Bellingham housing update Nearly 500 multi-family units under construction this spring

Bellingham is currently undergoing a notable construction boom, with 797 housing units, including 493 multi-family units, under development as of early April. However, Development Services Manager Kurt Nabbefeld has indicated that economic uncertainties, such as fluctuating interest rates and rising material costs, are causing an uptick in permit extension requests. The city is actively incentivizing new housing projects to address a critical shortage, with only 422 units permitted in 2023, down from nearly 1,300 in 2021. According to projections, Whatcom County will require 34,377 housing units by 2045, with Bellingham needing approximately 920 new units annually. Of the current projects, only one includes affordable housing, emphasizing the urgent need for diverse options.

The 65-unit Bellis Fair Family Housing project aims to support low-income families, while market-rate developments like the Skyline at Cordata and State Street Creamery are also underway. The revitalization of Old Town, despite its historical challenges, is set to transform the area with new residential and commercial spaces. As Bellingham navigates these developments, the balance between market-rate and affordable housing remains a pressing concern for the community.