City News

Mayor Jon Mutchler Visits Sister City Minamiboso, Japan

Mayor Mutchler (right) with Mayor Yutaka Ishii of Minamiboso, Japan

This last week, Mayor Jon Mutchler visited Ferndale’s sister city, Minamiboso, Japan. The mayor was serving as part of a delegation from the Bellingham Sister City Association that was participating in the Wakashio Marathon in nearby Tateyama, Japan.

While in Japan, the Mayor attended a traditional tea ceremony, visited a public elementary school, met the official mascot of Tateyama (“Dappe”), explored a tomato farm, ran a marathon and strengthened the international ties that connect our communities.

In 2016, a delegation from Minamiboso came to Ferndale to celebrate their twenty-fifth anniversary as sister cities. Ferndale hosted a reception, complete with performances, gifts and cultural exchange. Mutchler was able to see some of those gifts on display at the Minamiboso community center (pictured below).

No public funds were expended on this trip, the airfare was provided for by USA Fit Bellingham, a local running group of which the mayor is a member.

January 30, 2018

Help Choose Our 2018 Parks Activities

Last year, over 2,000 Ferndale residents enjoyed our “Summer of Fun”. They marveled at a solar eclipse, searched for treasure across the City, played tug-a-war with their friends and family and ate delicious food at Star Park. This year, we are expanding our recreational activities to include even more events.

Help us decide which events to hold and when to offer these recreational opportunities by taking our 2018 Parks Activities Survey. It shouldn’t take more than five minutes, and your input will shape what we offer this year.

2018 Parks Activities Survey

January 22, 2018

City Council Sets Priorities for 2018

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

  1. 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
  2. A New Administration Building/Council Chambers/Courthouse
  3. Downtown Revitalization including infrastructure review, incentives for businesses, and improved parking
  4. Upgrade and Improve Main Street Traffic Lights/Crosswalk
  5. Hire a Grant Writer on Staff
  6. Finalize an agreement with Lummi Nation about Slater Road Development
  7. Establish a Parks Department
  8. Hire an Engineer on Staff
  9. Install Portal Way Sidewalks
  10. Approve a Long-Term Financial Plan

“Should” List

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

“Could” List

  1. Establish a Wetland Mitigation Bank
  2. Form a Volunteer Corps
  3. Address Homelessness in Ferndale
  4. Draft an Asset Management Plan
  5. Extend Water/Sewer Service to Grandview
  6. Install Pioneer Pavilion Air Conditioning
  7. Install Water Meter Telemetry System
  8. Approve a Pizza Annex Plan (Repurpose or Tear Down)
  9. Rebuild the Pioneer Park Stage
  10. Build the Community Plaza
January 12, 2018

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)