Business-to-Business Connection
We invite all business owners and/or managers to participate in the City Block Program. This Partnership-led cohort is not your typical social networking meet-and-greet.
First, it’s free. No membership fees. No dues. No sales pitches.
Second, we solve problems and create opportunities.
When businesses on Commercial Street in District 5 were facing a rise in antisocial behavior, they collaborated on a way to bring positive activity to their block. The Downtown Bellingham Partnership helped by facilitating road closures and provided promotional support to make what is now an annual tradition, the Commercial Street Block Party, a reality!
Last, we don’t stop at peer-to-peer connection. City Block leaders are invited to join the Downtown Bellingham Partnership leadership team to meet with the City of Bellingham Mayor to share top concerns and advocate for solutions.
Program Mission
This Downtown Bellingham Partnership (DBP) program seeks to engage Downtown Bellingham property and business owners in the health, safety, cleanliness, and beautification and of their downtown. In addition, the program will work to enhance communication between the property and business owners and the DBP and each other as well as increase their representation in advocacy efforts that concern the Downtown Bellingham neighborhood.
Award-Winning Connection
We are honored to share DBP’s City Block Program received 2023 Excellence on Main Award for Organizational Excellence in October 2023!
PROGRAM GOALS
Create a more welcoming, beautiful, and safe Downtown Bellingham.
Create a sense of Downtown pride and ownership.
Foster a culture of volunteerism, inclusivity, and community engagement.
Facilitate communication channels between the City, the Partnership, and property and business owners.
Increase a sense of security with more businesses and property owners identifying problems and communicating between each other and the appropriate partners.
Build leadership skills among the City Block Leaders, which are a part of the City Block Council.
DISTRICT CONTACT INFO
Questions or want to get involved? Reach out to the staff lead for your District to learn about upcoming meetings!
State St District
Staff lead: Nathalie Wagler, nathalie@downtownbellingham.com
Business leaders: Layne Carter, Aslan Brewing ; Schantell Porter, Northwest Youth Services
District 4
Staff lead:Nathalie Wagler, nathalie@downtownbellingham.com
Business leaders: Kelly Hart, Allied Arts of Whatcom County
District 5
Staff lead: Lindsey Payne-Johnstone, lindsey@downtownbellingham.com
Business leaders: Bayly Peterson, AB Crepes ; Trish Manley, A New Leaf Flower Shoppe
District 6
Staff lead: Lindsey Payne Johnstone, lindsey@downtownbellingham.com, and Nathalie Wagler, nathalie@downtownbellingham.com
Business leaders: Martijn Wall and Chad Bumford, The Blue Room ; Janet Lightner, Boundary Bay Brewery
District 7/Arts District
Staff lead: Lindsey Payne-Johnstone, lindsey@downtownbellingham.com
Business leader: Heather Seevers, NW Yarns & Mercantile