Port of South Whidbey Approves Modest Commercial Rent Increase, Plans Market Survey

The Port of South Whidbey board on December 12 recommended a roughly ten percent increase in commercial lease rates at the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds, with the change due to take effect January 1. Port staff said the change aims to correct a wide gap between current rents and market levels, noting that some tenants are paying under thirty cents per square foot. The board described the measured increase as a modest first step intended to avoid overwhelming tenants while beginning to align rates with local conditions.

Port staff also outlined plans to undertake broader market rate surveys for commercial and industrial properties in the area. Those surveys are intended to inform future baseline rates and to provide data for subsequent adjustments across the port portfolio. The port plans to meet with the Whidbey Island Fair Association to discuss the planned rate changes and to coordinate on next steps.

The decision carries direct implications for businesses, nonprofit organizations, event vendors, and community groups that lease space at the fairgrounds. For tenants currently paying under thirty cents per square foot, a ten percent increase would raise rates to just under thirty three cents per square foot. For tenants with larger footprints or long term agreements the cumulative effect could be more substantial, and operators may adapt pricing for services and events to offset higher occupancy costs.

The port’s action reflects the broader tension facing public stewards of community assets, between generating revenue to sustain operations and keeping public space affordable for community uses. By commissioning market surveys the port is signaling a move toward data driven rate setting, which could result in larger changes if surveys show substantial underpricing relative to comparable properties.

Community members who use the fairgrounds for commerce, agriculture shows, seasonal events, or nonprofit activities will want to follow the port’s outreach and the scheduled meeting with the fair association. The coming market surveys and any subsequent rate proposals will be key to understanding how commercial rental costs at the fairgrounds will evolve and how that evolution will affect Island County’s small businesses and civic events.