Motion 2020-12 – Employment Opportunities Page 1 of 2

MOTION 2020-12:

A MOTION OF THE PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION

To explore short-term employment opportunities that

enhance the mission of the Port of Seattle and support

economic recovery for the residents of King County from

The mission of the Port of Seattle is to promote economic opportunities and quality of life in the

region by advancing trade, travel, commerce and job creation in an equitable, accountable and

environmentally responsible manner. The Port’s stewardship of aviation and marine operations,

infrastructure and environmental assets is essential to Washington State’s economy and quality

of life and is critical to the Port’s ability to fulfill its mission.

The Port of Seattle is well-positioned to stimulate economic recovery from the COVID-19

pandemic by providing short-term employment opportunities through accelerated investment in

the preservation, maintenance and enhancement of Port assets and programs. Examples include

habitat restoration and clean-up projects that support port developments, environmental

capital projects and identify those which could provide additional short-term employment

opportunities and may:

• support the Port’s mission be administered with minimal Port staff time

• advance projects currently underway

• commence by July 1, 2020

• be undertaken while adhering to Governor Jay Inslee’s “Safe Start Washington”

phased reopening

• achieve substantial completion and / or progress within 90-120 days

• be performed by youth 16-24 years of age without specialized skills

Motion 2020-12 – Employment Opportunities Page 2 of 2

The economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been widespread. The likely need for

ongoing social distancing will pose significant challenges for the creation of near-term

employment opportunities. Such challenges can be overcome, in part, by targeting those

activities that make use of the ability to work outside during the fair-weather conditions this

Spring and Fall.

While workers in nearly every sector Washington’s economy have been adversely affected by the

Covid-19 pandemic, the loss of employment opportunities for low-skilled workers between 16-

24 years of age is the most substantial.

RCW 53.08.245 states “…port districts may contract with nonprofit corporations and private and

public entities that provide training systems … and promote workforce diversity in furtherance

of this and other acts relating to economic development.

Economic development programs may include: Occupational job training and placement, job

advancement and job retention, preapprenticeship training, or occupational education programs

associated with port tenants, customers, and local economic development related to port

tenants or port-related economic activities that are sponsored by a port and operated by a

nonprofit, private, or public entity…”