Exploring Port Boundaries
As an economic development enterprise, the Port of Everett is always looking at ways to leverage the tools and resources unique to port districts to bring economic opportunity and added value to the communities it serves.
During the Port’s Strategic Plan outreach in 2018/2019, the Port sought public feedback to help set a roadmap for the next decade of Port initiatives. During public engagement, the Port heard interest in expanding Port boundaries linked to a desire to see the Port’s strategic investments and infrastructure improvements stretch into other parts of Snohomish County.
While many large public port districts throughout Washington state are county-wide, the Port of Everett is not. Currently, the Port’s boundaries encompass most of Everett, portions of Mukilteo, and small parts of Marysville and unincorporated Snohomish County with about 110,000 residents. To put this into perspective, with nearly 830,000 residents and counting, only about 15% of the County has port representation.
Having county-wide port representation allows for stronger ports who can provide even more resources and benefits to its district residents and businesses. Note, however, that the Port of Everett would not be seeking to include the Port of Edmonds in its boundaries.
Why Now?
With all of the Port of Everett's existing properties within its current district developed, in development now or programmed for future development, the Port is looking to the future to see how and where its unique tools and resources could create new economic value throughout the county.
The Port District boundaries as they are drawn today limit how the Port can partner with neighboring cities to advance their community's specific economic and community priorities – whether that be transportation improvements and close-to-home job opportunities or quality-of-life enhancements by way of community revitalization, mixed-use and recreational amenities, environmental initiatives and more.
Given these limitations and the initial community interest, the Port Commission tasked staff with taking a more formal look at the topic of boundary expansion, including an economic value study and legal assessment of what it would take to expand — and most importantly — a community assessment to see if, and where, Port partnership is desired.
WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK!
Do you live in Snohomish County, but currently reside outside of the Port District? Do you see value in the Port of Everett expanding its footprint to be able to partner with your community to add its unique resources and tools to your area to support specific economic and quality of life needs there?
Please take this quick survey through our third-party vendor Critical Data to help us gauge if Port presence is desired in your community and where it could be most beneficial.
The survey is open now through Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, and will be made available in both English and Spanish, with additional languages and accessibility options available upon request to publicaffairs@portofeverett.com.
Respondents may also take the survey by phone by calling 909-496-5755 Monday – Saturday, between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.