Explore the Research & Resources
You do not have to take our word for it. Explore independent resources, Washington law, financial guides, County planning documents and historical Birch Bay studies to learn more about incorporation and local government.
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MRSC Municipal Incorporation Guide
The best independent starting point for understanding how a new city is formed in Washington. MRSC explains eligibility, petitions, Boundary Review Board review, elections, transition and the laws governing the process.
Open the Guide ↗How Cities Work
Understand what a Washington city actually is and how local government is organized.
The Closest Governments to the People
A broad introduction to Washington local government, including cities, counties, municipal powers, public finance and the responsibilities of local elected officials.
MRSCCity & Town Forms of Government
Compare Washington’s mayor council and council manager systems and learn how authority is divided between elected officials and professional administration.
MRSCWashington City & Town Profiles
Compare every Washington city and town by population, classification, form of government and other municipal information.
MRSCTitle 35A RCW — Optional Municipal Code
Washington law governing code cities, including city powers, council manager government, budgets, streets, planning and zoning.
Washington LegislatureLaw & Process
Go straight to the laws and agencies that govern incorporation.
Chapter 35.02 RCW — Incorporation Proceedings
The primary Washington statute governing incorporation, including the notice, petition, election, transition period and continuity of public services.
Washington LegislatureChapter 36.93 RCW — Boundary Review Boards
The law governing Boundary Review Boards, their review authority, hearings, criteria and decisions involving incorporations and other boundary changes.
Washington LegislatureWhatcom County Boundary Review Board
The local board that reviews incorporation and other jurisdictional boundary changes. Find meeting materials, rules, forms and Board information here.
Whatcom Council of GovernmentsChapter 35A.13 RCW — Council Manager Government
The statute establishing the council manager form of government currently proposed for a City of Birch Bay.
Washington LegislatureMoney & Revenue
Understand how Washington cities are funded and where municipal revenue comes from.
Revenue Guide for Washington Cities & Towns
A comprehensive guide to property tax, sales tax, REET, lodging tax, utility taxes, state shared revenues and other municipal funding sources.
MRSC • Updated April 20262027 State Shared Revenue Estimator
Current estimates for state revenues distributed to Washington cities and counties, including gas tax, liquor, criminal justice and multimodal distributions.
MRSCWashington Tax & Population Data
Compare city and county population trends, property tax information and local sales tax components across Washington.
MRSCWashington Tax Reference Materials
State Department of Revenue reference guides explaining Washington state and local taxes, including sales, property and real estate excise taxes.
Washington Department of RevenueBirch Bay & Growth
Local planning documents provide important context for where Birch Bay has been and where it is going.
Birch Bay Community Plan
The community plan adopted by Whatcom County in 2004, along with supporting material on capital facilities, transportation, stormwater, design and earlier incorporation research.
Whatcom County2008 Birch Bay Incorporation Feasibility Study
The earlier County funded study examining what a City of Birch Bay might look like financially and operationally.
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Update
Current County planning documents covering growth projections, Urban Growth Areas, land use, housing, transportation, capital facilities and the County’s long range planning framework.
Whatcom CountyComprehensive Plan Environmental Impact Statement
The County’s analysis of growth alternatives for the 2023–2045 planning period, including population, housing and employment growth assigned to Urban Growth Areas.
Whatcom CountyPopulation & Data
Independent data sources for comparing Birch Bay with communities around Washington.
Washington Population Estimates
Official state population estimates for cities, towns, counties and special geographic areas, produced by Washington’s Office of Financial Management.
Washington OFMOfficial April 1 Population Estimates
The state’s annual official population estimates used for comparisons and the allocation of certain state revenues to cities and counties.
Washington OFMLocal Sales & Use Tax Information
Current Washington local sales tax rates, components and supporting information for cities and unincorporated county areas.
Washington Department of RevenueCompare Birch Bay to Existing Cities
Browse Washington’s incorporated cities by population and see how communities similar in size to Birch Bay are classified and governed.
MRSCExplore BBIA’s Research
Independent sources provide the framework. Our own website brings those sources together with Birch Bay specific research, records and explanations.
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The Resource Library is only one part of the site. Keep exploring the incorporation discussion from the angle that interests you most.