Focused on the Future

A note from the Port Commission President Kristi Chapman

James Cash Penny, founder of JC Penney department stores, once said “Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.” I could not agree more with this idea and can honestly say that the forces working for and alongside the Port of Hood River have been and are continuing to make some amazingly positive changes for the constituents of Hood River. Over the past two years, the Port of Hood River has made critical strides for ensuring a healthy economy and strong quality of life for our friends, neighbors and visitors.

These forces, our Port Commission, Port staff, and community partners, have worked together to achieve numerous indicators of growth across the board! Port staff, with the financial leadership of Debbie Smith-Wagar, have implemented a new financial software that allows each department to track their budgets, spending and time management in real time. This is a HUGE step towards operational transparency and accountability. Under the leadership of Executive Director Kevin Greenwood, the Port has taken meaningful steps to improve both internal workplace culture and external relationships. A healthy, collaborative culture is foundation to achieving our goals. As the largest commercial landholder in Hood River County, the Port understands it’s this vital regional resource for our small businesses. Hiring new Property Manager Amanda Rose is a great step in working to leverage those properties for the community’s benefit – creating jobs, supporting local enterprise, and enhancing public spaces.

Two years has also seen the creation of the Hood River White Salmon Bridge Authority, and the Port continues to support their bridge replacement efforts and work hand-in-hand with them to secure a new bridge for our region. This project especially, continues to be a top priority for residents of the gorge, and the Port is, and will continue, to support the effort in every way possible. Beginning in July of 2026, all tolls from the Hood River White Salmon Bridge will be allocated to bridge maintenance and replacement efforts, and the Port staff and Commissioners have been working hard to streamline expenses and find other veins of revenue to continue to operate the Port facilities and properties that are so integral to the community.

And while these are all massive steps forward for the Port, there are so many great ideas, possibilities and opportunities on the horizon for the Port and community! In the coming months, the Port will be launching a strategic planning process and developing a new Waterfront Master Plan, to guide the long-term vision for our shoreline. And because this is your community, your Port and your future, we invite you all to get involved. You can email Commissioners your questions, concerns and ideas – their emails can be found at www.portofhoodriver.com. We hold monthly Board meetings that are open to the public and live streamed to allow greater accessibility for our constituents. Ask the questions and share your ideas! Become part of the driving force behind the Port of Hood River and help create sustainable economic and recreational growth!

Your input matters. Your voice helps shape the future of the Port-and of Hood River itself!

Together, let’s build a Port we can all be proud of.

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