Centralia is at a crossroads, and the conversation we keep hearing is about traffic — how long it takes to get through town, how frustrating it feels, and how it’s getting worse.
But I think we need to ask a better question: What is your time worth?
Because while we’re sitting at a light for three or four extra minutes, something bigger is happening around us.
According to an independent economic impact study by ECOnorthwest, the Port of Centralia is projected to generate over $1 billion in economic activity and support more than 4,800 jobs by 2026. It contributes over 20% of our local tax base — helping fund schools, infrastructure and essential services.
Without it, the burden on local families would be significantly higher.
At the same time, the City of Centralia’s 2024 community survey shows 70% of residents are concerned about crime, 62% about homelessness and over 64% say improving education is critical to our future.
These challenges require resources — jobs, revenue and investment. That economic activity is what makes it possible to address those challenges in a meaningful way.
Those don’t come without trade-offs.
Yes, traffic has increased. The Washington state Department of Transportation has identified Harrison and Belmont as congestion points and recommended solutions like the Gallagher Road Extension and the Westside Connector bridge.
These are real solutions — not just complaints.
So the question isn’t whether traffic exists. It does.
The question is whether we are willing to accept a few extra minutes on the road in exchange for economic growth, family-wage jobs and a stronger future.
With that in mind, I encourage our city council to revisit — and ultimately remove — the current moratorium on large warehouse development. These projects provide jobs, tax revenue and long-term stability.
While impacts like traffic must be addressed, delaying opportunity does not solve the problem. We need balanced solutions that allow Centralia to grow while continuing to invest in infrastructure.
Progress is rarely perfectly convenient.
Centralia is growing, and more than half of residents believe we are heading in a positive direction. Growth brings challenges — but it also brings opportunity.
So the next time you’re sitting in traffic, take a moment to reflect on what’s being built, what’s being funded, and what’s possible because of it.
In the bigger picture, those few minutes may be one of the best investments we can make in Centralia’s future.
Deb Parnham
Centralia
