Tuesday, February 6, 2018

New Bellingham Director of Economic Development

By Karen Robes Meeks

Don Goldberg is the Port of Bellingham’s new Director of Economic Development.

Goldberg, whose salary will be funded jointly by the port, the city of Bellingham and Whatcom County, will be involved in attracting and retaining businesses and developing and maintaining family-wage jobs throughout the county.

With more than 25 years of economic development experience working in the commercial real estate, nonprofit and government sectors, Goldberg previously served as Director of Business Development for the Port of Portland.

He sees potential opportunities on Bellingham’s downtown waterfront. “The continued revitalization of Bellingham’s downtown core is critical to the success of the regional economy” he said. “Downtown Bellingham is the heart of the city and the region and maintaining a critical mass of commercial, cultural and civic activities can become a major stimulator for economic growth throughout Whatcom County. The waterfront redevelopment project offers large development parcels and new waterfront amenities, which are a unique opportunity for business development within the city center.”