Whatcom County is in the process of updating its 2008 Birch Bay Incorporation Feasibility Study in response to community demand. To assist efforts, a survey has opened for part- and full-time Birch Bay residents that will determine the study’s focus.
The five-minute survey, which started August 18, will be available through Wednesday, September 10.
Independent consultants Community Attributes, Inc. and Maul Foster & Alongi, are leading the county-funded incorporation feasibility study. The feasibility study will include projected costs of Birch Bay becoming its own city and examine public service levels, among other data.
The feasibility study is a neutral report that will not provide recommendations, according to the county. The study is intended for Birch Bay community members to review before they decide whether they want the unincorporated urban growth area to become a city.
Survey questions ask for feedback on respondents’ satisfaction with public services, including sewer, road maintenance, parks and recreation and public safety. The survey also asks if there are additional services from which residents could benefit, and it provides space for detailed responses if desired.
The Birch Bay Incorporation Association (BBIA), a group of Birch Bay residents, have released several surveys over the last couple of years to receive feedback from the community. BBIA asked the county to fund the feasibility study, but is not involved in developing it.
The feasibility study is expected to be finished this fall after the survey closes mid-September. BBIA will then decide whether to pursue the next steps of incorporation, which founder Matt Berry has previously said could mean putting an incorporation measure on ballots in November 2026.
Part of unincorporated Whatcom County, Birch Bay relies primarily on county services such as the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Planning and Development Services and Whatcom County Public Works Department. The Birch Bay Water and Sewer District and North Whatcom Fire and Rescue are separate from county government but also provide services to the community.
To take the survey, visit the county’s website at bit.ly/4mOa2lE.
