BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A plan encompassing Bellingham that establishes priorities for city and community development is nearing its homestretch.

The Bellingham Plan will be adopted into legislation by June of 2026.

City officials have been working on creating a new plan since 2023, and have added chapters that talk about the climate, civic practices and community wellbeing. On Thursday, Feb. 6, the Planning Commission will meet to do an overview of the project as it enters Phase 4. This phase is the final one before adopting the plan by the deadline.

The overall plan for Bellingham’s growth is to create a city with stronger community connections, greater housing options, sustainable growth and climate resilience.

The city has factored in community input during each phase and plan to put out opportunities for public comment in the coming months.

The first opportunity for public comment this year will ask about land use, housing and community design. Discussion over these topics in the Bellingham Plan will likely take place between Feb. 20 and March 26.