This Month's Latest Tech News in Bellingham, WA - Wednesday April 30th 2025 Edition

Bellingham is making headlines this May with a dynamic blend of AI innovation, data transparency, and regional energy efficiency. The 2025 CleanTech Innovation Showcase highlights the Pacific Northwest's role in accelerating the net-zero economy, convening startups, researchers, and policymakers to foster breakthroughs in sustainability and advanced manufacturing.

Meanwhile, the American AI landscape continues to surge, with venture capital firms like SignalFire raising $1 billion to fund new AI startups and several players - including OpenAI and Anthropic - securing multi-billion-dollar rounds in 2025 (read TechCrunch's roundup of funded AI innovators).

Locally, businesses are also leveraging tech to embed wellness and automation into flexible, resilient work cultures. As Bellingham's ecosystem cultivates meaningful advances - from digital infrastructure to workforce well-being - the city stands out as a regional tech leader poised for continued growth.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has identified 16 federal sites - including the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland, Eastern Washington - as candidates for data center and AI infrastructure development, reinforcing the region's growing reputation as a technology and energy innovation hub.

The initiative, guided by recent executive orders and a comprehensive Request for Information (RFI), seeks to co-locate advanced data centers with new energy generation - most notably, nuclear power - to meet surging national demand for AI computing while fostering clean energy leadership.

The Richland site stands out due to its 295-acre tract, transferred from the historic Hanford nuclear site, and its synergy with ongoing projects such as Amazon and Energy Northwest's proposed small modular reactor (SMR) facility, which could scale up to 960 megawatts.

Chris Wright, Secretary of Energy, called this initiative “the next Manhattan Project” and stressed,

“We're at a critical time again right now where another technology of simply immense import is hitting critical mass and is going to change our world in the next several years... It is critical, just like Manhattan Project 1, that the United States wins this race.”

DOE's approach leverages Eastern Washington's skilled workforce, stable climate, and low construction costs, aiming for operations to commence by 2027.

Data center electricity demand is projected to soar, with AI facilities potentially consuming up to 12% of U.S. power by 2028. For a detailed breakdown of DOE's site selection and local impact, see this analysis of Richland's AI data center potential, as well as DOE's official federal site announcement and RFI.

For more on the policy context and the executive order backing this push, visit Biden's directive to facilitate AI data center power.

The scale, collaboration opportunities, and integration of nuclear energy position Eastern Washington at the forefront of America's AI-powered clean energy transition.

Bellingham's Noosphere is making headlines this month with the launch of BoardLink, an innovative platform designed to bring enhanced transparency and accessibility to public data.

This initiative arrives at a time when technology experts point to AI as a transformative force for government transparency, with Professor Margaret Kwoka noting before Congress that

"new technologies could improve government transparency and relieve the large volume of requests burdening agencies"

in her Senate testimony on AI and public records.

BoardLink capitalizes on the latest advancements in AI-driven dashboards and conversational analytics - similar to the features highlighted in Databricks' April 2025 roundup, such as file upload capabilities, intuitive dashboards, and AI-suggested data queries, all designed to democratize data access for non-technical users as detailed in Databricks' update on AI/BI innovation.

As open data and interactive board sharing become more central to public engagement, new tools like BoardLink position Bellingham at the forefront of civic tech innovation, echoing the push for open, creative data ecosystems seen across industries.

This momentum is further underscored by the broad adoption of digital board-sharing features seen on platforms like Pinterest, where enhanced sharing options and personalized boards have sparked dramatic user engagement increases - including a 255% rise in “mecore” themed boards and significant collaborations with creators according to Pinterest's recent board-sharing announcement.

As Bellingham leans into this open data movement, BoardLink looks set to unlock powerful new opportunities for local government, researchers, and citizens alike.

Seattle's streets drew national attention this April as crosswalk signals in at least six intersections - including busy spots in the University District and South Lake Union - were hacked to play AI-generated deepfakes of Jeff Bezos urging, “Please don't tax the rich… Otherwise, all the other billionaires will move to Florida too” according to The Seattle Times.

The incidents, echoing similar pranks in Silicon Valley that targeted voices of Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, leveraged basic Bluetooth access and likely default passwords, making Seattle's open infrastructure vulnerable to unauthorized audio uploads as detailed by KUOW.

While some pedestrians found the satirical messages amusing, city officials and accessibility advocates expressed serious concern, emphasizing that crosswalk audio cues are vital for visually impaired residents.

In response, the Seattle Department of Transportation swiftly restored standard signals and announced plans to strengthen digital security. The episode also highlighted broader risks: security experts warned that many popular AI voice cloning tools have minimal safeguards, raising red flags about potential for misuse and impersonation fraud, especially given recent Consumer Reports findings.

“The audio recordings at crosswalks play a critical role for people who are blind or have limited vision, helping them to cross streets safely. We are concerned that someone would disregard the safety of people to make a political statement,”

stated a city spokesperson.

For a breakdown of major incidents and locations, see the table below.

Date	Location	Figure Impersonated
April 2025	Seattle (University District, South Lake Union)	Jeff Bezos
April 2025	Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Redwood City	Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg

Learn more about city responses and the risks of AI-powered voice attacks in this security industry overview of voice cloning tool vulnerabilities.

Amazon and Energy Northwest have launched an ambitious partnership to address the surging energy demands of Pacific Northwest data centers through the development of advanced small modular reactors (SMRs) near the Columbia Generating Station in Richland, WA. Backed by an initial $334 million investment from Amazon, the project's first phase will deploy four Xe-100 high-temperature gas-cooled SMRs, generating a total of 320 MW, with capacity to scale up to 960 MW - enough to power more than 770,000 U.S. homes.

This initiative not only targets Amazon's net-zero carbon operations pledge by 2040 but also positions SMRs as a scalable, carbon-free solution for regional utilities and tech growth.

As Amazon details, the SMRs offer a smaller physical footprint and faster deployment than conventional reactors, supporting a more resilient and sustainable power grid.

The $4 billion project welcomes local utility participation, with public power entities like Richland offered early purchase options on reactor output, and is projected to create over 1,000 construction jobs and 100+ permanent positions once operational (see Tri-City Herald's economic impact analysis).

As Daniel Gross, director at Amazon's Climate Fund, explains, advanced nuclear projects like this demand significant upfront capital and extended feasibility phases because “SMRs are complicated in part because there are none currently operating in the U.S....

just having a PPA…isn't enough to raise the money that's necessary to take the risk of construction, or even the earlier-stage risk of getting a license through the NRC.”

“If we want the power, we need to address the shortfall in the market, which is capital for development, licensing, and construction.”

For deeper insights into Amazon's investment strategy and the future of SMRs in tech energy infrastructure, explore Latitude Media's detailed analysis of regional and industry trends.

Atlas Agro is set to transform sustainable agriculture in the Pacific Northwest with its Pacific Green Fertilizer (PGF) facility in Richland, WA - poised to be the world's first at-scale, carbon-free nitrate fertilizer plant.

With a projected investment of up to $1.5 billion and a 2027 launch, the facility will employ groundbreaking green hydrogen technology to make up to 700,000 tons of fertilizer per year, reducing emissions by 99% compared to conventional production and supporting regional job growth.

The project leverages water electrolysis, carbon-free electricity, and local limestone, minimizing environmental impact. As Petter Østbø, CEO of Atlas Agro, remarked,

“Our partnership with IRM is a significant milestone in our progress to bring locally produced, green nitrogen fertilizer products to growers in the Pacific Northwest.”

The city of Richland is considering a $20 million, 10-year property tax waiver to attract this development as part of its strategy to become a leading clean energy hub.

Backed by federal incentives as part of the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub and regional support, Atlas Agro's initiative not only offers economic growth and energy innovation but also aims to provide sustainable input for high-value crops such as potatoes.

See the table below for a summary of key project details:

Aspect	Details
Location	Richland, Washington
Investment	$1.1–$1.5 billion
Production Capacity	700,000 tons/year
Jobs	~158–200
Power Demand	Up to 350 MW
Start of Production	2027 (planned)

For further details on this groundbreaking project, visit the official Atlas Agro Pacific Green Fertilizer project page, read the Tri-Cities Business News coverage on Atlas Agro's distributor partnership, and review the local impact outlined in the AOL report on the proposed plant and tax incentives.

Repurposing land from the historic Hanford nuclear site is rapidly catalyzing high-tech economic development in the Tri-Cities region, blending environmental cleanup with the rise of next-generation industries.

The Department of Energy has identified Richland - a city with deep nuclear roots and a highly skilled workforce - as a prime site for advanced data centers and AI infrastructure powered by small modular reactors (SMRs), accelerating the region's shift toward clean technology and digital innovation.

Major projects emerging on former Hanford land include a $1.3 billion carbon-free fertilizer plant by Atlas Agro, a $4.5 billion advanced nuclear fuel production facility known as "Project Spin," and collaborative ventures between Amazon, Energy Northwest, and X-energy to develop SMRs supporting expansive data center growth.

As detailed by the Bridging Partnerships Small Business Symposium, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and labor organizations are encouraged to leverage these developments for economic opportunities beyond the traditional scope of Hanford's cleanup.

Policy recommendations in Project 2025 could speed up site remediation, but involve complex debates over waste classification, environmental safety, and funding.

Meanwhile, the influx of landmark investments and DOE support programs for high-assay, low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel supply is transforming the landscape for advanced reactor deployments, as summarized in the table below.

As summarized by the Tri-City Herald, these strategic advances have the potential to generate thousands of skilled jobs while ensuring that economic diversification and environmental stewardship go hand-in-hand.

Featured Project	Investment	Projected Jobs
Atlas Agro Pacific Green Fertilizer	$1.3B	300+
Advanced Nuclear Fuel Facility ("Project Spin")	$4.5B	1,000
Amazon/Energy Northwest SMR Project	$334M feasibility, multi-billion potential	Support for AI/data center jobs

“This groundbreaking project, led by a key partner in the advanced nuclear industry, will leverage the Tri-Cities' legacy of leadership and innovation in clean energy.”

Bellingham-based BoardLink is rapidly expanding its influence through strategic partnerships in health, education, and justice, mirroring the broad, equity-driven approach observed in leading statewide initiatives.

Across education systems, such as California's, BoardLink-style platforms are helping to deliver essential AI tools and personalized learning while maintaining a strong emphasis on data privacy, academic integrity, and the ethical use of technology.

Notably, the California State University system now provides free AI resources to over 500,000 students and staff, bridging digital divides and ensuring workforce readiness for the AI economy through collaboration with top tech firms - demonstrating the scalable impact of public-private alliance in promoting accessible, responsible AI learning (California State University unveils massive AI venture).

These advances prioritize safety, inclusion, and transparency; for example, the California Department of Education's workgroup brings together diverse voices to guide equitable AI adoption while safeguarding student interests (Artificial Intelligence in Education Workgroup).

The importance of universal access and ethical standards is reinforced by professional development programs, webinars, and communities of practice that help educators and administrators stay ahead of emerging challenges and opportunities (AI Professional Development and Learning Opportunities).

BoardLink's expansion through cross-sector partnerships embodies this movement by integrating best practices to ensure AI's benefits are amplified across public data and services, setting a strong precedent for technology equity and inclusion.

The recent Seattle crosswalk hacks, in which several intersections played an AI-generated voice mimicking Jeff Bezos making satirical pleas against taxing the rich, have ignited widespread debate over both accessibility and social equity in public technology.

The prank, which referenced controversial local events and Washington's proposed wealth tax, also occurred as lawmakers considered new taxes targeting high earners and corporations.

While some pedestrians saw humor in the stunt, others emphasized the potential safety risks for visually impaired residents who rely on accessible audio cues - concerns echoed by the Seattle Department of Transportation:

“The audio recordings at crosswalks play a critical role for people who are blind or have limited vision, helping them to cross streets safely. We are concerned that someone would disregard the safety of people to make a political statement. We take this matter seriously and are working as fast as we can to respond to the situation. We are also working with our vendor to explore stronger security measures to prevent future hacking.”

Experts highlight how this incident sheds light on broader vulnerabilities in government IoT systems, as similar hacks spoofing tech leaders have struck cities across the West Coast due to lax Bluetooth or Wi-Fi security, with research noting that 25% of connected IoT devices globally rely on Bluetooth - often leaving them open to mischief if default credentials go unchanged.

The disrupted intersections included prominent Seattle locations such as Fairview Ave & Denny Way and multiple University District crossings, as shown below:

Intersection	Status
Fairview Ave & Denny Way	Hacked, repaired
15th Ave NE & NE 45th St	Hacked, repaired
Brooklyn Ave NE & NE 45th St	Hacked, repaired

As Seattle moves to fortify its infrastructure, the hack has sparked reflection - should pranks that amplify tech equity debates come at the cost of accessibility? Read deeper into the original reporting at The Seattle Times' coverage of the AI crosswalk hack, examine the broader IoT security warnings in Government Technology's analysis of government IoT vulnerabilities, and find additional local context in KOMO News' report on prank crosswalk messages.

As Bellingham and the broader Washington region push the boundaries of innovation, nonprofits and community-driven technology initiatives are stepping up to fill critical gaps left by government data resources.

The Partnership, Inc.'s BoardLink initiative exemplifies this local drive, connecting multicultural professionals with boards seeking fresh perspectives to enhance public service and transparency.

Nationally, specialized platforms like Board Intelligence have attracted investment to ramp up governance and decision-making capabilities for over 3,000 organizations worldwide.

As co-founder Jennifer Sundberg notes,

“Our mission is to transform the effectiveness of every board in the world. K1's vision and expertise will be instrumental in expanding the value we deliver.”

Community impact extends to the data layer: partners like phData, named 2025 Fivetran Partner of the Year, drive reliable, sector-specific data integrations that benefit education, finance, and health organizations tackling underserved needs.

The momentum from these organizations reflects a broader movement recently highlighted at the 2025 Partnership Conference West, where leaders, innovators, and nonprofits converged to strategize on bold, community-centered data partnerships.

Together, these efforts are democratizing data access and building digital infrastructure for equitable and informed civic innovation.

The Tri-Cities and Spokane regions of Washington are rapidly emerging as premier destinations for tech investment, fueled by their unique combination of affordable costs, favorable climate, and a deep talent pool nurtured by local universities.

Leading the charge is Avalanche Energy Designs, a fusion-focused Seattle startup, which is investing $30 million into a new research and potential manufacturing outpost in Richland to advance clean, portable fusion reactor technology - an initiative that is expected to create up to 60 new jobs by 2031 and reinforce the Tri-Cities' storied legacy in energy innovation through their expansion plans.

Spokane, meanwhile, has attracted a $48 million federal grant to establish the American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center, a tech hub focused on developing advanced thermoplastic composites critical for the next generation of aircraft, with major collaboration from nearly 50 industry and academic partners and a strong emphasis on workforce training and sustainable aviation as described by Senator Maria Cantwell and project leaders.

Local manufacturing expansions are also on the rise - regional companies are scaling up their operations and creating new jobs to capitalize on this influx of advanced manufacturing and clean-tech opportunities with a reported uptick in Spokane-based job creation.

The coordinated efforts of public and private sector stakeholders are turning Washington's interior into a national technology leader. Below is a snapshot of recent investment activity:

Project	Type	Investment	Location	Expected Impact
Avalanche Energy Fusion Outpost	Clean Energy/Fusion	$30 million	Richland, Tri-Cities	23-60 new jobs by 2031; clean energy tech
Spokane Aerospace Tech Hub	Advanced Manufacturing	$48 million (grant)	Spokane	National leader in thermoplastic composites; workforce training

“Spokane's Tech Hub positions our state at the forefront of sustainable aviation innovation.” – IAM District 751 President Jon Holden

Bellingham and Washington State are carving out a pivotal role in the evolving national tech landscape, demonstrating how regional assets can drive global ambition.

Eastern Washington is at the forefront as the Department of Energy solicits developers for new AI data centers and advanced energy infrastructure on former Hanford nuclear land in Richland, supported by partnerships with Amazon and Energy Northwest to pioneer small modular nuclear reactors and boost local job creation.

This strategic positioning leverages the Tri-Cities' skilled talent, infrastructure, and stable climate for reliability and efficiency - a move that's particularly relevant as U.S. data centers are projected to jump from consuming 2% to 10% of national energy by 2027, requiring innovations such as zero-carbon power to keep pace with soaring AI demand (DOE names Richland for possible AI data center site).

State leadership is equally proactive, with Governor Ferguson commissioning studies to balance the economic, tax, and energy impacts of this expansion (Washington governor orders team to study data centers' impact).

As Project Frame experts note, we are in a “generational moment” where AI's energy needs are reshaping markets, and nuclear's zero-carbon promise is being rediscovered:

“It's all about the people who are doing it.” – Michael Kearney

Washington's synergy of local innovation, clean energy projects, and public investment stands as a model as the global “race for AI dominance” accelerates (Global race for AI dominance could start at Eastern WA nuclear site).

With these initiatives, Washington is not just catching up - it is setting the standard for tech-driven, sustainable growth nationwide.