Template revised April 12, 2018.

COMMISSION

AGENDA MEMORANDUM

Item No. 11b

BRIEFING ITEM Date of Meeting May 27, 2025

DATE: May 9, 2025

TO: Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director

FROM: Sarah Cox, Director of Aviation Environment & Sustainability

Marco Milanese, Senior Community Engagement Manager, External Relations

Eric Schinfeld, Senior Federal and International Government Relations Manager,

External Relations

SUBJECT: SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) Annual Report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In 2018, the Port of Seattle launched the SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) in

partnership with the Highline Forum-member cities and other representational entities with a

goal of enhancing cooperation and tackling the issues of most relevance to Seattle-Tacoma

International Airport’s (SEA’s) neighboring cities.

StART provides a dedicated forum intended specifically for discussing and tackling airport and

aviation industry concerns from Highline Forum-member cities and their residents. With the

Port, the FAA, the primary air carriers, and the airport’s neighboring cities all represented around

the table, StART brings together all the relevant parties with a common purpose to share

information, collaborate and achieve results.

StART’s major accomplishments are primarily the result of efforts initiated by its two working

groups: the Aviation Noise Working Group and the Policy Working Group.

StART OVERVIEW

Cognizant of SEA Airport’s traffic and location within a dense residential and commercial area in

the Puget Sound, the Port of Seattle is committed to building open relationships with the

community and local cities that foster trust, accountability, and collaboration. An important

component of that commitment was the creation of StART in early 2018.

The Port of Seattle developed StART to enhance cooperation between the Port and the Highline

Forum-member cities of SeaTac, Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, Tukwila, and Federal

Way. This voluntary, non-governing, advisory roundtable is convened by the Aviation Managing

Director and was developed in partnership with the leadership from the Highline Forum-member

cities and other representational entities. With Lance Lyttle’s departure, Arif Ghouse, the

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Interim Aviation Managing Director, will serve as chair of StART. Sarah Cox, the Director of

Aviation Environment & Sustainability, continues to serve as the alternate chair of StART.

StART provides all parties with the opportunity to:

 Support meaningful and collaborative public dialogue and engagement on airport-related

issues;

 Provide an opportunity for the Highline Forum-member cities to inform airport-related

decision-making;

 Raise public knowledge about the airport and its operations; and

 Most significantly, focus on identifying and implementing practical solutions to address

community concerns about aircraft operations and the airport.

Each of the neighboring cities designates three members to serve on StART (two community

representatives and a city employee), who are joined by representatives from Alaska Airlines and

Delta Air Lines, an air cargo representative, and Port staff. The Federal Aviation Administration

(FAA) attends in an ex officio role to provide agency expertise.

Meetings in 2024 and 2025 were facilitated by Andres Mantilla from Uncommon Bridges with

assistance from Cheryl Swab.

For the last several years, StART has empowered the two working groups to work on identified

priorities outside of StART meetings: the Aviation Noise Working Group and the Policy Working

Group (formerly known as the Federal Policy Working Group).

StART MEMBERSHIP

The size and extent of StART’s membership is a decision solely made by StART’s Steering

Committee, which was established to provide support, guidance, and strategic direction for

StART. StART’s Steering Committee has received requests by other communities to join StART,

and each time, decided to retain the current size of the membership due to the shared belief that

the experience of the close-in Highline Forum-member cities is different and more multi-faceted

than the experience of further out communities.

Changes to StART’s membership or to any of StART’s Operating Procedures cannot be made

solely by the Port of Seattle. Consensus-based guidance is what shapes all decisions taken by

StART’s Steering Committee, StART’s working groups, and StART itself.

For 2025, StART is in the process of identifying focus areas for future meetings; this process kicked

off at the annual in-person planning meeting held at SEA on April 23

. Other topics at the annual

planning meeting included questions about StART’s operating structure, how meetings are

organized, StART’s achievements and focus areas to date, and a discussion of which topics are

most appropriate for StART vs. another forum.

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AVIATION NOISE WORKING GROUP

Since its inception, StART’s Aviation Noise Working Group – with a mission to prioritize and

explore potential near-term actions to reduce and prevent aviation noise – has focused on its

Aviation Near-term Noise Action Agenda, which includes several programs and efforts intended

to provide aviation noise relief to the Highline Forum-member cities.

The Aviation Noise Working Group is composed of a subset of StART members, Port staff and

additional staff from the Highline Forum-member cities along with other representative entities

and a Port-funded noise consultant to provide expert advice.

In 2024 and 2025, work on the Aviation Near-term Noise Action Agenda continued but with more

focus on results monitoring, considering potential refinements, and promoting the agenda’s

outcomes both with internal and external audiences.

The Working Group also discussed several noise-related topics that Port staff believed would

expand the group’s overall understanding of the noise environment or that StART members had

expressed interest in. These subjects included an overview of the sound insulation process, noise

abatement flight procedures, and aircraft go-around procedures.

Aviation Noise Working Group highlights in 2024 and 2025 include:

(1) Promoting Single-engine Taxiing – Recommended in StART’s Ground Noise Study, single-

engine taxiing is an established practice with many air carriers. Though it has a modest effect on

reducing noise, it does have a measurable effect on reducing aircraft emissions. In coordination

with the FAA, the air carriers and the members of the Working Group, voluntary SEA language

promoting its use was enacted in the fall of 2024.

(2) Residential Sound Re-insulation – Directed by the Port Commission, Port staff developed

and implemented a comprehensive analysis of single-family homes that had previously received

a Port-funded noise insulation package. The Working Group was briefed throughout the

assessment, with multiple opportunities to ask questions and provide input. In early 2025, the

Port’s re-insulation pilot program was announced, and the working group was the first external

audience to receive a preview of the program.

(3) Part 150 Noise and Land Use Compatibility Study – A Part 150 Study is required by the

FAA to update airport noise programs and establish eligibility for FAA grant funds. SEA’s last Part

150 Study was completed and approved by the FAA in 2014. Airports typically stand up a

Technical Review Committee (TRC) during a Part 150 Study and task it with providing technical

input and guidance throughout the life of the study. Along with appointed land use planners, the

working group members participate on the TRC and two of the 2024 working group meetings

included substantial agenda time dedicated to the Part 150 Study. The Part 150 Study provides

local communities, and particularly the Highline Forum-member cities, with a significant

opportunity to influence current aviation noise reduction and prevention programs and

recommend new approaches.

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Aviation Near-term Noise Action Agenda – Earlier Achievements

(1) Late Night Noise Limitation Program – The Program is a voluntary effort to reduce late

night noise by incentivizing air carriers to fly at less noise sensitive hours or transition to quieter

aircraft. The Program commenced in July 2019 with regular reporting each quarter to StART, air

carriers and other external audiences. Four noise monitors track all late night operations

between the hours of 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM and capture any takeoffs or landings above

established noise thresholds. EVA Air and FedEx Express, two carriers that Port staff had met

with as part of the Program’s outreach targeting air carriers with the most late night noise

exceedances, did eventually incorporate newer, quieter aircraft into their fleets. Aircraft fleets

go through continual change and so Port staff continue to meet with air carriers regularly about

late night noise. In 2024, meetings were held with China Airlines Cargo to urge their continued

transition to the quieter 777 and EVA Air to urge for greater use of the quieter 787.

(2) Runway Use Plan – The Informal Runway Use Plan, implemented in late 2019, minimizes

use of the Third Runway during late night hours (12:00 AM to 5:00 AM). Late night operations

on the Third Runway dropped dramatically since implementation of the Runway Use Plan from a

typical average of 12 to 13 operations during late night hours pre-Runway Use Plan to a 2023

average of less than two operations per late night post-Runway Use Plan implementation. In

2024, the average climbed up to 4.8 late night operations primarily due to nighttime runway

construction pushing more operations to the Third Runway. However, as of 3/31, the average

number of late night operations on the Third Runway in 2025 dropped to 2.9 representing a

significant improvement over 2024.

(3) Glide Slope Adjustment – The goal is to raise Runway 34R’s glideslope to lessen aircraft

approach noise. Implementation is contingent on the Sustainable Airport Master Plan’s (SAMP)

finalization and FAA approval.

(4) Noise Comment Reporting – The Port provides up-to-date, accessible information on

noise complaints and comments submitted by the public. Online monthly reporting began in

June 2020 with updates provided at all Working Group meetings.

(5) Discouraging Reverse Thrust – Identified as a noise source in StART’s Ground Noise Study,

reverse thrust is used by pilots to decelerate aircraft upon landing. In coordination with the FAA,

the air carriers and the members of the Working Group, updated voluntary SEA language

discouraging use of reverse thrust at SEA at all times of the day and beyond what is necessary

was implemented in early 2023.

(6) Encouraging Continuous Taxi to Takeoffs – Recommended in StART’s Ground Noise

Study, continuous taxi to takeoffs – also known as rolling takeoffs – have less of a noise footprint

than traditional takeoffs that require aircraft to power up after coming to a complete stop. In

coordination with the FAA, the air carriers and the members of the Working Group, voluntary

SEA language promoting continuous taxi to takeoffs was enacted mid-2023.

POLICY WORKING GROUP

Because the Port of Seattle is extremely limited in its authority to address some of the core

concerns that local residents have expressed about aviation activities, StART formed the Federal

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Policy Working Group (now known as the Policy Working Group) as a way to identify areas of

consensus and collaboration between the Port and the Highline Forum-member cities on new

tools, new authorities, new resources, new approaches and new engagement from the federal

government, and to engage Members of Congress in pushing for these shared priorities. The

Working Group has developed and continues to implement a shared Port-Cities Federal Policy

Priorities agenda.

In 2024 and 2025, the Working Group expanded its focus to the state level and finalized its first

ever State Policy Agenda, modeled on the successful collaboration that the Port and the airport

cities had with the federal agenda.

The Working Group is comprised of a subset of StART members, Port staff, and additional staff

from the Highline Forum-member cities along with U.S. Congressional staff from offices that

represent the Highline Forum-member cities.

Federal Level

At the Federal level, the Working Group prioritized advocacy surrounding the FAA

Reauthorization Act of 2024 as well as several agency rulemakings related to aircraft emissions

standards and FAA noise policies. At the state level, the Working Group prioritized legislative

actions in the 2025 State Legislative Session that support StART’s work on mitigating aircraft noise

and emissions.

In particular, the Port and the airport cities successfully identified seven shared federal policy

priorities for inclusion in the FAA Reauthorization Act in 2024. Through joint advocacy, including

the first ever StART DC Fly-in, StART was able to celebrate the inclusion of four policies in the final

legislation:

(1) Instituting a deadline for action and a stakeholder advisory committee on the FAA Noise

Policy Review (NPR)

(2) Continuing the FAA’s Environmental Mitigation Pilot Program

(3) The passage of US Representative Smith’s Protecting Airport Communities from Particle

Emissions Act, which requires more federal attention and engagement on the sources,

characteristics, dispersion, and potential health effects of ultrafine particulates from aircraft

engines

(4) Addressing regional airport capacity needs by directing the release of FAA guidance on

siting and expansion of airports

In addition, StART continues to work toward implementation of two additional priorities:

1. Working with US Senator Murray and US Representative Smith to move forward on their

legislation to allow for homes located within the airport’s current FAA-recognized noise contour

that meet broader criteria for “failed” insulation to be eligible for secondary investments

2. Continuing to make progress on federal policies that support the development and

deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) incentives and investments

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State Level

StART‘s State Policy Agenda includes five state-level policy and budget items priorities for the

2025 State Legislative Session. Similar to the StART DC Fly-in, StART held its first ever Olympia

Day on the Hill on February 12, 2025 to advocate for these priorities, which are as follows:

(1) Effectively implement the Noise Insulation Repair and Replacement Program

a. As necessary, pass legislation amending RCW 53.54 and the Port District Equity

Fund/Grant, to ensure that State regulations and programming are complementary to Federal

and Port programs and funding

b. Ensure that existing State resources are utilized for maximum return on investment

c. As appropriate, advocate for additional resources from the State to ensure continual

progress with the goal of addressing the full scope of issues identified by ongoing surveys and

assessments

(2) Make tangible progress toward identifying additional regional airport capacity in the next

three years

a. Either administratively or via legislation, assign near-term deadlines for the Commercial

Aviation Working Group (CAWG) to identify and achieve clear, substantive, recommendations

for action

b. Secure adequate resources for the CAWG to achieve the abovementioned work within

the identified timeline

c. As part of its work, direct the CAWG to explore opportunities to provide incentives to sites

of future commercial air service development

(3) Sustain existing State programs to enhance air quality

a. As appropriate, request additional resources for existing air quality mitigation programs

at the Dept. of Ecology for residences, recreational facilities, and education facilities not covered

by other programs

b. Support continued investment in OSPI programs to improve air quality in schools

c. Work with OSPI, Ecology, and any other relevant State agencies to ensure that residences,

schools, and other public buildings within near-airport communities have adequate access to

existing programs

(4) Maintain and expand Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production and use in Washington

a. Ensure effective implementation of enacted SAF incentives (ESSB 5447)

b. In partnership with the broader coalition of SAF stakeholders; advocate for the creation

of more policy supports and funding programs benefitting SAF production and supply chain

development

c. Support the continued work of the SAF Research and Development Center at Paine Field,

including pushing for additional monetary support from the State

(5) Decarbonizing ground transportation, reducing transportation emissions, and

electrification

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a. Support proven strategies, policies, and investments intended to phase out the use of

fossil fuels and to reduce overall emissions from ground transportation networks that serve the

airport. This includes, but is not limited to:

i. Investments in EV charging infrastructure;

ii. Clean trucking incentives;

iii. Continued investments in multi-modal networks, active transportation facilities, and

transit;

iv. Active engagement in state and federal efforts to create a regional high-speed rail

network;

v. Identification of, or a legislative directive to create, a body at the State level tasked

with coordinating public and private sector investments in electric aviation and

other zero-emission technologies;

vi. General support for funding and legislative action that will help facilitate

Washington as a leader in transportation innovation.

At its May 27 meeting, the Port Commission will hear a separate presentation on the 2025 State

Legislative Session, that includes an update on progress on the above StART state priorities.