/ Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners Approve Budget for 2027

The Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the port’s 2027 operating budget during its November 10 board meeting. The $138 million budget was developed to meet the goals of the port’s strategic plan.

Port Budget Process:

Each October, port staff reviews projected revenues and expenses against the port’s goals and objectives for the coming year and develops a preliminary budget. A budget administrative work session took place on October 13, 2026, to review the preliminary budget. During the commission’s November 10 meeting, the public was given the opportunity to provide input, and then the commission took a vote on final approval. The three commissioners voted to adopt the 2027 budget that supports the port’s strategic goals and its mission of creating economic benefit for the community.

To view the final 2027 budget, click here.

Revenues and Expenses:

The port’s operating budget for 2027 forecasts revenues of $58.5 million with the bulk of those revenues generated from marine and terminal operations and industrial leases from port tenants. The remainder comes from rail operations, security services and commercial activities. These funds cover the port’s operating expenses, which include day-to-day operations and staff salaries.

The port’s non-operating revenues include property taxes totaling $14.5 million. Tax revenue collected by the port is used exclusively to build and improve facilities, repay general obligation bonds and to carry out environmental remediation. Economic impact analysis has shown that taxpayers received a 1:11 return on investment. This means that for every tax dollar paid to the port, $11 is generated by port marine and industrial businesses to support public services like roads, schools, police and fire via city, county and state tax revenue. A 2022 analysis shows that the port supports nearly 20,000 jobs and generates $2.9 billion in economic value.

Operating expenses for 2027 are expected to be $50.7 million, a $5 million increase over the estimated 2026 expense forecast. The 2027 non-operating expenses include debt service of $13.2 million and continuing costs for environmental remediation of $1.3 million.

“With its 2027 budget, the port is charting a course for continued stability and growth in the coming year,” said Julianna Marler, CEO, Port of Vancouver USA. “In addition to the diverse array of cargo moving across our docks, our bulk mineral export facility will add soda ash exports to the mix. U.S.-grown agricultural products remain in steady demand around the world. The new Terminal 1 dock will be completed, providing the platform to construct a public market. We’re pleased to continue building a strong foundation for our region’s economy with steady revenues and strategic investments.”