By MITCH WRIGHT

I would like to bring an issue into focus from a business perspective, as well as a community member of South Whidbey. As the finance executive at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, South Whidbey’s largest private employer, I’ve observed a growing crisis that threatens our community’s future: the lack of affordable housing. As a board member of Goosefoot Community Fund, I’ve also been learning more about what it takes to address this critical issue.

To be clear, I am not speaking on behalf of Nichols Brothers or their investors. I am, however, in a unique position to offer a perspective that many can’t with regard to the lack of affordable housing options. It’s understandable to question whether the kind of development that enables affordability is a good fit for our community, especially as we all share the desire to maintain the South Whidbey character that we love.

But consider this: the very fabric of our community — our schools, local businesses and even our health care services — depends on a stable and diverse workforce that can afford to live here. Right now, that workforce is shrinking at an alarming rate. South Whidbey’s public school student population, our future workforce, has dropped by a jaw-dropping 50% since 2000, even as the island’s overall population grew by 17%. This decline directly correlates with the lack of housing options that local workers can afford.

Without making housing more affordable, our working-age population will continue to dwindle, leading to a cascade of negative effects. Local businesses, from restaurants to hardware stores, will suffer as fewer dollars circulate within our economy. The shifting workforce demographics has forced companies like Nichols Brothers to get creative in the search for talent. What many South Whidbey residents may not know is that Nichols Brothers, despite having a local roster of some of the most talented ship builders and tradesmen you will find, expanded operations in the last few years and founded a second shipyard in the Port of Everett. The new yard has grown rapidly, in part because there is a (comparatively) readily available workforce.

The economic impact of inaction is severe. Just from the future opportunities available to Nichols Boats alone, tens of millions of dollars in economic benefit to our community could be lost annually, diminishing tax revenues and leading to cuts in essential services, from education to public safety. And this isn’t just about numbers — it’s about preserving the unique character of South Whidbey. A vibrant, sustainable community needs a mix of ages, incomes, and occupations. Without affordable housing, we risk becoming a place where only the wealthy can afford to live, undermining the diversity that makes South Whidbey special.

The solution is within our reach. By prioritizing affordable housing, we can ensure that South Whidbey remains a thriving community for all. I urge you to participate in Island County’s and the City of Langley’s Comprehensive Plan update process. Advocate for logical zoning changes that promote sensible housing options, and help turn shovel-ready projects into reality. Together, we can create a future where everyone, from young families to retirees, has a place on South Whidbey.

Mitch Wright is the the finance executive for Nichols Brothers Boat Builders.