A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to address Whatcom County’s biggest challenges for everyone’s benefit

Building lasting solutions for Whatcom County

The Millworks is a bold, community-driven development project on the waterfront in Bellingham, Washington. It combines affordable homes, childcare, a food business incubator, nonprofit workspace, and public life in one place for the working people who make Whatcom County thrive.

The big challenge: People can’t afford to live where they work

Across Whatcom County, families and workers are feeling the strain of rising housing and childcare shortages.

The people who enhance and enrich Whatcom County are feeling pushed out of the region they serve and call home. When essential workers can’t afford to live here, it impacts everyone.

Grandson embracing his grandmother, expressing love and affection in a heartwarming moment at home

Nurse eating a salad with stethoscope around her neck sitting outside

I love my work as a nurse, but I can’t afford to live in Bellingham.
I commute two hours round trip, each day, to the hospital.
That’s time I can’t spend with my children.

— RN at local hospital

An innovative solution

The Millworks is designed to address the urgent needs of working people and families, while creating new opportunities and lasting benefits for the broader community— all on Bellingham’s historic waterfront.

Mockup of residential common area in The Millworks

The Nest @Millworks

The Nest will bring 100+ units of attainable workforce housing to the Bellingham waterfront for the people who keep Whatcom County moving. That means housing close to jobs, childcare, transit, food and community that helps families stay rooted here.

Diverse food service workers serving meals

The Kitchens @Millworks

The Kitchens will support Whatcom County’s local food economy with incubator kitchens, shared commercial kitchen space, cold storage, retail opportunities, and business support for local food entrepreneurs and small businesses ready to grow.

Nonprofit team brainstorming using sticky notes.

The Good Works Lab @Millworks

The Good Works Lab will create workspace for nonprofit and mission-driven organizations working on the issues that shape daily life in Whatcom County, fostering more collaboration and solution finding.

Gathering Spaces @Millworks

The Millworks will include public spaces designed for connection across generations, making it perfect for community events, live music, cultural celebrations, and quiet moments to enjoy the view.

The vital role of philanthropy

“We are looking for visionaries — our community needs philanthropists to take bold leadership and give in ways that surpass the boundaries of past practice.

Why? Because it will improve lives. Because we need to strive for what’s possible, not what’s typical.”

Mauri Ingram | President & CEO, Whatcom Community Foundation

Rendering of The Millworks exterior which people outside

Partner with us. Let’s do things differently so we get different outcomes. Better outcomes.

Together, we can co-create lasting solutions for everyone in Whatcom County.

Learn about the Millworks