Port of Seattle will turn 100 in 2011, and starting this summer, three years in advance, the Port will begin creating a “Century Agenda” — building a comprehensive vision and strategic plan that focuses on the Port’s next quarter-century of business and operations.

The first step toward this long-term vision is the creation of four advisory panels, made up of key community stakeholders who will help develop guiding principles for the work ahead. The panels will address four important topics: the green port initiative; social responsibility; real estate; and public purpose and funding.

At least one Port Commissioner serves on each panel, and local experts in various fields have been invited to participate. An initial joint session of the four panels was held July 24, and the panels will meet separately over the next few months to develop their recommendations. The results will be presented to the full Commission in public session, and the outcome will be a foundation for the vision and action that defines the Port in the years to come.

This is just the beginning of the process, and there will be opportunities for you to help plan the Port’s future. And, we hope you will join us when we celebrate our 100th birthday in 2011.