Port of Everett raises parking rates

Published 5:30 am Saturday, February 22, 2025

EVERETT — Parking at the Port of Everett became more expensive after the port raised rates for the first time since ending free parking beyond two hours in May 2021.

Up to two hours parking is still free, but two to four hours will now cost $3, up from $2. Four to six hours is now $6, up from $5, and 10 to 24 hours is now $12, up from $10.

A key reason that unlimited free parking was eliminated back in 2021 was that port employees noticed multiple patrons parking at the port and then loading into one car and leaving the facility, said Catherine Soper, the port’s director of external affairs and business development.

Soper said that port parking is for patrons using the port. She said charging has been “successful in ensuring our limited waterfront parking is being used and is available for its intended use,” and that the new fee increase is due to increased costs by LAZ Parking, the port’s parking vendor.

Soper said 85% of port visitors still stay less than two hours, enjoying parking at no cost.

“The Port is proud to be able to continue to provide the opportunity for up to two hours of free parking at the Everett waterfront,” she said. “This is not common at many waterfront destinations.”

Port officials said they don’t aim to make a major profit from the parking, but they see the pay-to-park initiative as a way to manage parking spaces.

Randy Diamond: 425-339-3097; randy.diamond@heraldnet.com