BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Several new projects have been approved to enhance the image of downtown Bellingham.

The city announced its “downtown beautification” initiative earlier this year in an effort to revitalize the area following adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising housing prices and the fentanyl crisis.

Applicants were encouraged to send ideas for projects that could boost downtown’s aesthetic appeal and liveliness using $250,000 in lodging tax funds.

The city recently announced that the Indigenous storytelling group Children of the Setting Sun Productions was recently chosen to install a Coast Salish mural. The mural will include an animated lighting projection at the organization’s new location at the former Mindport Exhibits building on Holly Street.

A pair of community events for next year were also selected in this most recent round of grants.

Pickford Film Center is partnering with Bellingham Symphony Orchestra for a series of silent films paired with live music in August 2025 and Make.Shift Art Space is hosting an event called “Radio Forever,” which includes live music, public artwork and educational workshops about the history of local radio.

The city says the next opportunity to submit proposals will be in 2025.