January 4, 2020
This tumultuous year has tested our mettle and proven our agility and resilience. The Port and SEA Airport teams continue to work hard, move forward, and perform essential work that fuels the region’s economic engines.
As much as we’d like to slam the door on 2020 and move right along, nothing to see here …. it’s always a good exercise to take stock of where we’ve been …
- Putting health and safety first
- Building a better tomorrow
- Leading an equitable recovery
- Preserving quality of life in the region
And set some intentions for the new year.
- Cooperating with partners
- Caring about the welfare of those furthest from economic opportunity
- Coordinating mission-critical services to serve commerce and transportation
- Collaborating with governmental and commercial partners to serve our constituents
- Confronting and remedying inequity to create a better community for all
Here’s a recap of the most popular blog posts published in 2020 as measured by blog traffic. Keep on voting with your clicks and telling us what you want to know. And share your questions or any story ideas with us on social media.
Putting health and safety first
From significant decreases in daily passengers to travel restrictions to face covering requirements at the airport and across the state, it was a memorable year. In a year where nothing was normal, it’s clear that we all need a little help figuring things out. Rising to the top were many “how-to” blog posts about how to get through the airport efficiently and safely.
Winter Weather FAQs at SEA Airport
Early on, it seemed like snow would be the biggest challenge of the year. How quaint. Here’s a roundup of questions from travelers (and answers) asked during the February 2019 storm. Who’s in charge? How does the airport get ready for a storm? What do I do if there’s snow at the airport? January 8
Dining and Retail at SEA during COVID-19
During the worst days of the pandemic, two-thirds of dining and retail vendors were temporarily closed. This page, which was updated weekly and sometimes daily, became the one-stop resource for where travelers could grab a bite or pick up a last-minute item. Ongoing updates
COVID-19: Five Ways to Stay Healthy When You Fly
In the early days of the pandemic, information was coming fast and furious. In retrospect, the popularity of this blog shows the hunger for travel health information, and it provided tips for travelers, and information about how SEA Airport was keeping you safe with cleaning protocols and touchless technology. These tips soon expanded to the robust and multi-pronged FlyHealthy@ SEA program recap that provided one stop for health and safety information. March 13
Responding to a Rapidly Evolving Global Pandemic Crisis
The Port of Seattle owns and operates critical transportation infrastructure that is vital to our region. SEA alone is the largest transportation hub in the five-state region and the seaport is a critical part of the supply chain. This blog by Commission President Peter Steinbrueck outlined how the Port was responding to this crisis at SEA Airport, the seaport, and other facilities. March 20
International Arrival Protocols during Coronavirus Response
The international arrivals process changes frequently and may differ for passengers by their itinerary or health. In a year of near-constant change, this blog post provided information on what to expect when arriving from international destinations. March 26
Leading on Health and Safety
Co-authored by Commissioners Ryan Calkins and Stephanie Bowman, this health and safety blog post details plans that made SEA the first large airport in the United States to work on a formal plan for temperature checks and health screening. May 13
SEA Birthday Wish — Healthy Travelers
After the state mandate for facial coverings in May, we kicked off the Mask Up SEA street team of airport employees roaming the terminal distributing care kits and spreading our love for our travelers. July 8
Undercover Boss with the Mask Up SEA Street Team
This popular blog post from Port Commissioner Ryan Calkins shared his experience taking a shift with the Mask Up Street team to distribute masks and care kits and meet SEA Airport travelers. September 25
Building a better tomorrow
After the pandemic hit, the Port re-committed to continuing investments in regional infrastructure to grow our transportation gateways, create jobs, and stimulate economic development. And keeping workers on the jobsite and investing in a better future to come.
Five Fast Facts about the IAF Pedestrian Walkway
One of the brightest spots in 2020 was the January raising of the world’s longest bridge suspended 85 feet over an active taxiway. And did you know it’s longer than the height of the Space Needle? January 21
SEA Airport Approaches Capacity and Faces Difficult Decisions
Commissioner Peter Steinbrueck shares how the Port is responding to our region’s growth with projects to renovate the airport to meet the increasing demand and improve traveler experience. But even with all our current and near-term projects we have no facilities plan to meet the demand forecast beyond 2027. February 13
Who Pays for SEA Airport?
Airport Director Lance Lyttle discusses funding sources for SEA Airport. Did you know that the federal government requires airports to be self-sustaining and receive little or no taxpayer support? The bottom line for local taxpayers is “if you don’t use the airport, you’re not paying for the airport.” August 6
Leading an equitable recovery
The Port of Seattle commits to taking a lead role in regional and national efforts to achieve equity and social justice. We are identifying and dismantling structural barriers to ensure that historically oppressed communities, particularly communities of color, have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Thoughts from my First 100 Days
Commissioner Sam Cho recounts what happened in his first 100 days since taking office. And gives a status update on important work like preventing human trafficking, setting labor standards, cutting carbon emissions, and dealing with the global pandemic. April 17
Anti-Racism Resources
Confronted by deep historical racism, we tend to feel overwhelmed and helpless. What can any of us do to interrupt such acts of hatred? How can we put an end to this injustice? This popular list of resources to help fight racism comes from the Port’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. June 2
Century Agenda Is the Roadmap to Change
Commissioner Peter Steinbrueck’s blog post outlines the 2020 changes to the Century Agenda, essentially the Port’s strategic plan, to ensure that the Port evolves with the times. New additions include a commitment to creating opportunities for all of our communities and becoming a model for equity, diversity, and inclusion. June 11
Make Sure We All Count in the 2020 Census
Commissioner Ryan Calkins published a call to action (in English and Spanish) to participate in the census that defines how our region is represented in national congressional districts, county council districts, and city council districts. In the last census count, Washington state’s population grew 14.1 percent, which resulted in the addition of a tenth congressional seat. August 25
The Future of the Tourism Industry
Commissioner Fred Felleman emphasizes that tourism and travel feed the soul. And done right, it can also put food on the table for the workers of our region. The Port’s goal is to find the balance so that all people and communities receive the benefits of experiencing the world while not damaging it in the process. And to widen the circle to become a more welcoming and inclusive community for visitors. September 22
Preserving quality of life
One of the important reasons for the growth of our region is that it’s a great place to live and work. And the Port aims to keep it that way … for everyone.
Living our Values through Port Policing Task Force
Commissioner Peter Steinbrueck’s blog post details the Commission’s unanimous decision to stand by its values and to establish a Commission Task Force on Port Policing and Civil Rights. This task force will lead a comprehensive assessment of the Port’s Police Department to ensure alignment with the highest national standards and best practices related to policing. July 14
Incredible Parks and Three Incredible Finalists
Commissioner Fred Felleman discusses the public engagement process to rename Port parks and how they deserve names that better reflect their cultural history, biological significance, and importance to public access. September 15
Espresso in the Morning, Orcas in the Evening
Commissioner Felleman recognizes the natural beauty and diversity that makes our region a great place to live and work. And discusses how the Quiet Sound program will help protect our resident orcas. It’s a collaborative program that enhances ship operators' awareness of whale presence and seeks their voluntary use of noise reduction practices. November 2
What’s coming?
With this, we’ll put a wrap on 2020 and remember its lessons. And we look forward to better times and seeing you back at Port facilities when the time is right. In the meantime, don’t miss these new resources to make 2021 a better travel year:
