A series of community forums in Whatcom County will give residents a chance to suggest ideas to support the region’s quality of life and develop its long-term vision.

The project, titled “Whatcom County Futures: Toward a Sustainable Economy,” has been developed by the Northwest Economic Council with support from the Whatcom Community Foundation.

Forums will feature short presentations by project leaders, as well as discussions of draft vision statements for the county. The project’s goal is to create a long-term vision statement focusing on Whatcom County’s future growth, economic development, environmental sustainability and equal opportunity for its residents.

Drafts of interim vision statements are available online:  http://www.nwecon.org/whatcom-futures-project.

Dates, locations of forums 

-Tuesday, Sept. 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; Blaine High School Cafeteria, Blaine

-Wednesday, Sept. 26, 4:30-6:30 p.m.; Squalicum Boathouse, Bellingham

-Wednesday, Oct. 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; East Whatcom Regional Resource Center, Kendall

-Thursday, Oct. 4, 4-6 p.m.; Lynden Library, Lynden

The Northwest Economic Council can be contacted at 360-676-4255; the Whatcom Community Foundation at 360-671-6463.