Governor Ferguson Nominated 99 Sites for Opportunity Zones
The nominations for potential federal tax incentives include two key developments in Whatcom County.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Regional Economics
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Governor Bob Ferguson has officially announced 99 statewide nominations for the federal Opportunity Zones 2.0 program. The sites include a major intersection in Bellingham and a 160-acre development area at Salish Village.
Why it matters
This program aims to stimulate economic activity by offering tax incentives for real estate and business development in areas identified by low median income and high poverty metrics. If certified, these designations are expected to remain in effect for 10 years.
The nomination package includes 99 specific areas across Washington, highlighted by a 160-acre site at Salish Village. These zones are slated for a 10-year designation period beginning in 2027 if the U.S. Treasury Department grants certification.
The players
Bob Ferguson
He is the Governor of Washington who is responsible for submitting the state's official nominations to the federal government.
U.S. Treasury Department
This federal agency is responsible for the final review and certification of the submitted Opportunity Zone nominations.
The details
The Bellingham nomination covers a combined area spanning the Waterfront, Old Town, and Downtown districts. In contrast, the Salish Village site is focused on infrastructure expansion intended to host new retail, entertainment, and hotel businesses.
Timeline
October 8, 2026: Governor Ferguson announced the nominations.
2017: The Opportunity Zones program was first created.
January 1, 2027: Designations take effect if approved.
Macro View
These nominations represent a strategic extension of the investment frameworks established by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The program follows a pattern where states leverage federal tax incentives to address long-term regional economic disparities.
These potential designations could bring new retail and hospitality jobs to the Bellingham and Salish Village areas. Residents may see long-term changes to their local business landscape as developers utilize these tax incentives for new projects.
The takeaway
The Opportunity Zones 2.0 program provides a structured pathway for developers to access tax breaks while investing in historically underserved regions. If the sites are approved, residents should anticipate a decade-long cycle of commercial development in these designated zones.
What happens next
The U.S. Treasury Department will review the nominations, with successful designations expected to take effect on January 1, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on state-led economic initiatives, visit the Regional Economics section.
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