Bellingham's historically industrial waterfront became a highly-publicized target of interest when Georgia-Pacific announced consolidation of its waterfront operations. With environmental shoreline cleanup efforts beginning, the Port and City recognized a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for redevelopment. They began a joint planning effort and appointed 12 community members to the Waterfront Futures Group (WFG), a group charged with creating a fresh, compelling vision for current and future generations. The group quickly recognized the importance of viewing the City waterfront in its entirety, and expanded their study to the full eleven miles of uplands in addition to the GP site. WFG hired PRR to help harness the members diverse views and knowledge to create a specific yet flexible guide for redevelopment efforts.

With only three months to lead WFG through this process, PRR had to work fast. Supported by a team of urban designers, architects, developers and finance experts, PRR led WFG through a series of near weekly working sessions that resulted in creation of the Waterfront Vision Waterfront Framework Plan and the Waterfront Action Plan 2004-2007. Using large-scale versions of guiding principles, maps, concepts and recommendations, the documents literally took shape at the front of the room. By keeping the sessions open to the public, hosting a series of open houses, creating educational walking and boat tours, hosting booths at the Farmers Market and special events, and maximizing media coverage, WFG ensured broad, open access to information and WFG members.

The level of support, enthusiasm and clear direction created an effort with real momentum. With completion of the planning documents, the Port moved forward with acquisition of the Georgia-Pacific site an essential piece of the plan the Port noted was made possible by the WFG's work. The City's planning commission and city council have reviewed and approved the recommendations, and the planning department has initiated work to align City planning and zoning to reflect the WFG direction. Incorporation into the Comprehensive Plan and Shoreline Master Plan will follow, assuring the plans implementation over time. The City and Port have jointly appointed a ten-member oversight committee to ensure projects maintain consistency with the vision and plan. The community has a clear direction for the future of their City's waterfront.