Template revised January 10, 2019.
COMMISSION
AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Item No.
11c
BRIEFING ITEM
Date of Meeting
March 24, 2026
DATE: March 18, 2026
TO: Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director
FROM: Sabrina Bolieu, Regional Government Relations Manager, External Relations
Dave Kaplan, Local Government Relations Manager, External Relations
Samantha St. John, East King County Community and Government Relations Manager,
External Relations
Roxanne Murphy, Tribal Relations Manager, External Relations
Nate Caminos, Government Relations Director, External Relations
SUBJECT: Briefing on 2026 Local, Regional and Community Engagement Policy Priorities
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Brief Commission on the 2026 local and regional government policy priorities, for staff to engage
with local and regional officials and other partners in support of these priorities.
Port of Seattle government relations staff worked with Commissioners, executive team
members, internal subject matter experts, and external stakeholders to develop local, regional
and community engagement policy priorities and partnerships to guide Port advocacy efforts to
fulfill our mission 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.
Throughout 2025, staff worked to execute the 2025 regional and local policy priorities. Progress
was made on many of the priorities, and current and future priorities will continue to be pursued
over the next several years.
For 2026, the Local and Regional Policy Priorities are organized under the Century Agenda Goals
and Objectives. The Century Agenda is the directional compass for the Port of Seattle that was
introduced in 2012 and updated in 2017 and again in 2020.
These priorities are accomplished through the development of relationships with local
jurisdictions and regional organizations, by both staff and elected officials, resulting in the
partnerships necessary to successfully accomplish the Port’s goals. Regional engagement through
the Puget Sound Regional Council, the Sound Cities Association, and others are a necessity to
build these relationships.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Briefing Item No. 11c Page 2 of 7
Meeting Date: March 24, 2026
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
2026 LOCAL AND REGIONAL POLICY PRIORITIES
Port of Seattle Century Agenda Goals
Goal 1: Position the Puget Sound as a premier international logistics hub
Objective 1: Meet the Puget Sound region’s international trade and cargo needs in an efficient
and sustainable manner.
• Support the T-5 Phase Agreements and the ongoing work to ensure vessels plug
into shore power. Continue support of ongoing T-46 Tenancy discussions and the
future WOSCA site
• Support freight improvements and the efficiency of the heavy haul network and
monitor key projects like Holgate and Reconnect South Park
• Monitor the implementation of the Transportation Levy to ensure freight
investments are effective and efficient
• Advocate for overnight truck parking and electrification in Seattle and across the
region, including a full truck stop in North Bend to meet the current and growing
demand, and to promote driver safety.
Objective 2: Support the continued success and competitiveness of the NWSA.
• Support alignment of goals with the Northwest Seaport Alliance
• Continue assurance of no net loss of Industrial Lands through the Seattle
Comprehensive Plan Review process and close monitoring of the Mayor’s South
of Downtown Visioning process.
• Finalize data analysis and communicate the regional economic impact of the
NWSA/Port of Tacoma/Port of Seattle
Goal 2: Advance this Region as a Leading Tourism Destination and Business Gateway
Objective 3: Continuously improve the operational efficiency and customer experience at SEA.
Objective 4: Strengthen the competitiveness of SEA in the regional and global markets.
• Collaborate with tourism partners to promote responsible tourism/eco-tourism
that promotes our natural assets while minimizing cultural and ecological impacts.
• Promote key initiatives that connect tourists to special events and offerings
throughout the region (including Eastside initiatives like the Bellevue Bellhop
program, Bellevue airport shuttle, Woodinville wine country tourism, and the
waterfront shuttle).
• Work with local and regional partners to plan for service delivery in advance of
and during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Objective 5: Meet the region’s air transportation needs by delivering vital facilities and
infrastructure in a sustainable and cost-effective manner.
• Engage with the local communities, including continued robust outreach to BIPOC
and under-represented communities, regarding the SAMP NTP’s draft State
Environmental Policy Act Environmental Impact Statement (SEPA EIS) release,
with completion anticipated by end of 2026.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Briefing Item No. 11c Page 3 of 7
Meeting Date: March 24, 2026
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
• Promote awareness of completed Upgrade SEA projects, and other improvements
at SEA Airport.
Goal 3: Responsibly Invest in the Economic Growth of the Region and all its Communities
Objective 6: Increase job creation and business opportunities for local communities in all port-
related industries.
• Amplify the Teal New Deal to stoke clean energy development in SODO with key
blue and green industries like ship building
• Support equitable and inclusive programs to support small businesses like the
Seattle Export Accelerator.
• Encourage port-adjacent employers, port tenants and other port employer
partners to develop internships for near-port community members, (like Youth
Maritime Career Launch) and targeted hiring strategies (like Priority Hire).
• Explore land acquisition to expand industrial lands and Port-related opportunities.
• Continue to promote the Port’s Economic Development Partnership City Fund
Program and workforce development programs, helping to foster local business
development and create equitable career paths and opportunities in Port-related
occupations.
• Partner with City of Bellevue on Eastrail multi-modal corridor and the Grand
Connection project.
Objective 7: Advance maritime industries through innovation, strategic investment and capable
management of Port facilities.
• Explore the Port’s involvement and use of Port facilities for alternative fuels,
including hydrogen and methanol production, storage and distribution.
• Promote development and support for the Maritime Innovation Center
• Develop Terminal 106 and Terminal 91 to support industrial warehousing and
manufacturing.
Objective 8: Expand the economic, cultural and community benefits of Cruise Operations while
preserving industrial lands.
• Support the continued development of a Green Corridor for cruise.
• Ensure the Elliot Bay Connections project and the Alaska Way Bike Lane improve
and do not impede the cruise connection to the waterfront.
• Continue to explore expanding opportunities for local and diverse businesses in
supplying goods and services to the cruise industry.
Goal 4: Be the Greenest and Most Energy-Efficient Port in North America
Objective 9: Meet all increased energy needs through conservation and renewable sources.
Objective 10: Meet or exceed agency requirements for stormwater leaving Port-owned or
operated facilities.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Briefing Item No. 11c Page 4 of 7
Meeting Date: March 24, 2026
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
Objective 11: Reduce air pollutants and carbon emissions.
• Support the decarbonization of shipping including the development and uptake
of low and zero emission maritime fuels.
• Continue to support tactical efforts to ensure cruise vessels utilize shore power
at Pier 66.
• Foster the Clean Truck Collaborative Program led by the NWSA.
• Continue to further the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuels for use at
SEA.
• Support the kelp research and restoration efforts with the Seattle Aquarium.
• Continue to apply the Port’s Environmental Land Stewardship strategies.
Objective 12: Restore, create, and enhance 40 additional acres of habitat in the Green/Duwamish
habitat.
• Continue to steward Maritime Parks, especially those in the Duwamish to support
port values and better serve near port communities.
• Meet our obligations for Duwamish Vision 2050, cleanup of the East Waterway.
• Facilitate engagement with local agencies on the Port’s next Wetland Mitigation
Bank Project in Auburn.
Goal 5: Become a Model for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Objective 13: Increase utilization of WMBE and DBE firms and eliminate disparity of access to
opportunities.
• Further WMBE and Diversity in Contracting.
• Help promote PortGen Business Accelerator.
• Support next steps pursued by Burien, SeaTac, or Tukwila to explore potential
partnerships in support of a South King County International Public Market
concept.
Objective 14: Ensure that all internal and external programs, structures and practices provide
equitable opportunities for all.
• Meet regularly with Tribal leaders and affiliated organizations in the state and
region to build, strengthen and sustain the government-to-government and
community-to-community relationships with the Port of Seattle.
• Implementing the work plans as developed in the Muckleshoot and Suquamish
Tribes MOAs.
• Further discussions and negotiations with Native American tribal governments or
tribal governments’ supported entities, such as the Northwest Indian Fish
Commission, in hopes of creating mutually beneficial agreements and
partnerships between the port and those tribal governments.
• Continue to hold interjurisdictional meetings with the Beacon Hill, Georgetown,
and South Park communities and the advancement of the South Seattle
Roundtable series.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Briefing Item No. 11c Page 5 of 7
Meeting Date: March 24, 2026
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
• The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion will lead internal efforts and provide
technical support to Port divisions and departments to advance the Port’s Century
Agenda via equity best practices and environmental justice principles.
• Support and promote the Duwamish Valley Community Equity Program and the
South King & Port Communities Program.
• Include anti-human trafficking efforts and promote access to services for human
trafficking survivors.
• Continue our robust equitable community engagement as part of the SAMP NTP
environmental review process.
Objective 15: Advance regional workforce development in port-related industries to provide
equitable access to quality careers.
• Improve the Tribal Engagement Internship Program, encourage Tribal
employment within the Port via advocacy and job fairs, offer Tribal youth tours
of airport and maritime facilities, create connections with apprenticeship
opportunities, and fulfill the requests from the Tribes to support Education and
Tribal Workforce Development.
• Expand Green Jobs strategies in Port sectors, particularly in the Duwamish Valley
and support regional coordination efforts (i.e., inter-governmental, public-private
partnerships) for green jobs workforce development.
• Expand Aviation career opportunities through employment services for those
seeking employment at SEA and educational programs such as literacy services for
those with limited English proficiency and Aviation Maintenance Technology and
Ground Service Equipment higher education programs.
• Support near-port communities to gain high-wage construction careers by
investing in pre-apprenticeship training and leadership development.
• Support career connected learning programs and education institutions (Seattle
Maritime Academy, Core Plus, Maritime High School, Career and Technical
Education (CTE) programs).
• Advocate and explore opportunities to expand the provision of childcare, to the
benefit of Port and airport employees.
• Continue to support equitable access for BIPOC communities and women into
quality jobs in port sectors with investments in outreach training, retention,
navigation.
• Support stronger collaboration with regional agencies such as the Southside
Alliance and regional workforce development boards.
• Develop stronger industry relations to ensure effective placement of youth and
adults into “in-demand” jobs.
• Lead conversations with public agencies and employers on developing best
practices for respectful work sites to support retention of historically
underrepresented workers in Port-related industries.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Briefing Item No. 11c Page 6 of 7
Meeting Date: March 24, 2026
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
Goal 6: Be a Highly Effective Public Agency
Objective 16: Advance the Port's dedication to employee engagement, safety, innovation, and
financial stewardship.
Objective 17: Foster an environment of transparency, accountability, respect, leadership, and
fairness to give Port staff the tools to be exceptional public servants.
• Finalize and pilot an institutional framework (maritime and aviation) to prioritize
and invest in opportunities that have the greatest environmental justice impact
and deliver positive outcomes for near-port communities. Implementation of the
Environmental Justice Framework will also advance several objectives of goals 4
and 5 of the Century Agenda.
Objective 18: Partner and engage with external stakeholders to build healthy, safe and equitable
communities.
• Engage with local and regional partners and identify opportunities for
collaboration on how to replace infrastructure, in transitioning away from fossil
fuels.
• Continue to support Port-tenant transition to PFAS-free fire-fighting foams.
• Consistent with Commission Order No. 2024-12, continue to engage with the City
of SeaTac and the community regarding the protection of and future of North
SeaTac Park, including support of SeaTac’s application for King County
Conservation Futures Funds.
• Continue collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to further
environmental justice and ensure meaningful community engagement for
healthier communities.
• Continue collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to further anti-
human trafficking efforts in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Objective 19: Set the standard for high-quality, cost-effective, and timely delivery of capital
programs.
• Encourage the optimized use of SEA Pre-Conditioned Air Systems.
• Continue to explore partnerships with local jurisdictions for SEA Bike and
Pedestrian Commuter Improvements.
• Continue sound insulation work within the current Noise Remedy Boundary that
resulted from the 2014 Part 150 Noise and Land Use Compatibility Program and
meet the 2026 goal for insulating homes, apartments, and places of worship, begin
construction under the Port’s Sound Insulation Repair & Replacement Pilot
Program (pre-1993 homes), and look to advance the new Part 150 Program.
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS BRIEFING
(1) Presentation slides
COMMISSION AGENDA – Briefing Item No. 11c Page 7 of 7
Meeting Date: March 24, 2026
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS
March 11, 2025 - The Commission approved 2025 Local and Regional Policy Priorities.
February 11, 2025 – The Commission was briefed on 2025 Local and Regional Policy Priorities
February 13, 2024 – The Commission approved amended 2024 Local and Regional Policy
Priorities.
January 23, 2024 – The Commission was briefed on 2024 Local and Regional Policy Priorities
January 10, 2023 – The Commission approved amended 2023 Local and Regional Policy
Priorities.
December 13, 2022 – The Commission was briefed on 2023 Local and Regional Policy
Priorities
March 8, 2022 – The Commission approved the 2022 Local and Regional Policy Priorities
February 8, 2022 – The Commission was briefed on 2022 Local and Regional Policy Priorities
January 26, 2021 – The Commission approved the 2021 Local and Regional Policy Priorities.
January 12, 2021 – The Commission was briefed on 2021 Local and Regional Policy Priorities
February 25, 2020 – The Commission approved the 2020 Local and Regional Policy Priorities
February 11, 2020 – The Commission was briefed on 2020 Local and Regional Priorities.
January 22, 2019 – The Commission approved 2019 Local and Regional Policy Priorities.
January 8, 2019 – The Commission was briefed on 2019 Local and Regional Policy Priorities.
February 27, 2018 – The Commission approved 2018 Local and Regional Policy Priorities.
February 13, 2018 – The Commission was briefed on 2018 Local and Regional Priorities
