What does the Port do?

A lot actually! The Port is responsible for economic development, marina and commercial operations, public access to the waterfront, and environmental stewardship.

Why should I care?

When you’re out and about in Edmonds, you don’t say to yourself, I’m in the city district or I’m in the port district, you just know that you’re in Edmonds. We are ONE Edmonds. What happens at the Port affects all of us.  For example, we will have a once in a lifetime opportunity in the near future to buy a piece of the marsh currently owned by Unocal (Chevron) and restore the entire marsh to a fully functioning estuary. That opens the door for ecotourism, attracting the scientific research community, as well as helping marine wildlife and giving ourselves an irreplaceable natural asset. That’s a project the entire community could be proud of and benefit from.

The Port could also be doing more in the way of economic development which in turn would help the city get out of its financial crises. The Port could invest in creating the type of public spaces residents actually want, like walkable neighborhoods with thriving businesses.

And finally, public access. It’s YOUR Port! The waterfront is for everyone and you belong there. And so does your voice and your vision for this vital piece of our community. So let’s work together to make it happen.

Do you own a boat?

I don’t own a boat, just like the Fire Chief doesn’t own a firetruck and the Mayor doesn’t own City Hall.  Our boating community is super cool and marina operations are a big part of Port revenue. But being a Port Commissioner is actually about business, environmental stewardship, and working for the public, all things I have a proven record of doing successfully.

Especially right now, people are watching their pocketbooks. Most residents don’t own boats. And they still deserve to see themselves and their values represented in city leadership.

You’re the CFO of a nonprofit. But don’t we want our city to run profitably?

It’s a common misconception that nonprofit organizations aren’t profitable. Just like for-profit businesses, nonprofits can and do make money. If a nonprofit doesn’t have sustainable levels of revenue and expenses, they won’t be able to make payroll or pay their bills and will eventually shut down.

Nonprofit leaders are exceptionally experienced at budgeting, dealing with volatility in funding, nurturing relationships with funders, staff, and donors, and making a little go a long way. I’m proud to be one of them!