Investing in South Whidbey’s Future
The Port of South Whidbey Board of Commissioners is asking voters to consider a levy that supports small businesses, community facilities, and our working waterfront.
The Port of South Whidbey serves the communities of Freeland, Clinton, and Langley. It is a significant economic driver for South Whidbey Island — providing small business incubator programs, safe waterfront access through a working harbor, boat launches, public beaches, and low-cost ferry parking for residents, while maintaining the historic Whidbey Island Fairgrounds & Event Center.
The Port receives no revenue from Island County. It is funded by user fees and a small property tax levy. The Port operates under a balanced budget and has passed all its independent financial audits by the state.
Levy Revenue
How the Funds Would Be Used
Priority 1
Expand Small Business Incubator Programs
The Port wants to expand the space it provides for small businesses to meet the needs of local residents so they can shop locally.
Priority 2
Provide Matching Funds for Grants
The Port requires matching funds for competitive grants to renovate community facilities — including a proposed passenger-only ferry facility to connect residents to the mainland for work, medical, or personal needs.
Priority 3
Preserve the Historic Fairgrounds
Several buildings at the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds & Event Center are more than 90 years old and require preservation, safety improvements, and ADA accessibility upgrades. Events at the fairgrounds generate revenue that supports other community projects.
$4.33 per month
What It Costs the Average Homeowner
The levy request is $0.06 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Based on the county’s average assessed home value of $866,000, that works out to:
- $4.33 per month
- $52 per year
Our Track Record
A Port You Can Trust
The Port of South Whidbey encompasses 65 miles of shoreline, 6 public beaches, and 6 public boat ramps — all maintained for the benefit of South Whidbey residents and visitors.
The Port operates under a balanced budget and has passed every independent financial audit conducted by Washington State. The Board of Commissioners is committed to transparent, responsible stewardship of public funds.
The Port receives no revenue from Island County and relies on user fees and a modest property tax levy to fund all operations and capital improvements.
Look for It on Your Ballot
This measure will appear on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot. The Port’s Board of Commissioners encourages all South Whidbey voters to make their voices heard.