Help Shape the Future of Greenbank Farm – Consider Running for Port Commissioner

[Martin Vandepas]

Hi all,

I wanted to share an important opportunity: I will not be seeking re-election this year for my seat as Port Commissioner for the Port of Coupeville.

The Port of Coupeville owns and manages two properties: the Coupeville Wharf and Greenbank Farm. Most of the Port’s work focuses on maintaining and upgrading these facilities and managing about 15 commercial rental spaces for local businesses. A staff of about 10 handles the day-to-day administration, facilities work, and project management.

The three commissioners are responsible for setting the Port’s overall vision, values, and direction, hiring and overseeing the Executive Director, approving the budget, and providing organizational oversight. It’s a part-time role, but it carries real influence over important community assets.

The compensation is $360 per month plus $161 for each meeting day. We currently meet twice a month (typically 2–3 hours per meeting), and additional project work, meetings, or conferences can be compensated as well. For example, I attended a tour of the Taproot Community Kitchen on Lopez Island and claimed that day for Port pay because it aligned with my ideas for Greenbank Farm. If you calculate the time commitment, the hourly rate is actually quite good for a part-time community leadership role.

Greenbank Farm currently leases farmland to about six agricultural businesses producing vegetables, flowers, and livestock. There is also significant additional farmland available that could be cultivated if more farm businesses were interested. One of my major goals is to improve the Port’s infrastructure to better support the existing farm tenants and attract new ones, such as:

• Adding shared-use infrastructure like permanent farm sales stands, wash-pack facilities, cold storage, and value-added processing spaces
• Staff services supporting new farm business planning and development.
• Further developing Greenbank Farm as a hub for local food and community agriculture.

If you’re curious about what Port meetings are like, here's a link to a recent meeting where we're discussing the agricultural potential of Greenbank Farm. I've been getting frustrated by the lack of support among the staff and the other commissioners for these ideas. But if 2 out of 3 commissioners were supportive, a lot could get done. Also, the current executive director is planning to retire in spring 2026 so the new commissioners will decide on the next ED of the Port.

My district 3 seat, and also the district 2 commissioner seat are both up for election this November, and the filing deadline is coming up next week, May 5-9th. To run, you must live within the district you are filing for (maps here)—feel free to reach out if you’re unsure which district you're in or want help with the filing process. I'd love to talk with anyone who is considering running and answer any questions you may have. Please reach out.

I would love to see someone from our farming and local food community continue building momentum at Greenbank Farm. Please feel free to share with anyone you know who may be interested as well.

Hopeful,

Martin Vandepas
541-760-1490