A community can’t thrive when its workforce is priced out
Whatcom County runs on small business owners, educators, and healthcare professionals. But too many can no longer afford to live where they work, pushed farther from the region they serve and call home.
Everyone feels the strain of rising costs
Whatcom County keeps growing, drawing new residents and new opportunities. But what does that growth mean if people who have put down roots here can no longer afford to stay?
When workers are forced farther out, the pressure doesn’t stay personal. Families lose hours to longer commutes. Employers struggle to hire and keep staff. Local businesses lose experienced talent. Schools, hospitals, nonprofits, restaurants, and service providers all feel the strain of a community pushing out its own workforce.
Unattainable housing affects the entire community
When people can’t afford to live near where they work and serve, the ripples are felt across Whatcom County.
A connected challenge needs an interconnected response
The Millworks was created because community challenges cannot be solved in isolation.
We flourish together or not at all. The Millworks is built on the understanding that a community’s health depends on everyone having what they need: a safe, stable home, meaningful work, quality childcare and a sense of belonging.
The Millworks brings these pieces together in one place. The first phase of the project has already delivered permanent affordable family housing and early learning. The next phase builds on that foundation with attainable workforce housing, a local food business incubator, nonprofit workspace, and outdoor gathering spaces. The challenge is real. So is the opportunity.
