EVACUATION NOTICE

EVACUATION NOTICE

Out of an abundance of caution, the City of Ferndale is STRONGLY encouraging and requesting the voluntary evacuation of all residents and businesses in the area south of Main Street between 4th Avenue and the Nooksack River, effective immediately.  The Nooksack River has not yet reached its crest, and the potential exists for the river to breach the existing levee.  Residents and businesses are encouraged to secure and then evacuate their properties; the City will inform the public when it is safe to return.  All residents outside of the voluntary evacuation area are requested to avoid any unnecessary trips and to stay off the roadways, in order for emergency and first responders to effectively respond to the emergency.

Evacuees should exit to the north and Main Street to leave the area.  Temporary shelter is now available at the Ferndale High School cafeteria, which can be accessed off Golden Eagle Drive or Shuksan Drive from Vista Drive or Washington Street.  More to come on more shelter options as information becomes available.  For questions, please call Ferndale City Hall at (360) 384-4006.

Now Accepting Applications for City Council Vacancy

Front Row: Councilmembers Paul Shuey, Herb Porter, Kate Bishop and Ramon Llanos. Back Row: Councilmembers Ryan O’Larey, Erin Gunter, Mayor Greg Hansen and Councilmember Ali Hawkinson

Applications are now being accepted to fill a vacancy on the Ferndale City Council due to the resignation of Councilmember Ramon Llanos.

The vacant seat will be on the November 2021 ballot as a new 4-year term; therefore, the appointed Councilmember will serve only until the November 2021 election is certified, at which point the candidate who prevails in the election will take office and serve for the rest of 2021.

Applicants should plan to attend the January 4, 2021 regular City Council meeting, during which they will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and be briefly interviewed by current Councilmembers. The selected applicant will be sworn in that evening and will begin to serve immediately. For instructions and an application packet, please click here. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. Monday, December 7.

Notice of Traffic Revision and Possible Delays: Monday, April 21st

W Smith Road between Saratoga Place and Byers Road

Drivers should expect delays as traffic is reduced to single lane alternating traffic for roadway repair on W Smith Rd between Saratoga Pl and Byers Rd. The traffic revision is in effect Monday, April 21st from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Flaggers will be on-site to direct traffic.

Notice of Traffic Revision and Possible Delays: Wednesday, April 16th and Thursday, April 17th 2025

5738 & 5744 Third Avenue between Vista Dr. and Washington St.

Drivers should expect delays as traffic is reduced to single lane alternating traffic on Third Avenue between Vista Dr and Washington St, near the Cargill Ferndale Grain facility. The traffic revision is in effect Wednesday, April 16th from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If needed, work will continue with the same hours on Thursday, April 17th. Flaggers will be on-site to direct traffic.

Notice of Traffic Revision and Possible Delays: Monday, April 21st

Downtown Ferndale – Pioneer (Main Street) Bridge over the Nooksack River

Drivers should plan to detour around downtown Ferndale on Monday, April 21st as WSDOT performs a routine bridge inspection on the Pioneer Bridge over the Nooksack River. The traffic revision is in effect from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Traffic will be reduced to single lane alternating traffic over the bridge. Flaggers will be on-site to direct traffic.

To avoid the downtown congestion drivers are advised to use either I-5 Exit 260 at Slater Rd or I-5 Exit 263 at Portal Way.

2025 Comp Plan Update – Community Planning Meeting

April 15 Community Planning Meeting

The City of Ferndale’s Community Development Department and Western Washington University’s Urban Planning Studio invites the public to a community planning meeting on Tuesday, April 15th from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall Annex (5694 Second Avenue).  This meeting will also be held online via Teams.

The meeting will consist of a Western Washington University student presentation and opportunity for community feedback on a proposal to create three new future neighborhoods to meet Ferndale’s urban growth needs. Light refreshments will be provided and children are welcome. Come share your vision for the future of Ferndale!

Project Overview: The City of Ferndale’s population is currently 16,762 and is expected to gain 10,961 residents and 3,337 jobs over the next 20 years. This requires the city to provide for new housing, jobs, civic, and public spaces, presenting challenges in preparing for growth. Partnering with City of Ferndale, Urban Planning Students at WWU are working to develop urban development models to accommodate new growth while improving the quality of life for current residents. A proposal for meeting future growth demands focuses on establishing Complete Neighborhood Communities. The sites were investigated for future development as Complete Neighborhoods.

What is a Complete Community? A Complete Community, also commonly known as an Urban Village or a 15-Minute City, is a neighborhood-scale development strategy which locates key uses an resident may need within walkable or bikeable distances. Characterized by close proximity to residences, urban amenities, and jobs, complete communities also prioritizes multimodal connectivity throughout the community. By applying Complete Community principles as well as the feedback received in community engagement sessions, we are working on actionable policy changes and implementation strategies that could bring the vision of Complete Communities to Ferndale.