For the first time since voters approved the creation of the Port of Everett in 1918, the port is advancing an effort to expand the boundaries of its district.
Port commissioners have authorized port staff members to submit a proposition to Snohomish County Council for voters to consider the expansion. A proposal is expected to appear on the August 2024 primary ballot.
The port is expected to prepare and file the necessary paperwork with the Snohomish County auditor and the Snohomish County Council to include the measure on the ballot. A simple majority would be needed for approval.
The measure calls for extending the port district to all of Snohomish County, excluding the city of Edmonds, Port of Edmonds and Town of Woodway limits.
The decision followed an exploratory effort by the port to conduct an economic value study and legal assessment of expanding port district boundaries beyond their current footprint in order to “be better positioned to bring value and economic opportunities to more of Snohomish County,” according to the port.
“At this time, only about 15% of the county population has access to port economic development resources,” Port CEO/Executive Director Lisa Lefeber said. “The Port of Everett is one of the largest ports in the state that doesn’t serve the whole county. This measure, if passed, would allow the port to invest in key transportation, economic development and environmental projects outside the current district.”