An effort to envision and then plan for the long-term future of Whatcom County has been revived, with community meetings taking place across the county over the next two weeks.

What is now called the Whatcom Futures Project replaces the Legacy Project, which ended in 2010 before producing any meaningful results, said Chris Mefford of Community Attributes International. The Seattle-based consultant is helping the Northwest Economic Council lead the current project.

The council was selected for a $125,000 grant from the Whatcom Community Foundation because the council is committed to economic development, foundation President Mauri Ingram said.

"We know that economic development plays a key role in (long-term planning)," Ingram said.

The former Legacy Project wasn't successful because it didn't have enough representation from business, Mefford said.

The goal of the Whatcom Futures Project is to chart a course for development more than 20 years from now that balances growth, the environment, and health and productivity for all who live and work in the county.

Forums to gather public input will be held at the following times and locations:

- 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, at the Blaine High School cafeteria, 1055 H St.

- 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, at Squalicum Boathouse, Zuanich Point Park, Bellingham.

- 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, at the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center, 8251 Kendall Road.

- 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, at the Lynden Library, 216 4th St.

More information is at nwecon.org/whatcomfuturesproject.

Reach RALPH SCHWARTZ at ralph.schwartz@bellinghamherald.com or call 360-715-2289. Read the Politics Blog at blogs.bellinghamherald.com/politics.