Birch Bay in the Headlines
Follow the story of Birch Bay’s incorporation effort and explore local reporting on the growth, infrastructure, services and community decisions shaping Birch Bay’s future.
Photo: Dianna Hawryluk / My Bellingham Now
New Birch Bay incorporation study released
My Bellingham Now covers BBIA’s updated research examining four possible approaches to incorporation with different service levels and financial implications.
Read the Story ↗The Story So Far
New Birch Bay incorporation study released
BBIA releases research comparing four possible approaches to a future city, including different service and financial scenarios.
Birch Bay library renovation to begin in June
After years of planning, work moves forward on Birch Bay’s permanent library, an example of the community’s continuing growth and need for local civic infrastructure.
Birch Bay Waterslides for sale for $6M
The 14.5-acre commercial property offers major redevelopment possibilities and illustrates the land-use decisions likely to shape Birch Bay’s next chapter.
Whatcom County delays fireworks decision
Countywide fireworks rules raise questions about local input in a community where the issue is especially concentrated.
Blaine council denies appeal of large Birch Point subdivision
A major neighboring development highlights how decisions outside Birch Bay can still affect local traffic, stormwater and infrastructure.
North Whatcom Fire gets a “yes” to levy lid lift
The independent fire district plans major service investments, including rehabilitation of Birch Bay’s Station 63 as demand continues to grow.
County moves forward with Birch Bay road project
A planned roundabout at Birch Bay Lynden Road and Blaine Road illustrates the continuing transportation investments required as the community grows.
What’s the Deal With: The empty park in Birch Bay?
A look at the long-planned Birch Bay Beach Park and the funding and permitting challenges that have delayed development of the property.
Birch Bay incorporation feasibility study says city living could cost residents more
Coverage of the County commissioned feasibility study and BBIA’s concerns about the assumptions and service model used in the analysis.
Blaine withdraws controversial urban growth area proposal
The proposal was withdrawn after concerns about growth capacity, traffic, stormwater and the need for greater coordination with Birch Bay.
Blaine pursues major change to its urban growth area
Proposed changes near Birch Bay raised questions about regional development, traffic, stormwater and how neighboring jurisdictions plan for future growth.
Incorporation expert provides encouragement to Birch Bay efforts
Experienced Washington city manager Bob Jean discusses municipal organization, finances and the practical considerations involved in forming a new city.
City managers to speak at Birch Bay incorporation meeting
Municipal professionals discuss how Washington cities operate and what a new city would need to consider.
Whatcom County Council takes a step toward making Birch Bay its own city
County Council moves forward with funding for the updated incorporation feasibility analysis.
Sheriff Tanksley speaks at Birch Bay incorporation meeting
Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell Tanksley discusses current service and possible law enforcement models for an incorporated Birch Bay.
Birch Bay residents get new method for sharing input with Whatcom County
Creation of the Birch Bay Community Advisory Committee gives the community a new channel for input on planning, infrastructure and other local issues.
County OKs $150K Birch Bay incorporation feasibility study
Whatcom County approves funding for an updated independent study of the financial and service implications of incorporation.
Whatcom County Council funds Birch Bay incorporation study
Local coverage of the Council vote authorizing funding for a new feasibility analysis.
Sidhu, Shewmake talk Birch Bay incorporation
County Executive Satpal Sidhu and Senator Sharon Shewmake join the local discussion about representation and incorporation.
The puzzle of Birch Bay has a few missing pieces
Guest commentary considers Birch Bay’s evolving identity, local institutions and renewed discussion about incorporation.
Birch Bay group eyes incorporation
An in-depth look at Birch Bay’s growth, history, services and the renewed effort to study cityhood.
Community group officially forms as Birch Bay Incorporation Association
BBIA formally organizes following months of community discussion and preliminary research.
Birch Bay incorporation group seeks community input
Residents are invited to weigh in on proposed boundaries, organization and the next phase of incorporation research.
Survey open on Birch Bay incorporation
The first media coverage of the renewed effort begins with a community survey asking whether Birch Bay should once again explore incorporation.
Go Beyond the Headlines
The stories above capture part of the conversation. These pages provide answers, visual explanations, source documents and deeper background on Birch Bay incorporation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore straightforward answers about taxes, services, boundaries, growth, city government, voting and the incorporation process.
Explore the FAQ → See It VisuallySound Bites
Use short visual guides to understand some of the biggest questions surrounding Birch Bay incorporation.
Explore Sound Bites → See the EvidencePublic Records
Review reports, presentations, meeting materials and source documents behind the incorporation discussion.
View Public Records → Independent SourcesResearch & Resources
Explore Washington law, MRSC guidance, County planning documents, population data and other independent resources.
Explore the Research →