Tag: Local Government

  • Port of Everett 2026 Budget: Waterfront Project Breakdown

    Port of Everett 2026 Budget: Waterfront Project Breakdown

    What’s happening? The Port of Everett Commission adopted a $70 million operating and capital budget for 2026 on November 12, 2025. The budget includes $8.1 million for Seaport modernization, $2.6 million for new public infrastructure and Waterfront Place retail and restaurant buildings, and $7.1 million for maintenance and preservation of Port facilities including pier strengthening, marina bulkhead work, boat launch updates, and dredging. The 2026 spending represents the next phase of the Port’s $1 billion Waterfront Place redevelopment.

    If you’ve been watching cranes and construction fences pop up along Everett’s waterfront and wondering what’s actually funded versus what’s still hypothetical, the Port of Everett’s 2026 budget is the most useful document you can read. The commission adopted it in November, and the real-world execution is what’s driving the activity you’re seeing right now.

    We pulled out the line items that matter for anyone who lives in Everett, works near the marina, or just watches the waterfront change.

    The Headline Number

    The Port of Everett commission adopted a $70 million operating and capital budget for 2026. The commission described the budget as continuing to deliver on the Port’s Strategic Plan for “a vibrant and balanced waterfront despite challenges amid changing tariff guidance and market uncertainty.”

    That tariff language is worth pausing on. The Port of Everett operates the largest public marina on the West Coast and a working seaport that handles oversized cargo for Boeing, aerospace components, and other industrial freight. Shifts in trade policy directly affect seaport revenue. A balanced budget that funds both the marina recreation side and the seaport industrial side is how the Port keeps itself resilient when one side wobbles.

    Where the Capital Dollars Go in 2026

    The 2026 capital program breaks out into three big buckets:

    $8.1 million — Seaport Modernization

    This covers two headline initiatives:

    • Electrifying the pier — a shift toward shore power capability for vessels docked at the Port’s marine terminals, reducing diesel generator use and emissions while docked. This aligns with broader Pacific Northwest port decarbonization goals.
    • Security upgrades — infrastructure improvements for the seaport’s security perimeter, cargo handling, and access control.

    $2.6 million — Public Infrastructure and Waterfront Place Buildouts

    This is the bucket most Everett residents will actually see. It includes:

    • Public infrastructure improvements (streets, sidewalks, utilities inside Waterfront Place)
    • New retail and restaurant buildings
    • Public access improvements

    This is the money that funds the visible changes along Craftsman Way — the buildings going vertical, the promenade extensions, and the connections between the marina and downtown.

    $7.1 million — Maintenance and Preservation

    Probably the least glamorous number on the list, but arguably the most important. This bucket covers:

    • Pier strengthening — keeping industrial seaport infrastructure safe and operational
    • Marina bulkhead improvements — shoreline engineering that holds the marina in place
    • Boat launch updates — including work at Jetty Landing, which is getting a major renovation with construction anticipated to start in 2027
    • Dredging — keeping the marina’s 2,300 permanent slips and 5,000 lineal feet of guest moorage navigable

    Combined, maintenance and seaport modernization represent more capital than the flashier Waterfront Place retail buildout — a reminder that the Port’s core business is still moving cargo and keeping vessels in water.

    The Waterfront Place Big Picture

    For context on where the $2.6 million in public infrastructure fits, here’s the full scope of what the Port of Everett’s Waterfront Place is building out, per Port documentation:

    • Size: 1.5 million square feet of mixed-use development
    • Footprint: 65 acres at the waterfront near downtown Everett
    • Retail/restaurant space: 63,000 square feet
    • Marine retail space: 20,000 square feet
    • Office space: 447,500 square feet
    • Hotels: Two waterfront hotels planned
    • Housing: Up to 660 waterfront housing units
    • Total expected investment: $1 billion in public/private capital
    • Jobs projected: ~2,100 family-wage jobs at full build-out
    • Annual tax revenue projected: $8.6 million in state and local sales taxes
    • Invested to date: More than $350 million already deployed

    The 2026 budget’s $2.6 million is one year’s layer on top of an already substantial stack. It’s the piece that gets Phase 2 — the Millwright District — closer to opening.

    What This Means for Jetty Landing

    One line item that often gets lost but matters a lot for Everett boaters: the Port secured a $1 million grant from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) to help fund renovation work at the Jetty Landing Boat Launch, which is the state’s largest public boat launch.

    In-water construction is anticipated to start in 2027. For now, the 2026 budget includes planning, design, and preliminary work that sets up that 2027 start.

    If you launch a boat from Jetty Landing, expect the planning phase activity this year and real disruption next year.

    How This Fits the Bigger Everett Story

    Zoom out, and the Port’s $70 million 2026 budget is just one leg of a three-legged Everett transformation stool:

    1. Port of Everett’s Waterfront Place — $70 million in 2026, $1 billion lifetime, 1.5 million square feet of mixed-use waterfront 2. Downtown Outdoor Event Center (stadium) — $120 million projected, targeting late-2027 opening 3. Sound Transit Everett Link extension — the light rail project connecting Everett to the regional network, now facing a $500 million funding gap

    Each project has its own funding mechanism, its own timeline, and its own political dynamics. But together they represent roughly $2 billion in capital flowing into Everett infrastructure over the next decade. The Port of Everett is the one entity with the most predictable budget — it has independent taxing authority, grant access, and revenue from existing marina and seaport operations — which is why its work tends to actually happen on the schedule it sets.

    That matters for anyone watching the waterfront. When the Port says construction crews will be at a given site in 2026, construction crews show up.

    The New Fuel Dock Context

    One detail worth calling out for 2025 → 2026 continuity: the Port’s new fuel dock opened in 2025. The 2026 budget is the first full operational year with the new dock, which means higher fuel service capacity for the marina’s 2,300 slips and guest moorage capability. For recreational boaters, it’s a tangible quality-of-life improvement that’s already in service.

    Combined with the 18-plus marine service providers operating at the marina, the new fuel dock reinforces the Port’s goal of positioning the largest public marina on the West Coast as a full-service destination rather than just a place to store boats.

    What to Watch From Here

    Three things to keep an eye on across the rest of 2026:

    • Millwright District openings — new buildings and roads in Phase 2 are scheduled to open beginning in 2026
    • Pier electrification progress — look for construction activity at the seaport terminals
    • RCO grant execution at Jetty Landing — design work this year sets up 2027 in-water construction

    The citizen budget guide is available at portofeverett.com/2026Budget if you want the full line items. For the lived experience on the waterfront, the cranes and concrete trucks are a pretty good tell.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much is the Port of Everett’s 2026 budget? $70 million total for operating and capital expenses. The commission adopted the budget on November 12, 2025.

    What does the Port of Everett’s 2026 capital budget include? $8.1 million for Seaport modernization (pier electrification, security upgrades), $2.6 million for public infrastructure, new retail/restaurant buildings, and public access at Waterfront Place, and $7.1 million for maintenance including pier strengthening, marina bulkhead improvements, boat launch updates, and dredging.

    What is Waterfront Place? A 1.5 million square foot mixed-use development on 65 acres at the Port of Everett waterfront. At full build-out it will include 63,000 square feet of retail/restaurant space, 20,000 square feet of marine retail, 447,500 square feet of office, two hotels, and up to 660 housing units. Total expected investment is $1 billion.

    How much has the Port of Everett already invested in Waterfront Place? More than $350 million in public and private capital has been deployed to date, according to Port documentation.

    When does the Jetty Landing Boat Launch renovation start? In-water construction is anticipated to start in 2027. The Port received a $1 million grant from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office to help fund the work.

    How many jobs will Waterfront Place create? The project is estimated to support nearly 2,100 family-wage jobs at full build-out, and generate $8.6 million annually in state and local sales taxes.

    Where can I read the full Port of Everett 2026 budget? The Port published a Citizen Budget Guide at portofeverett.com/2026Budget.

  • Everett Stadium Funding: Council Faces $10.6M Vote April 29

    Everett Stadium Funding: Council Faces $10.6M Vote April 29

    What’s happening? Everett city staff are asking the city council to approve an additional $10.6 million in spending on the downtown stadium, a funding measure that would complete the design of the site. The council vote is scheduled for April 29, 2026. City staff told the council on April 15 that the $120 million project still has a $25 million funding gap, and the stadium’s expected opening has been pushed from April 2027 to late 2027.

    If you’ve been following the downtown stadium story, April 29 is the date to circle. That’s when the Everett City Council is expected to vote on a $10.6 million funding measure that city staff described this week as the most significant decision the council will make on the project to date.

    We watched Wednesday night’s council presentation from project manager Scott Pattison and consultant Ben Franz, and the headline is simple: the stadium is moving forward, but the financial picture is getting bigger and the timeline is slipping.

    What the $10.6M Would Pay For

    The new funding request would do two things. First, it would complete the design of the Outdoor Event Center, which has already hit roughly 60 percent design completion using the $7.2 million the city has already committed in capital funds. Second, it would continue property acquisition work on the stadium site.

    On the property side, the city needs to buy 15 parcels to build the stadium at the corner of Broadway and Pacific, right next to the Sounder rail line and just east of Angel of the Winds Arena. As of Wednesday, the city has:

    • Signed purchase agreements for 2 parcels
    • Pending agreements with 4 more
    • Active negotiations with the owners of 8 others
    • Zero parcels actually purchased outright (that only happens after the council approves construction)

    The money itself wouldn’t come from new revenue. The city would get the $10.6 million through an interfund loan from its general fund balance, with the plan to repay it later when the city passes a stadium bond measure.

    Here’s the catch Franz acknowledged on Wednesday: if the council approves the $10.6 million loan but later doesn’t approve a stadium bond to pay it back, it could mean a loss of at least $4.8 million in general fund dollars. Some property acquisition money could be reclaimed if the project falls apart, but the design work is sunk cost.

    The $25 Million Gap the City Still Has to Close

    The stadium is not yet fully funded. Not by a long shot.

    When the city first asked for the initial $4.8 million in June 2025, the project was pegged at $82 million. By the council’s January retreat, that number had grown to $120 million, driven by rising property acquisition costs and construction cost inflation. The city’s direct capital contributions to the project currently make up about 8 percent of the stadium’s total cost. Staff said Wednesday that the project is about $25 million short of its $120 million budget.

    Here’s the funding picture as it stands right now:

    • Stadium bond (planned): More than $40 million, repaid through lease revenue from the teams
    • State youth athletic fields fund: $7.4 million
    • Snohomish County contribution: $5 million spread across 2027-2030
    • AquaSox and USL team upfront commitment: $17 million
    • AquaSox and USL team lease payments: About $100 million over 30 years
    • City direct capital (already spent): ~$7.2 million
    • Gap to close: ~$25 million

    Franz told the council that filling the gap could involve “a number of options, including some very unique public-private partnerships,” but said he couldn’t share specifics. He also mentioned a federal loan program that distributes funds to economic development projects near rail infrastructure as a possibility — the favorable interest rate would be attractive, but the application process is long.

    “The more upfront capital we’re able to secure, the less debt the city has to issue,” Franz said after the meeting. “And that’s the piece we’re balancing, which is why we can’t sit here today and say, ‘Here’s the full funding plan.’”

    The Stadium Itself: What’s in the Design

    Contractors and architects showed the council initial design work Wednesday. The stadium would feature:

    • 5,000 seats
    • A clubhouse area that can be used for non-game events
    • An artificial turf field
    • A perimeter walking area
    • A main entrance where Wall Street meets Broadway

    The project is being delivered through a progressive design-build process, meaning the contractor — DLR Group with Bayley Construction — is designing the stadium alongside the architects rather than after. If the full project gets approved, the contractor would be locked in at a guaranteed price.

    The goal, according to Franz, is to break ground in September 2026. The previous target of opening for the AquaSox’s 2027 season is no longer realistic — the new opening window is late 2027.

    What the Teams Are Bringing

    Both the Everett AquaSox and the United Soccer League have now agreed to the financial terms of a lease, according to Franz. The key numbers:

    • $17 million upfront — combined team contribution toward construction
    • ~$100 million in lease payments over 30 years
    • Day-to-day maintenance responsibility falls to the teams
    • City staffing commitment: likely one employee to oversee operations
    • 50 guaranteed days per year for the city to host its own events or lease to other groups

    Once the bonds are paid off, the lease revenue flows into the city’s general fund.

    Mayor Cassie Franklin noted at Wednesday’s meeting that the maintenance arrangement is a significant win for the city — major capital repairs and upgrades remain the city’s responsibility, but the teams handle operations.

    The USL Piece That’s Still Unresolved

    Before the United Soccer League’s portion of the money can flow, the league still needs to find an owner or ownership group to actually buy the Everett men’s and women’s teams. Pattison said Wednesday in an interview that the league has “two or three people that are interested.”

    A USL spokesperson didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

    For context, franchise fees in the USL ecosystem run roughly:

    • USL League One team: ~$5 million (per ESPN reporting)
    • USL Championship team: ~$20 million
    • USL Super League (women’s professional) team: ~$10 million (per Backheeled and The Athletic)

    The league’s ownership search could affect the stadium’s timeline. “It really depends on where they are in the process, and where we are in overall readiness to start construction,” Franz said. “We have commitments to the AquaSox that we want to meet at this point. Our goal is to start construction in September, and so we’ll work diligently with them together to meet that.”

    Why This Project Started in the First Place

    Everett first began studying a stadium upgrade in 2022 after Major League Baseball announced new facility standards for minor league stadiums. Funko Field, in its current state, doesn’t meet those requirements. In 2024, the AquaSox’s owner said the city was in danger of losing the team. Later that year, the council decided to study a downtown site — partly because a downtown location could unlock more public and private funding than a rebuild at Funko Field.

    The stadium has become, effectively, the signature piece of Everett’s downtown revitalization strategy. It anchors development plans next to Angel of the Winds Arena, the Sounder station, and the Millwright District’s growing footprint on the waterfront.

    The Calendar From Here

    Three dates worth writing down:

    • April 29, 2026 — City council vote on the $10.6 million funding measure
    • July 2026 — Target for completing a full funding plan
    • August 2026 — Expected council vote on approving stadium construction
    • September 2026 — Target date to break ground
    • Late 2027 — Revised stadium opening

    The April 29 vote does not commit the city to building the stadium. But it does commit $10.6 million — with real financial consequences if the project doesn’t move forward later.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When does the Everett City Council vote on the $10.6 million stadium funding? The vote is scheduled for April 29, 2026. It would complete the design of the Outdoor Event Center and continue work on acquiring the 15 parcels needed to build the stadium.

    How much is the Everett stadium projected to cost? The current cost estimate is $120 million, up from an initial estimate of $82 million in June 2025. The city is about $25 million short of the full budget.

    When will the downtown stadium open? City staff have pushed the opening from April 2027 to late 2027. The new target is to break ground in September 2026.

    Who would play at the Everett Outdoor Event Center? The Everett AquaSox (Seattle Mariners High-A minor league baseball) and two new United Soccer League teams — a men’s team and a women’s team — if the USL finds ownership groups to buy them.

    Where will the new Everett stadium be located? At the corner of Broadway and Pacific, east of Angel of the Winds Arena and next to the Sounder rail line. The main entrance is planned for where Wall Street meets Broadway.

    What happens if the stadium project doesn’t get approved? At least $4.8 million of the $10.6 million loan could be lost. Some property acquisition money might be recoverable if the city backs out of purchases, but design work is a sunk cost.

    Who is designing and building the stadium? DLR Group and Bayley Construction are delivering the project through a progressive design-build process, where the contractor is working alongside the architects during design.

  • Mason County Infrastructure: PUD 3 & Broadband Upgrades

    Mason County Infrastructure: PUD 3 & Broadband Upgrades

    Mason County Minute — Infrastructure/Services Beat — April 16, 2026

    Two major utility infrastructure projects are shaping connectivity and electrical capacity across Mason County this spring. Here’s what residents need to know.

    Belfair Electrical Capacity Infrastructure Project — PUD 3 Multi-Phase Upgrade

    Mason County PUD 3 (PUD No. 3) continues its multi-phase Belfair Electrical Capacity Infrastructure Project, a critical investment in the county’s electrical grid serving the growing Belfair corridor.

    Phase 1 — a new switching station — is currently under construction, with completion targeted for summer 2026. Phase 2, which upgraded the Belfair Substation transformer, was completed in July 2025.

    Still ahead: Phase 3 will install a 3.6-mile 115 kV transmission line, and Phase 4 will construct a new high-capacity substation near the Belfair Water Tower to support the Log Yard Road and WSDOT Belfair Freight Corridor development.

    The project positions Belfair for continued residential and commercial growth while improving grid reliability across the PUD 3 service territory.

    Sources: pud3.org, kilmer.house.gov, publicpower.org

    Hood Canal Communications HFC Network Upgrade

    Hood Canal Communications (HCC) launched major upgrades to their Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (HFC) network in January 2026, improving broadband service for cable modem customers across Union, Hoodsport, and surrounding Hood Canal communities.

    The HFC upgrade is part of HCC’s broader fiber expansion effort targeting underserved parts of Mason County. Residents in the affected service areas can expect improved internet speeds and network reliability as the work progresses through 2026.

    Sources: hcc.net, hcc.net/projects

    The Mason County Minute is a daily local news digest covering government, business, infrastructure, outdoors, and community across Mason County, Washington. Published by Tygart Media.

  • Mason County Government WA: Complete Guide to Departments

    Mason County Government WA: Complete Guide to Departments

    Mason County government serves about 80,000 residents across 2,250 square miles of southwestern Washington. Whether you need a building permit, want to attend a public meeting, understand property taxes, or simply want to know how local decisions get made, this guide walks you through the structure and function of Mason County’s government.

    County Government Structure

    Board of Commissioners (The Executive Branch)

    Mason County is governed by a three-member Board of Commissioners, elected county-wide to four-year terms. The board typically has one commissioner up for election every two years (staggered terms ensure continuity).

    The Board of Commissioners acts as the executive and legislative branch of county government. They:

    • Set the county budget
    • Adopt ordinances and regulations
    • Approve major contracts and purchases
    • Appoint department heads and officials
    • Make land use and zoning decisions
    • Set policy for all county departments

    Current commissioners: Check the Mason County website (masonco.wa.gov) for current commissioner names, districts, and contact information. Commissioner meetings are held weekly in Shelton at the County Courthouse.

    County Administrator

    The County Administrator is hired by the Board of Commissioners and serves as the chief executive officer of county government. The administrator manages day-to-day operations, implements board policies, oversees the county budget, and supervises department heads. Think of this position as the “CEO” of Mason County.

    Major County Departments

    Planning and Development Services

    This department issues building permits, reviews development applications, enforces building codes, manages shoreline regulations, and oversees land use decisions. If you’re building a house, adding a deck, starting a business, or proposing any development project, you’ll work with this department.

    Permits available:

    • Building Permits (residential and commercial construction)
    • Electrical Permits
    • Mechanical Permits
    • Plumbing Permits
    • Land Use Permits
    • Shoreline Permits
    • Sign Permits

    Processing times vary from 15 days for simple projects to 120 days for complex developments. Online permit applications are available through the county website.

    Public Works

    Mason County Public Works maintains county roads (over 1,000 miles), manages water and sewer systems, operates solid waste programs, and handles bridge maintenance. If you report a pothole, fallen tree, or debris on a county road, Public Works addresses it.

    The department also manages the county’s capital projects—like road improvements and infrastructure upgrades. Major projects are listed on the county website with public comment periods.

    Sheriff’s Office

    The Mason County Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement to unincorporated areas and contracts with some municipalities. The sheriff is an elected official. The department has divisions for patrol, investigations, jail operations, and civil services (serving legal papers, managing warrants).

    Non-emergency dispatch: 360-426-1945

    Emergency: 911

    Assessor’s Office

    The County Assessor determines property values for tax assessment purposes. This is where you appeal property values if you believe your assessment is too high. Assessments happen every year; you have appeal rights if you disagree with the valuation.

    Important: A higher assessed value doesn’t always mean higher taxes if the tax rate (levy) decreases county-wide.

    Auditor’s Office

    The County Auditor is the chief financial officer of Mason County. This office manages county finances, oversees the budget, audits county spending, and manages elections.

    Treasurer’s Office

    The County Treasurer collects taxes, manages county investments, and processes all county financial transactions. If you pay property taxes, your check goes to the treasurer’s office.

    Health and Human Services

    This department provides public health services, manages disease prevention programs, operates mental health services, manages child welfare and family support programs, and oversees aging services for seniors.

    Parks and Recreation

    Mason County Parks and Recreation manages county parks, trails, and recreation facilities. They coordinate with state parks and manage several county parks that provide public access to outdoor spaces.

    Courts and the Justice System

    Superior Court

    Mason County Superior Court handles felony criminal cases, civil lawsuits involving more than $10,000, family law (divorce, custody, child support), probate (wills and estates), and other serious legal matters.

    The Superior Court has several judges. Court sessions are held in the courthouse in Shelton. Most cases can be observed by the public (some exceptions for sensitive matters involving minors).

    District Court

    The District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims (up to $10,000), and evictions. This is the court most people interact with if they get a ticket or have a minor legal dispute.

    Justice Courts

    Smaller communities like Shelton have justice courts that handle traffic and parking violations, and low-level infractions.

    Property Taxes and How County Services Are Funded

    Mason County is funded primarily through property taxes. Your property tax bill supports schools (the largest portion), county services, fire districts, and other local agencies. The tax rate is expressed as a percentage of assessed property value.

    How Your Property Tax Dollar is Split

    • Schools (~40-45%): Mason County has several school districts (Shelton, Grays Harbor, etc.)
    • County Government (~10-15%): Funds road maintenance, sheriff, courts, planning, and other services
    • Fire Districts (~10-12%): Each area has a fire district
    • Port District (~3-5%): Mason County has several port districts
    • Other agencies (~10-15%): City governments, library district, park districts

    Tax Levies and Public Approval

    Most county services are funded by regular property taxes. Some special services (like park improvements or facility bonds) require a public vote. When you see “proposition” on your ballot, you’re often voting on whether to allow a specific agency to levy additional taxes for specific purposes.

    Public Records and Transparency

    Accessing Public Records

    Washington State has strong public records laws. You can request copies of county documents, meeting minutes, budgets, emails, and other records. Submit requests to the department holding the records. Simple requests are usually free; copies are charged at $0.15 per page.

    Response deadline: 5 business days for simple requests; 30 days for complex requests.

    Meeting Agendas and Minutes

    All county government meetings are public. Meeting agendas are posted on the county website before each meeting. Minutes (records of what was decided) are published afterward. You can attend and observe virtually any county meeting.

    Public Meetings and How to Engage

    Board of Commissioners Meetings

    The Board of Commissioners meets weekly (typically Tuesdays) at the County Courthouse in Shelton. Meetings are usually 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with breaks for lunch. Agendas are posted online 48 hours before each meeting.

    You can:

    • Attend in person
    • Watch online (live stream typically available)
    • Submit written comment in advance
    • Speak during public comment periods (if time allows; arrive early)

    Planning Commission

    The Planning Commission reviews land use applications, makes recommendations on zoning changes, and holds public hearings on development proposals. These meetings are open to the public and often involve public testimony.

    Other Boards and Commissions

    Mason County has numerous advisory boards (Parks, Public Health, etc.). Appointments are made by the Board of Commissioners. If you’re interested in serving on a county board, contact the County Administrator’s office.

    Common Permits and How to Apply

    Building Permit

    Purpose: Any new construction or renovation to existing structures requires a building permit.

    Where: Planning and Development Services

    Cost: Based on project value (typically $100-500 for small projects)

    Timeline: 15-30 days for simple projects

    Required: Site plans, construction drawings, contractor license

    Conditional Use Permit

    Purpose: For land uses that are allowed in a zone but require special approval (like a home business or short-term rental).

    Where: Planning and Development Services

    Cost: $500-1,500

    Timeline: 45-60 days (includes planning commission review and potential public hearing)

    Variance

    Purpose: To get relief from zoning requirements (like building closer to a property line than normally allowed).

    Where: Planning and Development Services

    Cost: $500-1,000

    Timeline: 45-90 days

    Note: You must prove hardship. Variances are difficult to obtain but possible.

    Plat/Subdivision

    Purpose: Dividing property into multiple parcels for sale or development.

    Where: Planning and Development Services

    Cost: Varies widely ($1,000-5,000+)

    Timeline: 60-120 days

    Zoning and Land Use

    Mason County is divided into zoning districts that determine what you can do with land:

    • Residential (R-1, R-2, etc.): Single-family homes, duplexes, or apartments depending on the zone
    • Commercial (C-1, C-2): Retail, offices, restaurants
    • Industrial (I-1, I-2): Manufacturing, warehouses, heavy industry
    • Agricultural (A): Farms, rural residences on larger lots
    • Environmental Protection (EP): Wetlands, critical habitat, buffer zones

    You can find your zone by address on the county website or by contacting Planning and Development Services. Zoning determines what you can build and what uses are allowed. Before buying property for a specific purpose, verify it’s zoned appropriately.

    Recent Policy Changes and Current Issues

    Mason County regularly debates issues like:

    • Growth and development: Balancing growth with environmental protection
    • Infrastructure: Aging water and sewer systems
    • Housing: Affordable housing shortages
    • Public safety: Jail capacity, law enforcement funding
    • Timber and forestry: Economic and environmental balance

    For current issues and board positions, check the Mason County website or attend a board meeting.

    Contact Information

    Main County Government Phone: 360-427-9670

    County Commissioners: 360-427-9670 ext. (number varies)

    Planning and Development Services: 360-427-9670 ext. (check website for direct number)

    Public Works: 360-427-9670 ext. (check website)

    Assessor’s Office: 360-427-9670 ext. (check website)

    Auditor’s Office: 360-427-9670 ext. (check website)

    County Website: masonco.wa.gov

    How many commissioners does Mason County have?

    Mason County is governed by three elected commissioners who serve four-year terms on a staggered schedule, with one seat up for election every two years.

    How do I get a building permit in Mason County?

    Contact the Planning and Development Services department at the County Courthouse in Shelton. You can apply online or in person. Building permits are required for new construction and major renovations. Typical processing time is 15-30 days.

    How can I appeal my property tax assessment?

    Contact the Assessor’s Office if you believe your property assessment is incorrect. You can file an appeal (called a “Petition for Equalization”) between January 1 and the last day of February each year. You have the right to be heard before the Board of Equalization.

    When and where do the County Commissioners meet?

    The Board of Commissioners typically meets weekly (usually Tuesdays) at the County Courthouse in Shelton from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Agendas are posted 48 hours before each meeting. Meetings are open to the public and often available online.

    What zoning zone is my property in?

    You can find your property’s zoning zone by searching your address on the Mason County website or by calling the Planning and Development Services department. You can also look up your property on the county assessor’s website.

  • North Mason School Levy: Homeowner Cost & Voting Guide

    North Mason School Levy: Homeowner Cost & Voting Guide

    If you own property in the North Mason School District — anywhere from Belfair to Allyn, Tahuya to Union — you have a direct financial stake in the April 28 levy vote. Here’s a plain-language breakdown of what you’re being asked to approve, what it will cost you, and why this is the third time you’ve seen it on the ballot.

    What You’re Actually Voting On

    This is an EP&O (Educational Programs and Operations) replacement levy — not a new tax, but a renewal of a levy that North Mason voters previously approved and that expired at the end of 2025. Under Washington state law, the district cannot simply continue collecting it. Voters have to reauthorize it each cycle.

    The proposed levy authorizes up to $5.5 million per year for four years. The actual amount collected per year — and what it costs each property owner — is calculated against total assessed property values in the district.

    What Does This Cost a North Mason Property Owner?

    EP&O levy rates are expressed in dollars per $1,000 of assessed value. If your home is assessed at $450,000 (near the median for North Mason area), and the levy rate works out to roughly $0.50–$0.55 per $1,000, your annual levy cost would be approximately $225–$250 per year — or about $20/month.

    Your exact cost depends on your parcel’s current assessed value. Check your Mason County property tax statement or look up your parcel at masoncountywa.gov for the accurate number. The Mason County Assessor’s office can also help you calculate the levy’s impact on your specific property.

    Where the Money Goes

    State funding covers basic classroom instruction in Washington schools. The levy fills the gap for everything else the community expects from a functioning school system: music programs at North Mason Middle School and NMHS, athletics for middle and high school students, school security officers, after-school activities, and partial funding toward the community gymnasium roof replacement — a capital need that has been deferred for years.

    None of these programs have a state funding source. Without the levy, they are cut or significantly reduced.

    Why It’s on the Ballot for the Third Time

    Voters rejected the levy in February 2025 (roughly 46% yes, needing 50%+) and again in November 2025. Both times, it fell short by a margin that suggests the outcome turns on voter turnout more than deep opposition. Spring special elections typically draw fewer voters than fall elections — which means registered North Mason property owners who don’t return their ballots have an outsized effect on the result.

    Since the November failure, the district has been absorbing the financial impact. Enrollment came in lower than projected, adding a separate $1 million-plus shortfall. Superintendent Dr. Kristine Michael submitted an emergency cash request in March 2026 and has been, in her words, “squeezing every dollar.” Staff reductions have already been made.

    What a Third Failure Would Mean for the District — and Your Property

    Beyond the direct program cuts, a third consecutive levy failure has broader implications for North Mason. School quality is a significant driver of residential property values. Districts that cut music, sports, and safety staffing over multiple years typically see enrollment decline further — which reduces state funding further, creating a compounding cycle. For property owners in Belfair, Allyn, and the surrounding area, the school district’s financial health is directly tied to the area’s long-term appeal and property values.

    Key Dates for Property Owners

    • April 20: Voter registration deadline (register at VoteWA.gov)
    • April 28: Ballot due — mail or drop box
    • Drop boxes: Check masoncountywa.gov/departments/auditor for Belfair-area locations

    Frequently Asked Questions for North Mason Property Owners

    How do I find out what the levy will cost me specifically?

    Look up your parcel assessed value at masoncountywa.gov, then apply the levy rate per $1,000. The Mason County Assessor (360-427-9670 ext 491) can walk you through the calculation for your property.

    Is this the same levy that was on the ballot in 2025?

    Yes — the same fundamental proposal. It replaces the EP&O levy that voters approved in 2022 and that expired at the end of 2025. The levy amount (up to $5.5M/year) and duration (4 years) have remained consistent across all three attempts.

    If I voted no before, has anything changed?

    The core levy is the same. What has changed is the consequences: staff have been cut, a budget shortfall has been confirmed, and the emergency cash request signals the district is past contingency planning and into crisis management. Voters who were on the fence in November are now seeing the real-world outcome of a “no” vote.

    Can the district raise the levy rate above the authorized amount?

    No. The levy rate is capped by both the voter-approved maximum and state law limits on EP&O levies. The district cannot collect more than voters authorized.

    Where can I read the full levy resolution?

    Visit northmasonschools.org/page/levy-info or attend a North Mason School District board meeting. Agenda materials are posted in advance at northmasonschools.org/page/board-meetings.

    Related from Belfair Bugle: Full levy guide: Everything Belfair needs to know about the April 28 vote | Original schools & youth coverage: April 8, 2026

  • Everett Downtown Stadium: Inside the $38M Funding Gap

    Everett Downtown Stadium: Inside the $38M Funding Gap

    Q: Will the Everett downtown stadium actually get built?
    A: It is not guaranteed. The city council has not given final approval, and a $38 million funding gap must be closed first. Mayor Franklin is pursuing private investment and additional public funding. The city’s stated goal is 2027 construction start and 2028 opening for both the AquaSox and a prospective USL soccer team.

    The Everett Outdoor Event Center has a big number attached to it — $120 million — and an equally big problem: a $38 million gap between what the project costs and what the existing funding plan covers. Before a single parcel is acquired downtown, before DLR Group finalizes the design, and before the AquaSox or a USL soccer team signs a lease, that gap has to close.

    Here is exactly what the funding structure looks like, what needs to happen next, and what would cause the project to stall or fail.

    The Funding Stack as of April 2026

    The existing funding plan divides the $120 million roughly as follows: the City of Everett is responsible for approximately 45 percent of the total cost — about $54 million — funded through municipal bonds to be repaid by stadium revenue from baseball, soccer, and year-round events. The Everett AquaSox ownership group contributes approximately 9 percent, the prospective USL men’s and women’s soccer ownership groups contribute approximately 9 percent combined, the State of Washington contributes approximately 7 percent, and Snohomish County contributes approximately 4 percent.

    Those percentages add up to approximately $82 million of the $120 million. The $38 million gap is the difference between that figure and the full project cost — a gap that grew from an earlier estimate because construction costs across the Pacific Northwest have risen significantly since the original financial model was built.

    What Mayor Franklin Is Doing About the Gap

    At her March 5, 2026 State of the City address at the New Everett Theater on Colby Avenue, Mayor Cassie Franklin addressed the funding situation directly. The city’s strategy, as she described it: pursue private investment first — regional corporations and businesses whose brands would benefit from association with a new downtown anchor venue — then layer additional public bonds if the private raise falls short.

    The Everett Chamber of Commerce and the Everett Herald editorial board have both publicly backed the effort. The Herald’s editorial position is that the stadium’s role as a downtown economic catalyst justifies the funding effort; the Chamber’s is that a year-round event venue generates economic activity that benefits the entire business corridor along Hewitt Avenue and beyond.

    Three Things That Must Happen Before Council Votes

    City staff have been explicit about the sequencing. The council cannot vote to approve the project until: (1) a viable funding package is finalized and the $38 million gap is closed or credibly committed; (2) lease agreements with the AquaSox and USL tenant are executed; and (3) property acquisition is completed or under contract for the 28 privately owned parcels that make up the stadium footprint — everything except the buildings fronting Hewitt Avenue.

    The design-build team — DLR Group as designer, Bayley Construction as builder — is operating under a Progressive Design-Build contract. As of early 2026, the design is approximately 60 percent complete. The final design and budget package, which is what goes to council, is expected soon.

    The AquaSox Situation

    The AquaSox have been operating at Funko Field — formerly Everett Memorial Stadium — since 1984. Funko Field does not meet the updated MLB facility requirements that have been phased in for minor league affiliates. A new stadium is not optional for the team’s long-term future as a High-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. The AquaSox ownership group has committed to the downtown site and is actively engaged in lease negotiations.

    The USL expansion is an additional economic driver — two professional soccer teams (men’s and women’s) would use the stadium for additional dates, increasing the annual event count and the revenue used to service the city’s bonds. USL expansion decisions are pending the stadium’s approval, creating a chicken-and-egg dynamic that requires both the stadium deal and the franchise award to proceed together.

    What Would Cause This to Fail

    The project is genuinely at risk if the private investment raise comes up significantly short and the city is unwilling to absorb additional bonding capacity. With a 2027 construction start already the revised target (pushed from the original 2026 plan), any further delay compresses the timeline and risks the AquaSox’s MLB compliance window. Construction cost inflation remaining elevated also puts pressure on the $120 million estimate itself — if costs move higher before contracts are signed, the gap grows again.

    Frequently Asked Questions About the Everett Outdoor Event Center

    Q: Where is the Everett stadium going to be built?
    A: Downtown Everett, on a city block excluding the buildings fronting Hewitt Avenue. The site requires acquisition of 28 privately owned parcels.

    Q: Who is designing the Everett stadium?
    A: DLR Group is the design architect; Bayley Construction is the builder. They were selected through the city’s Progressive Design-Build process.

    Q: When would the Everett stadium open?
    A: The revised target is 2028, for both AquaSox baseball and USL soccer. Construction would start in 2027 if the funding and approvals land on schedule.

    Q: What sports teams would play at the new Everett stadium?
    A: The Everett AquaSox (High-A, Seattle Mariners affiliate) and prospective USL men’s and women’s soccer expansion teams.

    Q: How much is the City of Everett contributing to the stadium?
    A: Approximately 45 percent of the $120 million total, or about $54 million, funded through municipal bonds repaid by stadium revenue.

    Q: Is the stadium replacing Funko Field?
    A: Yes. The AquaSox would move from Funko Field (formerly Everett Memorial Stadium) to the new downtown venue, which meets updated MLB facility requirements. The future of Funko Field after the AquaSox depart has not been publicly determined.

    Related: Everett’s Downtown Stadium Price Tag Climbs to $120M | AquaSox 2026 Season Preview | Exploring Everett

  • PUD 3 Fiber Availability: Mason County Rollout Guide

    PUD 3 Fiber Availability: Mason County Rollout Guide

    For a lot of Mason County households, the question isn’t whether fiber internet would improve life — it obviously would. The question is when it’s actually coming to your street, and what you’re supposed to do in the meantime.

    Here is the honest, practical answer based on how PUD 3’s buildout actually works.

    Step One: Check If Your Address Is Already Covered

    PUD 3 maintains a live service zone map at pud3.servicezones.net/masoncounty. Enter your address and it will tell you whether fiber is already built to your area, whether construction is underway, or whether your neighborhood hasn’t reached the sign-up threshold yet.

    If you’re in Pacific Ridge, Arcadia Shores, or Fern Way — those fiberhoods went live in March 2026. Cloquallum Communities and the adjacent Wivell Road and Loertscher Road fiberhoods came online in February. If you’re in any of those areas and don’t have fiber yet, the infrastructure is likely already in front of your house — you just need to schedule an installation.

    How the Fiberhood Model Works

    PUD 3 doesn’t build fiber everywhere at once. It uses a fiberhood model: neighborhoods that reach a minimum sign-up threshold get prioritized for construction. Think of it as a neighborhood petition, except instead of signatures you’re pre-committing to subscribe to internet service once the fiber is built.

    This matters for households in areas that haven’t been reached yet. The most effective thing you can do is go to pud3.org, sign up, and tell your neighbors to sign up. Every address in your fiberhood that signs up is one step closer to getting on the construction schedule.

    What Internet Speeds Are We Talking About?

    PUD 3’s fiber delivers symmetrical gigabit service — 1,000 Mbps upload and 1,000 Mbps download. To understand what that means in practice: streaming 4K video takes about 25 Mbps. A video conference call uses around 4 Mbps. A family of four running multiple devices simultaneously rarely needs more than 100 Mbps of consistent speed.

    Gigabit is future-proof capacity. But the real improvement for many Mason County households isn’t the ceiling — it’s the floor. Some neighborhoods have been operating on connections of 1.5 Mbps or less. That’s not enough to stream video reliably, let alone work from home or connect to telehealth. Fiber doesn’t just upgrade their internet — it changes what’s possible in their daily life.

    What About the Cost?

    PUD 3 does not set the retail price — that’s handled by the internet service providers that deliver service over PUD 3’s fiber. Because PUD 3 runs an open-access network with multiple competing providers, pricing tends to be more competitive than in areas where a single private ISP holds a monopoly. Check PUD 3’s website for a list of current participating retail providers and their pricing in your area.

    What If You’re Waiting for Fiber and Need Internet Now?

    Satellite internet (Starlink being the most common in rural Mason County) is the most viable interim option for households that can’t wait for the fiber buildout to reach them. It requires a clear view of the sky and runs around $120/month for residential service. It won’t match fiber speeds or reliability, but it’s substantially better than legacy DSL or cellular-based connections for most households.

    For the full picture on PUD 3’s expansion and which areas have already been connected, read our main coverage: Mason County PUD 3 Fiber Internet Is Reaching More Homes in 2026

    Related: SR-3 Belfair Bypass: The other big Mason County infrastructure investment in 2026

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I check if PUD 3 fiber is available at my Mason County address?

    Go to pud3.servicezones.net/masoncounty and enter your address. The map will show whether your area has fiber built, is under construction, or is still in the sign-up phase. You can also call PUD 3 directly at their customer service line.

    What is a fiberhood and how does PUD 3 decide which areas get built first?

    A fiberhood is a geographic cluster of addresses that are grouped together for fiber construction purposes. PUD 3 builds fiberhoods that reach a minimum customer sign-up threshold first — so neighborhoods where more residents pre-commit to service get prioritized. This community-driven model helps ensure construction investment goes where demand is confirmed.

    If fiber is already built to my area, how do I get it connected to my house?

    Contact PUD 3 to schedule a drop installation — the short cable run from the utility pole or underground conduit to your home. Once that’s done, choose a retail internet service provider that operates on PUD 3’s open-access network and schedule service activation.

    Does PUD 3 fiber require a long-term contract?

    Contracts vary by retail service provider, not by PUD 3 itself. Check with the specific provider you choose. PUD 3 itself does not impose service contracts — the infrastructure connection is separate from your retail service agreement.


  • PUD 3 Fiber Internet for Mason County Businesses in 2026

    PUD 3 Fiber Internet for Mason County Businesses in 2026

    For Mason County businesses that have been running on slow or unreliable internet, the infrastructure picture is finally changing. Mason County PUD 3 is midway through a multi-year fiber buildout that is reaching rural and semi-rural commercial areas that private carriers have never touched.

    If your business depends on internet — and most do — here is what you need to know.

    What Gigabit Fiber Actually Does for a Small Business

    The headline number is 1,000 Mbps download and 1,000 Mbps upload — symmetrical gigabit. But for most small businesses, the upload speed is what matters most. Legacy DSL and cable connections are asymmetrical: you get fast downloads but slow uploads. That means uploading files to clients, backing up to the cloud, running video calls, or processing point-of-sale transactions all compete for the same limited upstream pipe.

    Fiber eliminates that bottleneck. A business that was previously struggling to host a video call while running cloud-based accounting software can now do both simultaneously — along with a dozen other tasks — without degradation.

    Which Areas Are Coming Online and When?

    PUD 3 connected Pacific Ridge (March 18), Arcadia Shores (March 25), and Fern Way (March 26) in March 2026. The Cloquallum Communities Fiberhood — serving 680+ addresses — is working through individual connections now with a full completion target of October 2026. The Three Fingers Fiber Project, funded by a federal ReConnect grant, is also in its final connection phase with an April 2026 project deadline.

    If your business is in one of these areas, fiber infrastructure is likely already built to your property. Visit pud3.servicezones.net to check your address and schedule an installation.

    The Open-Access Model: More Providers, More Competition

    PUD 3 runs an open-access network — the utility builds and maintains the fiber, but multiple competing retail internet service providers can deliver service over the same infrastructure. For businesses, this matters because it prevents the lock-in and price inflation that happens when a single ISP controls access in an area.

    You choose your provider, and providers compete for your business. That’s the opposite of the single-provider rural internet model most Mason County businesses have lived with for years.

    What This Means for Remote Work and Business Attraction

    Mason County has long faced a disadvantage in competing for skilled workers and remote-friendly employers who have historically required Puget Sound proximity because of internet infrastructure. As fiber reaches more of the county, that calculus changes.

    A home-based Mason County worker who can now reliably run video calls, access corporate systems, and upload large files at gigabit speeds doesn’t need to commute to Tacoma or Bremerton to be productive. And employers who might have passed on Mason County office space because of connectivity concerns have fewer reasons to do so.

    The economic development implications of the PUD 3 buildout extend well beyond individual households. For a deeper look at Mason County economic development, read our coverage of Olympic Mountain Ice Cream’s Port of Shelton expansion: Olympic Mountain Ice Cream Expands to Port of Shelton with $1.75M CERB Loan

    Full PUD 3 expansion details: Mason County PUD 3 Fiber Internet Is Reaching More Homes in 2026

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can businesses get fiber internet through PUD 3 in Mason County?

    Yes. PUD 3’s fiber network serves both residential and business customers. Commercial properties in fiberhood service areas can schedule an installation and choose a retail service provider from those operating on PUD 3’s open-access network. Check your address at pud3.servicezones.net.

    What’s the difference between PUD 3 fiber and a private ISP like Comcast or CenturyLink?

    PUD 3 is a public utility that builds and maintains the fiber infrastructure, then allows multiple retail internet providers to deliver service over it. Private ISPs own their own infrastructure and control pricing and availability. In rural Mason County, private ISPs have historically underinvested — PUD 3’s public model is reaching areas that private carriers have declined to serve.

    Is PUD 3 fiber available for commercial properties or just residential?

    PUD 3’s fiber is available to any address within a completed fiberhood, including commercial properties, home-based businesses, and farms. Contact PUD 3 directly to confirm eligibility for your specific business address.

    How does PUD 3’s open-access fiber model benefit business owners specifically?

    Because multiple internet service providers compete on the same infrastructure, businesses can shop for price, contract terms, and service-level agreements rather than accepting whatever a single provider offers. This competitive dynamic tends to produce better pricing and service quality than monopoly-provider markets.


  • Olympic Mountain Ice Cream Jobs at Port of Shelton

    Olympic Mountain Ice Cream Jobs at Port of Shelton

    When a company commits to creating 17 new permanent jobs in Mason County, that’s not a press release talking point — it’s a condition of the $1.75 million in state financing that made the expansion possible. Olympic Mountain Ice Cream’s move to the Port of Shelton comes with an obligation to grow, and that growth translates to real positions available to local workers over the next five years.

    Here’s what Mason County job seekers should know.

    The Commitment: 17 Jobs Over Five Years

    The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board loan that financed the Port of Shelton’s warehouse renovation is structured around job creation. The Port of Shelton received $1.75 million in low-interest CERB funding and leased the improved 11,500-square-foot facility to Olympic Mountain Ice Cream. In exchange, the company has committed to creating 17 new permanent positions over the course of five years.

    This is not speculative — it’s written into the deal structure. CERB loans are tied to employment outcomes, and projects are tracked against their commitments. For Mason County workers, the 17-job projection represents a floor, not a ceiling. A company that doubles in size often ends up hiring more than initially projected.

    What Kind of Jobs Are These?

    Olympic Mountain Ice Cream is a food manufacturing operation — artisan ice cream, gelato, and sorbet production at commercial scale. They currently employ 18 people and produce more than 50,000 gallons annually. The kinds of positions a food manufacturer of this size typically adds during a capacity expansion include:

    • Production and line workers — hands-on manufacturing roles that generally don’t require specialized credentials
    • Quality control and food safety positions — often require food handler certification, which can be obtained locally
    • Packaging, shipping, and logistics roles — as wholesale volume grows with new capacity
    • Retail and customer-facing staff — the new Port of Shelton location includes a public-facing retail storefront
    • Operations and supervisory positions — as the team scales, management layers tend to grow too

    Food manufacturing is one of the more accessible paths into stable employment for workers without four-year degrees. Many production roles offer on-the-job training, and artisan food companies — particularly family-owned operations like Olympic Mountain — often prioritize cultural fit and work ethic over specialized credentials.

    Olympic Mountain Ice Cream: A 40-Year Family Business

    The company has been operating under the same family ownership for more than 40 years, with roots in the Skokomish Valley at the base of the Olympic Mountain foothills. That tenure and stability matters for job seekers: a company that has sustained itself through multiple economic cycles and continued investing in its Mason County operations is a different kind of employer than a short-term tenant with an exit strategy.

    The move to the Port of Shelton represents a commitment to staying and growing here, not a stepping stone to relocating elsewhere in the Puget Sound market.

    How to Stay Informed About Openings

    As of April 2026, Olympic Mountain Ice Cream is in the process of completing its move to the new facility. Job postings will likely appear on the company’s website at olympicmountainicecream.com and on their Facebook page as the expansion ramps up. The Mason County Economic Development Council at masonedc.org also tracks local employment opportunities.

    WorkSource Southwest Washington (the state’s employment services office) is another resource for Mason County job seekers monitoring local manufacturing openings.

    For the full context on this expansion and what it means for Mason County: Olympic Mountain Ice Cream Opens New Port of Shelton Facility — Full Coverage

    Also relevant: SR-3 Belfair Bypass — the North Mason construction project that will create hundreds of construction jobs 2027-2029

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How many jobs will the Olympic Mountain Ice Cream expansion create in Mason County?

    The expansion is projected to create 17 new permanent jobs over five years, bringing the company’s total workforce from 18 to approximately 35 positions. The jobs are based at the new Port of Shelton facility at 130 West Corporate Drive in Shelton.

    What kind of work experience or education do you need to work at Olympic Mountain Ice Cream?

    Olympic Mountain Ice Cream is a food manufacturing company. Most production roles require a food handler permit (available through the Mason County Public Health Department) and physical stamina for production work. The company values reliability and work ethic. Retail and customer service positions for the new storefront require customer-facing experience. Supervisory and quality control roles may require relevant certifications.

    When will Olympic Mountain Ice Cream start hiring for the new Port of Shelton location?

    Hiring timelines haven’t been publicly announced as of April 2026. The facility move was targeting a March 2026 transition. Monitor the company’s website at olympicmountainicecream.com and their Facebook page for job postings as the expansion ramps up.

    Is the Olympic Mountain Ice Cream retail store open to the public?

    The new Port of Shelton facility includes a retail storefront that will be open to the public — a new feature the previous Skokomish Valley location did not prominently offer. Check their website for confirmed hours and opening information.


  • Washington CERB Loan: Funding Mason County Business Growth

    Washington CERB Loan: Funding Mason County Business Growth

    When the Port of Shelton Commission approved a $1.75 million loan to renovate a warehouse for Olympic Mountain Ice Cream, the financing came from a state program that most Mason County business owners have never heard of — but probably should know about.

    The Community Economic Revitalization Board, or CERB, is one of Washington State’s primary tools for funding the kind of infrastructure investment that keeps local manufacturers in rural communities instead of relocating to cheaper or better-served markets.

    What Is CERB?

    CERB is a Washington State program administered by the Department of Commerce. It provides low-interest loans and grants to public entities — port districts, counties, cities, public development authorities — for infrastructure projects tied to private sector job creation.

    The key word is “public entities.” CERB does not lend money directly to private businesses. Instead, a public partner (like the Port of Shelton) takes on the CERB debt, builds or improves an asset, and then makes that asset available to a private company under lease terms designed to be economically accessible. The private company commits to creating a specified number of jobs in exchange.

    It’s a leveraged model: $1.75 million in state money, paired with at least $1 million in private investment from Olympic Mountain Ice Cream, creates a $2.75 million project that the company likely couldn’t finance on its own — and that the private capital markets wouldn’t fund in a rural county without a public partner at the table.

    Why the Port of Shelton Was the Right Vehicle

    The Port of Shelton, established in 1948, is a public port district with statutory authority to promote economic development. Its assets include Sanderson Field, a general aviation airport and 1,200-acre industrial park, and the Johns Prairie Industrial Park. The Port can issue CERB applications on behalf of projects that meet the program’s job-creation and public benefit criteria.

    In the Olympic Mountain Ice Cream case, the mechanics are straightforward: the Port received the CERB loan, renovated its warehouse building at 130 West Corporate Drive to meet the company’s production and retail requirements, and executed a lease with Olympic Mountain Ice Cream. The lease terms are structured to be affordable for the company while generating revenue that helps the Port service the CERB debt.

    The 17-job commitment is not goodwill — it’s a contract obligation tied to the CERB financing. The state tracks job creation outcomes for CERB-funded projects, and the Port is responsible for ensuring the commitments are met.

    What This Means for Other Mason County Businesses

    The CERB program exists throughout Washington State, and Mason County has public partners — the Port of Shelton, Mason County government, Mason County Economic Development Council — that can sponsor applications for eligible projects.

    If you run a Mason County business that needs facility improvements, infrastructure investment, or expanded production capacity that would create jobs, the path to CERB financing runs through those public entities, not through a bank. The Mason County EDC at masonedc.org is the right starting point for businesses exploring whether their project could qualify.

    CERB is not the only state economic development tool available — the Washington Economic Development Finance Authority (WEDFA), the Rural Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund, and various USDA programs also operate in Mason County. But CERB is specifically well-suited to the kind of port-anchored industrial development the Olympic Mountain Ice Cream project represents.

    The Bigger Picture: Mason County’s Economic Development Momentum

    The Olympic Mountain Ice Cream expansion is happening in the same year that the SR-3 Belfair Bypass received $48.3 million in state transportation funding and PUD 3 is completing fiber buildouts reaching hundreds of additional homes. The three investments are unrelated but collectively signal a county that is attracting public capital investment at a rate that will shape its economic trajectory for years.

    For businesses considering a Mason County location or expansion, that infrastructure context — roads, fiber, industrial space at public ports — is worth paying attention to.

    Full expansion details: Olympic Mountain Ice Cream’s New Port of Shelton Facility — Complete Coverage

    Related infrastructure: PUD 3 fiber is reaching 680+ Cloquallum homes — what gigabit internet means for Mason County businesses

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does CERB stand for and who administers it in Washington State?

    CERB stands for Community Economic Revitalization Board. It is administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce and provides low-interest financing to public entities for economic development infrastructure projects that create private-sector jobs.

    Can a private Mason County business apply for CERB funding directly?

    No. CERB loans and grants go to public entities — port districts, cities, counties, and similar government bodies — not directly to private businesses. A private business benefits from CERB through a partnership with a public entity that sponsors the project and owns the improved facility, which it then makes available to the business through a lease.

    How do I find out if my Mason County business project could qualify for CERB-backed financing?

    Contact the Mason County Economic Development Council at masonedc.org or the Port of Shelton directly. These organizations work with the Washington State Department of Commerce on CERB applications and can help determine whether your project meets the program criteria — particularly the job-creation requirements that anchor CERB eligibility.

    How much was the CERB loan for the Olympic Mountain Ice Cream project?

    The Port of Shelton received a $1.75 million CERB loan for the warehouse renovation. Olympic Mountain Ice Cream committed to at least $1 million in private investment alongside the state financing, for a total project investment of approximately $2.75 million.