Chris Elder
Candidate for Port of Bellingham Commissioner, District 5
Background
- Occupation
- Owner, Rivershed SPC (natural resource consulting)
- Lives in
- South Fork Valley, Whatcom County
- Campaign website
- votechriselder.com
Owner for six years of Rivershed SPC, a natural resource consulting firm, who has worked with counties for over twelve years on farmland preservation, floodplain planning and watershed management. First-time candidate who co-founded and chaired Twin Sisters Market and Coastal Farmland Trust; M.S. in agriculture, Washington State University.
Documented positions
Economy & jobs
Supports investing in working-land industries and salmon habitat
ReportCandidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General ElectionProvided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
“We grow our economy by investing in working land industries, restoring salmon habitat, and creating good jobs.”
Roads & infrastructure
Supports trade, airport opportunities and working waterfronts
ReportCandidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General ElectionProvided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
“Trade, strategic airport opportunities, defending our working waterfronts — I'll push for these priorities with transparency and accountability.”
Environment & parks
Supports cleanup of legacy contamination and strict development standards
ReportCandidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General ElectionProvided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
“I'll continue supporting cleanup of legacy contamination and hold new development to the highest standards as we face rising seas and weather extremes.”
Supports protecting farmland and local food systems
ReportPrioritiesProvided by the campaign · Chris Elder for Port of Bellingham District 5 Committee · votechriselder.com
“Chris has helped protect farmland, expand opportunities for farmers, and support local food systems.”
Government & transparency
Supports port representation for rural east county communities
ReportPrioritiesProvided by the campaign · Chris Elder for Port of Bellingham District 5 Committee · votechriselder.com
“Chris believes communities like Acme, Glacier, Maple Falls, South Fork Valley, and other rural areas deserve meaningful representation.”
Supports long-term planning for waterfront and industrial growth
ReportPrioritiesProvided by the campaign · Chris Elder for Port of Bellingham District 5 Committee · votechriselder.com
“These decisions deserve careful planning and long-term thinking.”
All sources (5)
- Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General Election: Whatcom County
Election filing · Washington Secretary of State · voter.votewa.gov
- Sample Ballot, General and Special Election, November 3, 2026
Election filing · Whatcom County Auditor · whatcomcounty.us
- Whatcom County Official Local Voters' Pamphlet, November 3, 2026 General and Special Election
Election filing · Whatcom County Auditor · whatcomcounty.us
- Candidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General Election
Provided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov
- Priorities
Provided by the campaign · Chris Elder for Port of Bellingham District 5 Committee · votechriselder.com
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.