Bellingham to conduct census in new portion of city

The city will conduct a census in an area of Mount Baker Highway that was recently annexed into city limits.

The annexed area is on the edge of the city’s Irongate and Barkley neighborhoods.

People who live near Sunset Drive/Mount Baker Highway and Dewey Valley Road will be asked to identify themselves so the city’s population count can be updated. State tax money gets distributed based on population, so an accurate count gives the city its fair share of taxes to help provide services.

The census work will take place between Monday, Jan. 18, and Feb. 2.

City Council approved annexing 163.5 acres in that area on Nov. 16, 2015. The area will officially be in city limits as of Feb. 1.

Samantha Wohlfeil

This story was originally published January 16, 2016 at 5:02 AM with the headline "Bellingham to conduct census in new portion of city."