The Port of Ridgefield operates as a Community Port. In addition to land development, the Port focuses its economic development-mandated efforts on infrastructure projects and innovative problem-solving to generate business growth and jobs that help to reduce the tax burden for citizens; environmental improvements, and other lifestyle enh
The Port of Ridgefield operates as a Community Port. In addition to land development, the Port focuses its economic development-mandated efforts on infrastructure projects and innovative problem-solving to generate business growth and jobs that help to reduce the tax burden for citizens; environmental improvements, and other lifestyle enhancements for community benefit. While a small port, it has a track record of record of successfully tackling complex challenges.
On the I-5 corridor, Ridgefield is a fast-growing suburb in the Portland-Vancouver Metro region – an international trade hub and dynamic business environment.
With business and population growth spreading northward coupled with Ridgefield’s abundance of development acreage, relatively low-cost housing and outstanding schools and lifestyle
On the I-5 corridor, Ridgefield is a fast-growing suburb in the Portland-Vancouver Metro region – an international trade hub and dynamic business environment.
With business and population growth spreading northward coupled with Ridgefield’s abundance of development acreage, relatively low-cost housing and outstanding schools and lifestyle opportunities, the community is attractive to large and small businesses and home to an educated workforce.
In addition to Ridgefield’s many location advantages, the port’s district, the Discovery Corridor, is an area that extends from approximately the I-205/I-5 junction north to La Center. The Discovery Corridor is being developed with a focus on medical, educational, innovation and technology-focused enterprises and activities.
A school district that outperforms most others in the region and state and proximity to Washington State University-Vancouver, the region’s only R&D college, assists in providing companies that locate here with an educated workforce. Additionally, Clark College, the region’s largest community college, purchased property in Ridgefield and plans to develop a north Clark County campus here.
The Port of Ridgefield is governed by a three-member Board of Commissioners, one from each of the three commissioner districts. Commissioners are elected by voters to six-year terms with only one board position coming before the voters in any given year.
The Commission sets policy, liaisons with other elected officials, authorizes major expenditures, conducts public meetings and appoints an chief executive officer who is responsible for management leadership and the day-to-day operations of the port.
Commissioner Bruce R. Wiseman was first appointed to the Port Commission in October of 1998 and was elected to serve a six-year term in November of that same year. Before becoming a member of the port commission.
Commissioner Wiseman is the owner of “The Tree Wisemans,” a Ridgefield Christmas tree farm. He has been successfully managing th
Commissioner Bruce R. Wiseman was first appointed to the Port Commission in October of 1998 and was elected to serve a six-year term in November of that same year. Before becoming a member of the port commission.
Commissioner Wiseman is the owner of “The Tree Wisemans,” a Ridgefield Christmas tree farm. He has been successfully managing the business for nearly 30 years. He is a graduate of Washington State University-Pullman.
A Ridgefield resident since 1993, Commissioner Scott Hughes was appointed to the commission in 2008. Hughes was then elected for a four-year term in a special election in 2009 and re-elected in 2013 and 2019.
He is the owner/operator of Ridgefield Hardware, a business he purchased in 1999. Hughes is a University of Portland graduate and also holds an MBA from Washington State University.
Commissioner Joe Melroy was elected to the Port Commission in 1998. He has been a Ridgefield resident since 1968, relocating here from San Diego, where he attended college.
Melroy is active in local civic groups including Spudder Boosters Club, Ridgefield 4th of July Committee, Little League Baseball, Chamber of Commerce, Ridgefield Busin
Commissioner Joe Melroy was elected to the Port Commission in 1998. He has been a Ridgefield resident since 1968, relocating here from San Diego, where he attended college.
Melroy is active in local civic groups including Spudder Boosters Club, Ridgefield 4th of July Committee, Little League Baseball, Chamber of Commerce, Ridgefield Business Association, and the Lions Club, on which he served as chair.
Port District Map (pdf)
DownloadChief Executive Officer
Director of Operations
Office Manager
Facilities Manager
Finance Manager
Review our frequently asked questions to learn more about the Port of Ridgefield. Please reach us if you cannot find an answer to your question.
A port district in the State of Washington is a municipal corporation, organized under state law and authorized by a majority vote of the residents in the proposed district, and governed by a locally elected board of commissioners. A port is NOT part of City or County government.
Yes, the Port collects a property tax levy on land within the Port District. The 2020 property tax rate for the Port was $.17 per $1000 of assessed value, or $17 for property valued at $100,000. In 2020 the Port collected $654,588 from this tax.
In 2020 the Port’s revenue from local property taxes represented about 33% of its budget. The remainder of the budget is funded primarily by income from its real estate sales and leases, boater use fees and return on any invested dollars.
To schedule a tour contact the Port at (360) 887-3873 or info@portridgefield.org.
Port of Ridgefield
Address: 101 Mill Street, Suite 100, Ridgefield, WA 98642 - Mail: PO BOX 55, Ridgefield, WA 98642
Copyright © 2023 Port of Ridgefield - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by Bare Canvas