New Duwamish River Park Moved Forward

By Karen Robes Meeks

A formerly contaminated industrial property will become a new 13.5-acre Duwamish River park with 2,500 linear feet of shoreline, thanks to a recent action by the Port of Seattle Commission.

The Terminal 117 Habitat Restoration and Duwamish Shoreline Access Project will build upland habitat and bring back priority habitat for Chinook salmon and other species. When completed, the public space will feature a pier, public art, walkways, and elevated viewpoints.

“Habitat restoration is a major element of the port’s cleanup efforts along the Duwamish River,” said Commission President Peter Steinbrueck. “Through innovative collaboration with our federal and local partners, we are able to make this project satisfy our triple bottom line approach, providing key economic, ecological, and community benefits to the Duwamish Valley community.”

Port of Seattle Commission Elects its Officers for 2020

By Karen Robes Meeks

Peter Steinbrueck will lead the Port of Seattle Commission for 2020 as its elected President. Commissioner Fred Felleman will serve as Vice-President and newly elected Commissioner Sam Cho will be Secretary.

“The Port of Seattle has a critical mission to foster economic development and living-wage jobs, as we advance social equity and environmental stewardship for the region and state,” said Steinbrueck. “I’m grateful for the support and confidence of my commission colleagues, and for Commissioner Stephanie Bowman’s effective leadership as president last year. Those priorities will shape our work on new waterfront facilities in Elliott Bay and bring improvements to Sea-Tac Airport.”

Bowman Takes Seattle Commission Presidency

By Karen Robes Meeks

Stephanie Bowman is the Port of Seattle Commission President for 2019.Fred Felleman will serve as Commission Vice-President and Peter Steinbrueck as Commission Secretary.

“I look forward to continuing the progress the Port of Seattle made in delivering projects to support trade and transportation, expand workforce development and protect the environment,” said Bowman. “We have much to work on this year, ensuring that economic growth and our programs are helping people across King County and the state of Washington.”

The commission will provide oversight for a more than $2 billion investment in facilities upgrades at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and plans to fund the port’s major maritime infrastructure efforts.

According to the port, priorities for 2019 include identifying partners for a new cruise terminal and working with the Northwest Seaport Alliance to finalize a commercial deal for Terminal 5 as it becomes ‘big ship ready’

Port of Seattle Endorses Carbon Tax

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Port of Seattle Commission has formally endorsed Washington State Initiative 1631, which would charge a carbon “pollution fee” on greenhouse gas pollutants sources and pay for efforts to curb pollution, promote clean energy, and address climate impacts.

The statewide initiative is in line with the port’s environmental goals and its Century Agenda to be “the greenest and most energy efficient port in North America.”

"For these reasons, the Port of Seattle welcomes the opportunity to be part of the broad coalition of supporters who strongly endorse the adoption of Initiative Measure No. 1631. We look forward to working with the state and legislative leaders who will ultimately decide how best to fund the reduction of harmful emissions and to help further our state’s leadership in establishing a path toward a sustainable future, an extract from the Port of Seattle Commission’s statement in support of motion 2018-13 read.

Port of Seattle Grants Funds for Tourism

By Karen Robes Meeks

Organizations dedicated to promoting tourism in Washington State recently received a financial boost from the Port of Seattle.

The Port Commission granted $200,000 for 26 tourism-related projects through a matching funds program, which provide up to $10,000 to various groups in an effort to attract more visitors and promote the use of port facilities.

“With approval of these projects, the Port of Seattle is able to promote tourism to all corners of the state and bring revenue and jobs to places that need them,” said Commissioner Stephanie Bowman. “This year we included additional funding for eco-tourism and we look forward to seeing great results from these 22 environmentally focused projects.”

Olympic Peninsula Visitors Bureau, which received $9,000 toward developing a new website, digital advertising and social media campaign aimed at “out-of-state fly-in markets,” would not be able to develop a robust online marketing campaign targeted to potential visitors outside of Washington State without the grant, explained executive director Marsha Massey.

“This unique program is important to an organization of our size, affording us the opportunity for broader reach and allowing us to grow off-season travel to the Olympic Peninsula, and in so doing, to increase air travel through SeaTac International Airport,” Massey said.

The Port of Seattle collected more than $71 million from King County taxpayers in 2016.

Seattle Commission Commits $3M for Training

By Karen Robes Meeks

In an effort to tackle the shortage of skilled trades people in the Puget Sound, the Port of Seattle Commission has committed $3 million to expand construction training and job opportunities for those in underrepresented communities. The funding carries out the Priority Hire Policy Directive that commissioners approved last November.

The program seeks to recruit and refer women, minorities and those in low-income neighborhoods to construction pre-apprentice or apprentice training programs; broaden pre-apprenticeship hands-on and classroom training that emphasizes math, safety, and physical conditioning and provide support services such as childcare and transportation for trainees in an effort to remove potential barriers to success.

“Local workers of all backgrounds should benefit from major public construction projects, but the facts tell us that has not been the case. We need a deliberate and regional effort to fix a historical imbalance and give women, minorities and workers from disadvantaged neighborhoods real opportunities,” said Commission President Courtney Gregoire. “Hiring local workers for skilled construction jobs also makes business sense by improving project delivery, lowering project cost, and helping our industries find skilled workers.”

New Seattle Commissioners

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Port of Seattle welcomed new commissioners Peter Steinbrueck and Ryan Calkins, while Courtney Gregoire was selected as Commission President for 2018.

“I look forward to the hard work of preserving the industrial lands that support family-wage jobs throughout our region, protecting our environment, and growing our economy in ways that benefit everyone,” said Steinbrueck, a former three-term Seattle city councilman. “Our economic diversity makes King County resilient and rich in opportunities. I look forward to working with the community on growing those opportunities.”

Calkins, who works for nonprofit organization Ventures, said he was honored to join the port commission. “I look forward to bringing economic growth and expanding opportunities to our region while being environmentally sustainable in our actions,” he said.

The commission also voted Gregoire as commission president for 2018.

“The Port of Seattle will continue to lead on economic and community development for our region while leading in environmental sustainability,” she said. “We want to ensure that all of our community members benefit from the ongoing growth at our facilities throughout King County.”

Port of Seattle Housing on Industrial Property

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Port of Seattle Commission this month voted to turn the former Tsubota industrial property into a temporary camp for the homeless as a way to help community groups and the city of Seattle address a major regional issue.

As many as 80 residents and their tents and small structures would be able to establish residency at the 1601 15th Ave. West property for two years beginning in November, the port said.

The commission approved the lease on September 12 with the City of Seattle, which will provide services such as electricity, water, garbage disposal and other utilities.

The property will serve as the new temporary location for Tent City 5, which is just north in the Interbay neighborhood at 3234 17th Avenue West.

2016 Seattle Port Commissioner Officers Named

By Mark Edward Nero

The Port of Seattle welcomed its newest commissioner, Fred Felleman on Jan. 12 as he took the oath of office along with reelected Commissioner Courtney Gregoire at the latest port commission meeting. The commission officers for 2016 were also announced during the same meeting.

Commissioner John Creighton will serve as Commission President in 2016, while Commissioner Tom Albro will serve as Commission Vice President, Commissioner Stephanie Bowman will serve as Commission Secretary, and Commissioner Courtney Gregoire will serve as Assistant Secretary. Commissioner Felleman will be Commissioner-at-Large.

“It is truly an honor to be entrusted by the citizens of King County to represent them on the Seattle Port Commission,” Felleman said. “Having been part of the Seattle maritime community for two-and-a-half decades, I’m excited to bring my experience, knowledge, and deep love of Puget Sound to this organization.”

The Port of Seattle Commission has said that in 2016 it will remain focused on several issues, including: attracting opportunities for its cruise business, recapitalizing the North Pacific fishing fleet, making Terminal 5 ‘big ship ready,’ continuing environmental efforts port-wide, and pursuing further job growth through the port’s new Economic Development Department.

“We look forward to working with communities throughout King County and the state to attract more opportunities for economic development,” Commission President John Creighton said.

New Seattle Port Commissioner Chosen

The Port of Seattle Commission has selected Stephanie Bowman to fill the seat vacated in March by former commissioner Rob Holland. Bowman, executive director of the Washington Asset Building Coalition, was previously the Port of Tacoma’s manager of federal government affairs.

“She has the background and skills to be an outstanding member of our commission and asset to the port,” Seattle Commission President Tom Albro said. “Her in-depth knowledge of port issues will enable her to hit the ground running.”

Bowman becomes the second new member of the five-person commission in as many months. In early March, Microsoft attorney Courtney Gregoire was chosen to fill the seat that was vacated earlier this year by Gael Tarleton, who was elected to the Washington House of Representatives.

Bowman, who was selected from seven finalists to fill the seat, worked at the Port of Tacoma from 2006 to 2011 and was a candidate in 2012 for the state House of Representatives, running in the same race as Holland.

Both lost in the primary.

Both Gregoire’s and Bowman’s positions on the commission are scheduled to be on the King County ballot in November; the winner in the race for Gregoire’s seat will serve until 2015, while the winner in the election for Bowman’s seat would receive a full four-year term.

Port of Seattle Commission Gives Itself Huge Pay Raise

The Port of Seattle Commission on March 12 unanimously voted to give itself a substantial pay raise, with commissioners’ compensation set to increase from $6,000 a year to $42,100 annually later this year.

Seattle commissioners currently earn $500 a month, but can take $104 per diem for each day of commission work, up to $12,500 a year. The sevenfold pay hike was proposed by Commissioner Tom Albro, who made his case in a Feb. 26 letter to constituents.

“There are two reasons this change must be made,” he wrote. “The trifling salary (of $6,000) imposes an unstated, but all too real, financial hurdle for those who might wish to run for the office. If you have to work full-time to pay your bills, you will not apply. As a citizen, this notion offends me.”

The second reason for the increase, Albro said, was that port commissioners duties warrant the higher salary.

“The role requires a substantial commitment of time and effort and we need it to be done well,” he wrote. “It is a big job to be thoughtfully and usefully engaged everywhere it matters.”

The increase brings the commissioners’ pay level up to over $3,500 a month – the same as a part-time Washington state legislator -- but not until after the November elections, when four out of the five commission seats are up for election, including Albro’s.

However, Albro has said if re-elected later this year, he’ll decline to accept to the pay increase, something that’s specifically allowed under state law.

The vote in favor of the raise was 3-0, with Commissioner Bill Bryant absent. Bryant had previously voiced his opposition to the increase.

New Seattle Port Commissioner Named

Microsoft attorney Courtney Gregoire has been chosen to fill the seat on the Port of Seattle Commission that was vacated earlier this year by Gael Tarleton, who was elected to the Washington House of Representatives.

With Microsoft, Gregoire supports the firm’s worldwide sales group. She joins the port after serving as the director of President Obama’s National Export Initiative and other high-profile work to support economic development.

She also previously served as deputy chief of staff to Commerce Secretary John Bryson and legislative director to Sen. Maria Cantwell. She has degrees from Harvard Law School and Willamette University.

“Courtney brings unparalleled accomplishments and relationships that will advance the port’s mission to create family-wage jobs by growing trade. We’re excited to welcome her to our team,” Commission President Tom Albro said.

The Commission will soon begin a second public process to fill the seat of Rob Holland, who’s resigning from the Commission effective March 15. A decision on the seat is expected to be completed in late April or early May.

The port says finalists not chosen for Tarleton’s position will be automatically considered for the second position unless a finalist chooses to end their candidacy. Any of the applicants for the first vacancy will also be considered if the candidate advises the Commission Office of continuing interest.

The Commission is accepting applications for Holland’s seat until noon on March 22. Application packets are available on the Commission website at http://www.portseattle.org/About/Commission/Pages/default.aspx.

On March 26, the new applicants will be asked to address the Commissioners for three minutes or submit a written statement. Returning applicants may address the Commissioners if they so choose, but an appearance is not necessary.

Both seats will be on the November ballot, with the election for Holland’s position filling the seat for four years. The winner in the race for Tarleton’s seat would serve until 2015.

Seattle Port Commission Urges Delayon Arena Action

In the wake of a tentative deal that could see a sports area built in an area near the waterfront, the Port of Seattle is urging public officials to delay taking action.

 In a statement released after the Council confirmed that it had come to an agreement to support the building of an arena in the industrial SoDo area, the Port Commission first reiterated its interest in working with the city to site a new arena. But the statement went on to urge the city council to “delay action while we review the proposal carefully.”

In particular, the commission took issue with a recent revision to the plan that includes a $40 million road improvement fund. The fund, which would be covered by tax revenues, would go toward the study and prioritization of area transportation improvements.

The city has also said that additional funds might be secured from the port and federal government.

“While the Port of Seattle is a stakeholder in statewide freight mobility and transportation efficiency, building roads and bridges is not core to our mission. Before the Council approves a plan that might rely on transportation funds from the Port of Seattle, please understand that through our 2020 plan of finance, the port does not now have any uncommitted dollars for new transportation projects.”

The Commission also took issue with an appearance that possible alternative sites were not reviewed closely enough, if at all.

“The Commission places a high priority on a full review of alternative sites before you make a commitment for the project. There are references to reviews of alternative sites, but it appears the MOU remains structured around the SoDo site.”

The Seattle City Council announced Sept. 11 that it had reached a tentative agreement with developer Chris Hansen to build a $490 million basketball and hockey arena. The Metropolitan King County Council, which initially approved the deal in July, is expected to consider the revised version of the deal, which includes the transportation fund, at either its Oct. 8 or Oct. 15 meetings.

Outside Lawyer to Review Port CEO’s Side Job

The Port of Seattle Commission has decided to hire an outside attorney to review whether or not CEO Tay Yoshitani’s acceptance of a seat on the board of a for-profit logistics company represents a conflict of interest.

During its Sept. 11 meeting, the board voted 4-0, with commissioner Bill Bryant abstaining, to have a lawyer review Yoshitani’s acceptance of a position on the board of Seattle-based Expeditors Intl. Whomever is hired would be required to report back to the board with their findings by Oct. 23.

The commissioners’ decision to have a review represented a reverse from the official position the port took last month, said that it has carefully looked at the agreement and found that Yoshitani would not be in violation of any port rules or regulations.

But the tide of opinion began to turn following receipt of a letter last month from 13 King County, Washington legislators urging the port to look more closely into various issues raised by Yoshitani’s acceptance of the second job, including the possible conflict of interest.

In the Aug. 24 letter, the lawmakers said Yoshitani serving on the Expeditors board could result in the company’s clientele gaining a competitive advantage over non-Expeditors port customers.

Yoshitani, who has been the port’s executive director since March 2007, was announced Aug. 7 as the newest member of Expeditors’ board of directors. In the role, he stands to earn more than $230,000 in annual compensation – consisting of $30,000 in cash and up to $200,000 in restricted stock options – on top of the nearly $367,000 a year he earns at the port.

Yoshitani did not appear before the commission during its Sept. 11 meeting because he was out of town, but afterward he released a prepared statement through the port.

“I have reviewed the motion and I’m prepared to fully cooperate with the review so the matter can be resolved and the port can move forward,” he said. “I believe that I have followed all the proper steps, but will accept accountability if anything I have done is contrary to any statute or applicable policy.”

Proposed Seattle Arena Threatens Port Ops, Studies Say

Three different reports presented to the Port of Seattle Commission recently state that traffic congestion and pressure on industrial businesses brought by a proposed sports facility near the waterfront could squeeze out small business, disrupt port operations and limit the potential for the port growth.

A panel of experts in transportation, maritime economics and land use presented their findings to the port Aug. 7. The discussion came a little over a week after the King County, Washington Council voted 6-3 on July 30 to move ahead with plans for a new $490 million sports arena in the SoDo area. 

The port previously urged county and city officials to conduct a thorough study on the issue before moving forward.

During the panel discussion, the three experts noted several key issues that must be addressed regarding the proposed arena, including how port terminal operations are significantly impacted on game days because game traffic makes reaching terminals difficult for trucks.

Also according to the panel, congestion increases transit time and costs and makes the gateway less attractive for customers, therefore, SoDo’s well-documented traffic management issues would theoretically worsen the situation.

Additionally, when industrial businesses are squeezed out of the waterfront area by other land uses like entertainment, they must relocate farther out, which increases the cost of doing business, according to the panel.

“People’s jobs are at stake here. Let’s take the time to analyze the full impacts and the trade-offs that will be made if the arena is built in SoDo,” Commissioner Bill Bryant said.

The panelists during the discussion were Marni Heffron, who has more than 25 years of experience as a transportation engineer and has led transportation studies for development and infrastructure projects in Seattle and at the Port of Seattle; Paul Sorenson, Principal of BST Associates, who has participated in planning, economic and financial assessments of transportation projects for 35 years; and Peter Steinbrueck of Steinbrueck Urban Strategies, who has years of experience in land use and zoning, urban design, public policy and urban planning.