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The OHD Commissioners recognize US Congresswoman Julia Brownley. Photos courtesy of the Port of Hueneme.
West Ventura County Business Alliance Hosts Annual Update; Port Recognizes Congresswoman Julia Brownley for More Than $155 Million in Federal Funding Support
PORT OF HUENEME — Business leaders, elected officials, port customers, labor representatives, and community partners gathered Thursday at the Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club for the 2026 “State of the Port,” a special meeting hosted by the West Ventura County Business Alliance highlighting the Port of Hueneme’s economic impact, operational progress, infrastructure investments, and vision for the future.
In opening the event, Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners President Jason Hodge reflected on the yearly meeting. “The State of the Port is an important opportunity to bring together the people and organizations that help us live out our mission. It gives us a chance to recognize our progress and share our vision for how we’ll continue to impact our community and shape the region going forward,” he said.
Oxnard Harbor District Board President Jason Hodge at the 2026 State of the Port.
In providing an overview of the Port’s performance, CEO and Port Director Kristin Decas outlined how the Port of Hueneme continues to expand its role as a vital economic engine for the county. Over the past decade, the Port has achieved 70 percent growth with operating revenue increasing 77 percent between 2015 and 2026. The Port is now the nation’s top banana port, the West Coast’s number one blueberry port, and the number four auto port in the country.
In addition to these achievements, Decas presented the Port’s strategic priorities and partnerships while thanking the elected officials, trade organizations, labor unions, Port customers, and collaborators in attendance. “All of these accomplishments we’re celebrating today are because of YOU,” she said. “Thank you to all of our partners for helping us make cargo move! We could not achieve these outcomes without your great partnership and collaboration.”
CEO and Port Director Kristin Decas delivers the 2026 State of the Port
CFO Austin Yang then delivered a financial update. Today, the Port accounts for nearly five percent of Ventura County’s total gross domestic product and is growing faster than the county’s overall economy. Diverse revenue streams, strategic investments, and a commitment to staying competitive in global trade have supported this continued growth.
Yang was followed by Christina Birdsey, Chief Operations Officer, who delivered an operational update focused on infrastructure improvements, capital investment, and the Port’s ongoing transformation in pursuit of reaching Zero Emissions status by 2030. Current active grant-funded projects total approximately $246 million with funds directed to projects that strengthen the Port’s capacity, efficiency, and environmental performance.
Partnerships with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union #46 continue to serve as a foundation to this work. Through the Port’s Project Labor Agreement, 896 jobs have been created to date, bringing local employment opportunities and skilled trades to Port projects.
Many of these projects reflect the Port’s commitment to the environment. Its newly energized solar canopy is expected to generate enough electricity annually to power the equivalent of 250 homes.
Stacy Lange, Chief Commercial & Public Affairs Officer, provided an update on the Port’s business performance and commercial strategy. While tariffs contributed to a 13 percent decline in automobile volumes over the last fiscal year, diversified revenue streams and increased high-and-heavy cargo volumes combined with a slight uptick in container imports to keep the Port’s income healthy.
Stacy Lange’s presentation at the 2026 WVCBA State of the Port event.
Lange revealed that the Port is currently developing an export initiative designed to support local agriculture by using available container capacity to transport Ventura County agricultural products to Asian markets. The Port also continues to expand its global business as the World Trade Center Oxnard license holder and its Foreign-Trade Zone.
Workforce development is another component to the Port’s long-term vision. Through its $2 million S.P.E.E.D. workforce development initiative, the Port is investing in a whole-family approach to experience in the maritime, logistics, and construction industries. This summer, 13 interns and apprentices participated in workforce programs. Additionally, 37 participants graduated from the Port’s S.P.E.E.D programs this year, and 10 individuals took part in Women in Construction programs.
Port leaders closed the 2026 State of the Port by signaling their vision for the future. Looking ahead, the Port of Hueneme will build on this momentum through continued facility upgrades, environmental leadership, and strong partnerships. As it looks forward to its 90th anniversary in 2027, the Port remains dedicated to making cargo move while leading in maritime sustainability and bringing the full benefits of global trade home to its region.
most productive and efficient commercial trade gateways for niche cargo on the West Coast. Five locally elected Port Commissioners govern the Port. The Port consistently ranks among the top ten U.S. Ports for automobiles and fresh produce. Port operations support the community by bringing $2.8 billion in economic activity and creating 24,997 trade-related jobs. Trade through the Port of Hueneme generates more than $236 million in direct and related state and local taxes, which fund vital community services. In 2017, the Port of Hueneme became the first Port in California to become Green Marine certified and was voted the Greenest Port in the U.S. at the Green Shipping Summit.