City Council Sets Priorities for 2018

This Wednesday, the City Council, Mayor and City Staff gathered for a daylong retreat to set their priorities for the coming year. Council selected liaisons for community groups, assigned committee members and participated in a goal setting exercise called “Must/Should/Could”.

As part of this exercise, they identified top priorities and then winnowed them down to things they “Must Do”, “Should Do” and “Could Do” with the understanding that not all of these projects will be completed in two years, but progress will be made towards these goals.

City staff will then use this list of prioritize to shape their work for the year and guide the 2019 budget process. You can find 2016’s list by clicking here and previous year’s Must/Should/Could by clicking here. See below for current lists, committee and liaison assignments.

For more information, please contact Communications Officer Riley Sweeney at (360) 685-2353 or by clicking here.

2018 Council Retreat “Must” List

Implement Parks Plan which includes the following projects; BMX Pump Track, Spray/Splash Park, Skate Park, Fenced Dog Park, Bender Park, Covered Picnic Shelters, and Turf at Phillips 66 Ballfields
A New Administration Building/Council Chambers/Courthouse
Downtown Revitalization including infrastructure review, incentives for businesses, and improved parking
Upgrade and Improve Main Street Traffic Lights/Crosswalk
Hire a Grant Writer on Staff
Finalize an agreement with Lummi Nation about Slater Road Development
Establish a Parks Department
Hire an Engineer on Staff
Install Portal Way Sidewalks
Approve a Long-Term Financial Plan

“Should” List

Identify Long-Term Staffing Needs
Upgrade and Repair Ferndale Terrace
Establish Municipal Broadband
Install Douglas Road Sidewalks
Establish a New “Signature” Event
Install Slater Road Roundabouts
Draft an Affordable Housing Plan
Construct More Public Restrooms
Provide Support for Slater Road Elevation
Annex E. Slater Road UGA

“Could” List

Establish a Wetland Mitigation Bank
Form a Volunteer Corps
Address Homelessness in Ferndale
Draft an Asset Management Plan
Extend Water/Sewer Service to Grandview
Install Pioneer Pavilion Air Conditioning
Install Water Meter Telemetry System
Approve a Pizza Annex Plan (Repurpose or Tear Down)
Rebuild the Pioneer Park Stage
Build the Community Plaza

January 12, 2018

Explore the 2018 City of Ferndale Budget

Curious about the 2018 City of Ferndale Budget? Explore some of the highlights in the infographic above and then deep dive into the details at our 2018 Budget page.

January 11, 2018 Comments (1)

Tuesday, January 2, 2018 City Council Agenda

January 11, 2018 Comments (0)

Ferndale Market Area First in Nation for Job Growth in 2017

The Bellingham Metropolitan Area, which encompasses the Ferndale Market Area added over 5,000 jobs in the last year, making it the fastest growing area in the United States. The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the Bellingham Metropolitan Area employed 107,678 people by October of 2017, an increase of 5,609 jobs since January of that year.

The strongest sectors were mining, logging and construction, with manufacturing a close second. Many of those construction projects are located right here in the City of Ferndale, where over 120 single family homes were built in 2017.

“We are excited to see so much job growth in our community,” said Community Development Director Jori Burnett. “This momentum will propel us forward to the next great chapter of our city.”

This is part of the larger economic trends in the area as more businesses locate their facilities in Pacific Northwest.

You can learn more about why Ferndale is a great place to locate your business at www.FerndaleMade.com.

January 5, 2018 Comments (0)

New Councilmembers Sworn In at January Meeting

Ferndale City Councilmembers Cathy Watson, Kate Hansen and Fred Kennedy were sworn in by City Clerk Susan Duncan at the first council meeting of the year last night. Councilmembers are elected to four year terms, you can find more details about the City Council including agendas, minutes and contact information, by clicking here.

January 3, 2018 Comments (0)

Please Secure Your Vehicle to Reduce Car Thefts

The Ferndale Police have reported a rash of car thefts in the last two weeks. In each case, the victim had left their car idling while they went into a store. Please turn off and lock your vehicle whenever you leave it, no matter how short your trip may be.

January 2, 2018 Comments (0)

Free Movie Night Feb. 16th at 6:30pm at Pioneer Pavilion

The City is kicking off a new year of recreational activities with a FREE movie night Friday, February 16th at the Pioneer Pavilion Community Center (2007 Cherry Street) starting at 6:30pm. We will be showing “Men in Black” starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones and providing free popcorn and soda. Please bring your own chair, blanket or sleeping bag to sit on and enjoy this feature film courtesy of Ferndale Parks.

For more information or questions, please call Recreation Coordinator Riley Sweeney at (360) 685-2353.

January 2, 2018 Comments (0)

Introducing our Brand New Website

After several years of our old web interface, it was time for a complete overhaul of our web presence. Here are some of the highlights of our new and improved site:

Enhanced readability. Whether you are viewing us on a desktop, phone or tablet, you will be able to easily access the information you need.
Streamlined content. We’ve condensed redudent information and adjusted the flow of pages for a quicker journey from home page to your goal.
Functional engine. We rebuilt our site’s search function.
Visual Interface. Using pictures, videos, graphics, and modern web practices, we are able to better convey the information you need.

If you see something broken on our site or can’t find what you need, please email Communications Officer Riley Sweeney by clicking here.