporation in Washington State...
The most recent incorporation in Washington State was Spokane Valley in 2003. The most recent incorporation in Whatcom County was Everson in 1929. (Source: Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington (MRSC))
Birch Bay is an Urban Growth Area (UGA)
Birch Bay is not rural. We are an Urban Growth Area defined by the state as an area where "cities are the units of local government most appropriate to provide urban governmental services." (Source: RCW 36.70A.110)
Population Increase
Our population has grown and will continue to grow. At the time of our last incorporation attempt in 1992, the population was 3,062. When the previous feasibility study was completed in 2008, our population was approximately 5,900. The 2024 population of the Birch Bay UGA was 8,973 and the current Comprehensive Plan has a goal of 12,822 by 2036. (Sources: 1992 - Incorporation Proposal, 2007-Feasibility Study, 2024-WA Office of Financial Management, 2036-Current Comprehensive Plan)
We have a larger population...
We have a larger population than 78% of all cities across Washington State (496 total smaller cities). (Source: Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington (MRSC))
Larger area...
The area of the Birch Bay UGA is 5.63 square miles, larger than Blaine (5.58 mi sq.) and Lynden (5.44 mi sq.). Ferndale is larger, at 7.03 mi sq. (Source: US Census Quickfacts, Current Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan)
Is it financially feasible...
"Does the Contemplated Incorporation of Birch Bay Appear Financially Feasible? Yes. If Birch Bay residents pay the same level of taxes, they would pay as part of unincorporated Whatcom County, a City of Birch Bay would generate enough revenues to provide a slightly higher level of service than Birch Bay residents currently receive." (2008 Birch Bay Incorporation Feasibility Study, Page ES-2)
Whatcom County will encourage and assist...
"Whatcom County will encourage and assist the citizens of Birch Bay Urban Growth Area with incorporation when appropriate." (Source: Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 2- Land Use, Policy 2Q-5)
We pay more but get less...
We have the population and density of a city and are already paying for many city level services including law enforcement, fire protection, emergency services libraries, schools, street lighting, conservation, flood control, roads, and stormwater. As part of Whatcom County we also pay for many things that do not directly benefit us. What we lack is local decision making.
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