The Port of Hueneme leads Ventura County’s economic growth with 15,834 total jobs in 2018, an increase from 13,633 in 2015. In their newest economic study, the Port shows substantial increases in job creation, economic activity, tax revenue generated for local cities, and total economic activity.
Oxnard Harbor District President Jess Herrera stated, “For over 83 years, the Port has been Ventura County's legacy industry providing economic opportunity for our community. This new economic study once again confirms that our continued growth and success provides even greater benefits to our cities, in taxes, and our citizens in family sustaining job opportunities. The Port continues to be a growing and stable partner in our county's prosperity.
Port cargos grew to 1.6 million tons in FY2018, a new all-time high for the Port which resulted in a record number of jobs being created for local residents. Since 2015, the Port has increased its economic impact from $1.5 billion to $1.7 billion annually. This includes local business revenues and re-spending by direct employees.
Bruce Stenslie, President & CEO of the Economic Development Collaborative stated, “Ventura County has been in a categorical economic slump since the Great Recession, with the county’s major industries showing a lack of job generation. Offsetting those overall losses, one positive point is export trade, with the Port a primary driver of jobs and growth in our local economy.”
The Port’s growth has also increased the tax revenues that will go directly to local municipalities and the state by 28% over the past 3 years, from $93 million to $119 million.
“The Port not only generates jobs, but we also generate tax revenues for the local cities through our customers that base their operations here,” said CEO & Port Director Kristin Decas. “These tax revenues go directly to supporting our local schools, firefighters, police officers, city streets, health and social services, and community events.” In addition to the economic benefits the Port brings to local residents, it also focuses its resources on improving the social fabric of the community through sponsorships and community events.
