
PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 2 of 9
TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025
Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.
Erica Chung, Commission Office Strategic Advisor, presented committee reports as follows:
Sustainability, Environment, and Climate (SEAC) Committee
Commissioner Cho and Calkins convened the Sustainability, Environment, and Climate Committee
on January 21, 2025. The Committee was briefed on the accomplishments of the committee in 2024
and approved the workplan for 2025, with the addition of ‘Buson Green Corridor’ and ‘Fuels Summit’
topics included. The committee then discussed and supported the idea of alternating years for the
Sustainable Century Awards, as recommended by staff.
Aviation Committee
Commissioners Felleman and Cho convened the Aviation Committee on January 21, 2025. The
committee received an update on SEA’s preparations in advance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the
most watched and attended sporting event in the world. Seven hundred fifty thousand people are
anticipated to come to Seattle in June and July of 2026 to attend one of the six matches that will be
held in Seattle or just to participate in the festivities. Commissioners mentioned their hope that the
World Cup’s time in Seattle can be the catalyst to initiate legacy projects and programs that will
remain in place well after the United States wins the final match in New Jersey on July 19, 2026. The
committee also approved the 2025 Aviation Committee workplan and expressed its desire to add
discussion of SEA’s carbon offset partners to the workplan.
Highline Forum
The Highline Forum met with Des Moines Councilmember Matt Mahoney presiding on January 21,
2025. The forum received state and federal legislative updates and approved a proposal to share
Community Co-Chair responsibilities for 2025 with Des Moines Councilmember Matt Mahoney and
Tukwila Councilmember Armen Papyan. The forum also received an update on the South King
County Community Impact Fund from Port External Relations Senior Manager of Community
Engagement AJ McClure, noting the additional funding and expansion of the geographic area.
Representatives from the Highline School District, Highline College, Tukwila, SeaTac, Federal Way,
Des Moines, Burien, and the Port of Seattle shared their 2025 State legislative priorities for their
organizations. Nearly all spoke to the funding needed to meet local needs. Port of Seattle State
Government Relations Manager John Flanagan spoke to the StART State Legislative Agenda for
2025. The forum received an update from Washington’s Congressional delegation staff and what
their offices are focusing on. Megan Utemei from Senator Patty Murray’s office spoke about
immigration issues, funding secured for a King County Metro Rapid Ride line, and support of
community-focused aviation legislation. Chirag Vedullapalli from Congressman Adam Smith’s office
spoke to reintroducing the Aviation Noise and Emissions Mitigation Act and the Aviation Impacted
Communities Act. Marielle Trumbauer from Congresswoman Jayapal’s office spoke to her
committee assignments. Then Aviation Managing Director Lance Lyttle provided an update on the
full StART meeting from December 18, 2024.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
• The following person spoke regarding Agenda Item 8g, staffing shortages at SEA; difficulty in
retaining personnel; and operating engineers’ contract negotiations: Tracy Jonassen.
• The following people spoke in support of Agenda Item 9a, the international tourism marketing
agreement: Stephanie Byington, Visit Seattle; Christy Garrard, Visit Issaquah; Adam Acampora,