Community Investments.
Economic Opportunity.
Living Wage Jobs for Whatcom.

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Hi! I’m Samantha Cruz-Mendoza. I grew up here in Whatcom County and I’m running to represent District 4 on the Bellingham Port Commission.

I’ve led a career of public service, from clerking at Whatcom County Superior Court, to volunteer legal work on behalf of immigrant youth, to working at the Washington State Legislature.

I’m a hard worker, I love Whatcom County, and I want to help make this community more affordable. The Bellingham Port Commission is Whatcom’s economic driver; we can use this arm of local government to retain and increase local family-wage jobs. Let’s get to work.

Vote Samantha Cruz-Mendoza for District 4 Bellingham Port Commissioner on August 4th!

A Vision for a Thriving Whatcom County

Aerial view of a harbor with ships and industrial buildings, with a city and mountainous landscape in the background.

The Port of Bellingham is one of 75 in Washington State, but unique in the jurisdiction it encompasses. There is vast opportunity for Whatcom County residents to thrive, from its trade-beneficial geographical location, to the industries under the Port’s management, in maritime, electrical, aerospace machinery, and (due to recent community investment in Boxx Berry Farm) agricultural.

Here are my priorities for the Port of Bellingham to make Whatcom County thrive.

  • Supporting agricultural industry; provision of organic farming alternatives and education to local farmers

  • Expediting cleanup at Blaine and Squalicum Harbors; effective lobbying of state government for access to MTCA funds

  • Increasing flight destinations from the Bellingham International Airport to benefit the maritime workforce; flights to Alaska to support the commercial fishing industry

  • Expanding public access to the waterfront; collaboration with county and city governments for a pedestrian bridge from downtown Bellingham to Granary Ave; modernizing infrastructure of public piers in Blaine and Bellingham

Community Investments

Economic Opportunity

  • Supporting local apprenticeship and vocational programs in the maritime industry

  • Increasing days of operation at the Bellingham Shipping Terminal

  • Increasing agricultural and seafood exports to make Whatcom County a leader in international trade

  • Proactive outreach to residential neighborhoods in mixed-use zones

  • Collaboration with local workforce, businesses and government partners to increase tourism and economic development

  • Limiting surveillance and unnecessary data sharing with the federal government

The Port as a Partner to the People

A marina at dusk with boats docked and their reflections on calm water, under a cloudy sky with illuminated pathway lights.

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