**File:** BEL-CON-CED-2025-08-11_Meeting_Metadata.md **Meeting Type:** Community and Economic Development Committee **Date:** August 11, 2025 **Duration:** 33m 26s **Start Time:** 1:00 PM **End Time:** 1:33 PM **Committee Members Present:** - Jace Cotton (Chair) - Daniel Hammill (Third Ward) - Edwin H. "Skip" Williams (Fourth Ward) **Key Attendees:** - Deb Granger (Interim Managing Director, Working Waterfront Foundation) - Dan Tucker (Executive Director, Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition) - Mayor Kimberley Lund (participating) **Primary Focus:** Presentation from Whatcom Working Waterfront Foundation on maritime workforce development programs, including apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship initiatives. **Major Topics Covered:** - Maritime career pathways and workforce development - Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship Program - Buoyant Beginnings Pre-Apprenticeship Program - Marine Economic and Research Institute for Sustainability (MERIS) Project - Partnership opportunities with criminal justice diversion programs **Decision Points:** Information gathering session; no formal votes taken. --- **File:** BEL-CON-CED-2025-08-11_Executive_Summary.md The Community and Economic Development Committee received a comprehensive presentation from the Whatcom Working Waterfront Foundation on their maritime workforce development initiatives. The session highlighted critical programs addressing regional workforce shortages in marine trades, which represent 7% of the local economy. **Key Program Highlights:** **Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship Program:** - Four-year registered apprenticeship with Washington State - 80% on-the-job training, 20% classroom instruction - Currently serving 10 counties with 14 employer partners - $1,500 annual tuition per apprentice - Evening and weekend classes to accommodate work schedules **Buoyant Beginnings Pre-Apprenticeship:** - Six-week paid summer program for ages 18-29 - Partnership with Lummi Nation - 15 current participants completing two-week work experiences - Focus on unemployed/underemployed individuals - Combines professional development with hands-on skills training **MERIS Project (Blaine):** - One-year planning grant from Builders Initiative - Focus on marine waters preservation and enhancement in Drayton Harbour - Foundation serves as fiscal agent **Committee Response:** Council members expressed strong support for the programs, noting their potential for replication in other sectors and integrat…