/ Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners Approve Budget for 2026
November 24, 2025
VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the port’s 2026 operating budget during its November 18 board meeting. The $117 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 14, 2025, to review the preliminary budget. During the commission’s November 18 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 2026 budget that supports the port’s strategic goals and its mission of creating economic benefit for the community.
To view the final 2026 budget, click here.
Revenues and Expenses:
The port’s operating budget for 2026 forecasts revenues of $49.5 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 $14.14 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 2023 analysis shows that the port supports nearly 20,000 jobs and generates $2.9 billion in economic value.
Operating expenses for 2026 are expected to be $45.1 million, a small decrease from the estimated 2025 expense forecast. The 2026 non-operating expenses include debt service of $13.2 million and continuing costs for environmental remediation of $1.7 million.
“Despite uncertainties within markets, our strategic approach to cargo and business diversification have positioned the Port of Vancouver USA for a steady 2026,” said Julianna Marler, CEO, Port of Vancouver USA. “The port and its partners are on track to begin operating the new Vancouver Bulk Terminal soda ash export facility in the upcoming year. Additionally, we’ll maintain our ongoing investment in port infrastructure to serve our marine and industrial business tenants, and we’ll continue the redevelopment of Terminal 1.
“In summary, this new budget will allow us to maintain the benefits we provide to this community and the region’s economy as well as maximize opportunities in the future.”
