Port of Everett: A Hub for Trade and Economic Growth

The Port of Everett is a thriving hub for trade and economic growth in the Pacific Northwest. Strategically located on the Puget Sound, it provides easy access to major markets and transportation routes.

With a total of 16 miles of waterfront property, the port can accommodate a wide range of vessels and cargo. Its proximity to the Cascade Range and the Olympic Peninsula also makes it an ideal location for the export of natural resources.

The port's cargo volumes have been steadily increasing over the years, with a record-breaking 2.8 million tons of cargo handled in 2020. This growth is a testament to the port's efficiency and its ability to meet the demands of the global market.

As the port continues to expand and modernize, it is expected to create new job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the region.

The Port of Everett has a rich history dating back to 1918, when it was established via a referendum of Everett citizens.

It was formed in hopes of luring a naval shipyard, but instead became a major lumber trader in the 1920s, leveraging the dominant industry in Everett at the time.

The Port of Everett operated a major shipbuilder, the Everett-Pacific Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, from 1942 to 1949, as part of the national response to World War II.

However, this shipbuilder did not remain in place after the war. The port later became dependent on importing parts for Boeing's aircraft assembly business in Everett.

In 1987, the port sold 110 acres to the U.S. Navy for the creation of Naval Station Everett, which opened in 1991.

The Port of Everett has continued to evolve, acquiring the 58-acre Kimberly-Clark mill site in 2019 for redeveloped office space and other uses.

A referendum to expand the port's boundaries to include the rest of Snohomish County, excluding the Port of Edmonds, was placed on the August 2024 ballot, with the port commission proposing the expansion to enlarge its tax base and provide services to a wider area.

The Port of Everett boasts an impressive array of facilities, making it a hub for maritime activity.

The port includes a deep-water commercial seaport and a marina with over 2,300 slips, the largest public marina on the West Coast.

Ambitious redevelopment began in 2006 to convert the north end of the waterfront into a community of maritime businesses, retail shops, and condominiums.

In 2006, the seaport received 119 ships and 59 barges, totaling some 192,000 short tons of cargo.

The port's renovated South Terminal was opened in April 2021, featuring a set of 214-foot cranes and a new dock.

The port operates a boat launch on 10th Street, which serves a ferry to Jetty Island, an artificial island constructed in 1895 to aid navigation for commercial ships.

The Port of Everett owns and operates eight shipping terminals, a marina, and industrial and commercial real estate.

The seaport enables the Port to play a central role in the area's economic development, with a close relationship and support of the aerospace industry.

Everett is home to the largest public marina on the West Coast with 2,300 slips, following the completion of the North Docks in 2008.

The initial marina operations were constructed in two phases between the mid 1960s and '80s to support the city's once-thriving fishing industry.

The Port gained ownership of Jetty Island in 1929, and a new marsh was built on the west side of the island in 1989.

The Port of Everett has been undergoing significant redevelopment efforts since the 2010s, focusing on adding mixed-use buildings and non-industrial businesses to the waterfront area.

A 142-room hotel opened at Waterfront Place in late 2019, marking the first phase of the redevelopment. Two apartment buildings with 249 units followed in 2021, and a restaurant row opened in 2023.

The redevelopment plans also include the Millwright District, scheduled to open in 2026 with 40,000 square feet of retail space, office space, and 200 housing units.

The Port of Everett has been undergoing significant redevelopment efforts since the 2010s. These programs aim to transform 65 acres of waterfront area into a vibrant mixed-use space.

A 142-room hotel opened in late 2019 at Waterfront Place, marking the first phase of the redevelopment. The hotel was a major milestone in the project's progress.

Two apartment buildings with 249 units followed in 2021, further increasing the area's residential offerings. This growth has made the waterfront a more desirable place to live.

The second major area of the redevelopment, the Millwright District, is scheduled to open in 2026. It will feature 40,000 square feet of retail space, office space, and 200 housing units.

The Port of Everett's expansion vote outcome was a resounding 39.76% in favor, falling short of the required majority.

The ballot measure was placed on the August 2024 primary ballot after the Snohomish County Council unanimously approved it on March 12, 2024.

Despite the setback, the Port remains committed to its work as an economic driver for Snohomish County and beyond.

The Port has invested billions into the local economy over the past 106 years and supports more than 40,000 jobs in the region today.

The Port will continue to make strategic investments within its existing boundaries as resources allow, with a focus on creating quality jobs, supporting trade and transportation, and adding public access amenities.

The Port's advocacy and economic value will continue to stretch beyond its district, as stated in their statement to residents.

This was the first time in generations that residents across the County had the opportunity to vote on bringing the value and economic tools of the Port to the greater Snohomish County community.

The Port of Everett is looking to expand its boundaries to better serve the community. This expansion is a result of the Port's current limitations, which restrict its ability to operate or invest in projects outside its current district boundary lines.

The Port's current boundaries cover about 110,000 residents in Everett, Mukilteo, Marysville, and unincorporated Snohomish County. This is only about 15% of Snohomish County's population of nearly 830,000 residents.

The Port Commission has been exploring the idea of boundary expansion for some time, with initial interest expressed during the Port's 2018/2019 Strategic Plan outreach. The Commission tasked staff with formally exploring potential boundary expansion after hearing general interest from the community.

A recent exploratory effort included conducting a formal assessment of the economic value and legal implications of expanding Port District boundaries. This effort also included a call for input from community leaders, residents, and businesses in the area.

The Port's goal is to expand its boundaries to make its tools and resources more accessible to a larger portion of Snohomish County. This expansion is seen as a way to help advance economic and community priorities across the county.

The Port of Everett owns and operates eight shipping terminals, a marina, and industrial and commercial real estate. It's a hub for economic development in the area.

The Port has a close relationship with the aerospace industry, which has contributed to a substantial amount of cargo. This partnership has been beneficial for both industries.

The Port's marina is a major draw for the city, with 2,300 slips and a warm, shallow waters that make it popular during summer months. You can imagine how beautiful it must be to walk along the marina on a sunny day.

The Port is also home to Jetty Island, a man-made island composed of dredge sands that was gained by the Port in 1929. A new marsh was built on the west side of the island in 1989.

The Port of Everett is the third largest container port in Washington State, handling between $21 and $30 billion in US exports. That's a staggering amount of cargo!

The international shipping terminal handles oversized parts for planes, including Boeing 737s, 747s, 777s and even Air Force One.