Highline Forum: Collaborating for Regional Change

By Dave Kaplan, Port Local Government Relations Manager

Tackling topics ranging from quieter skies to stronger local economies, the Highline Forum brings together elected officials, community leaders, and experts to discuss big issues shaping life in the Highline region. For 20 years, the Highline Forum has been a bridge between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and the surrounding cities — Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way, Normandy Park, SeaTac, and Tukwila. Through conversations and action, the Port of Seattle and its neighbors work side by side to protect quality of life, create opportunity, and shape a stronger future for the community.

The forum allows SEA Airport, the Port of Seattle, and partner cities to connect directly to address challenges and share opportunities that affect the day-to-day lives of those who live and work in the region.

• Read about the past, present, and future of the Highline Forum 

Over the past three meetings in 2025, the Forum has spotlighted legislative priorities, celebrated community success stories, and prepared our region for major events on the horizon. Here are the highlights:

March: Legislative priorities and quieter skies

The meeting was hosted by the City of Federal Way and discussion focused on:

• Discussion of SEA’s 2025 Stakeholder Advisory Roundtable (StART) legislative priorities to reduce airport impacts on Highline communities
   
• Updates on the Sound Insulation Repair and Replacement Pilot Program (SIRRPP), including an overview of survey results, additional evaluations for homes built before 1993, and insights into next steps for implementation and the design/construction phase
   
• Success stories from the Policy and Aviation Noise working groups, including persuading cargo airlines to use quieter aircraft
   
• Update of the City of Federal Way’s major accomplishments

May: Investing in local communities

The meeting was hosted by the City of Burien and discussion focused on:

• Continued discussion on StART’s legislative priorities and a review of its annual report 
   
• Review of the Port’s Economic Development Partnership City Grant Program, which offers noncompetitive, population-based funding ($10,000–$60,000 annually) to all King County cities outside Seattle
   
  • Success stories included:
    
    •    Burien: Developed a hotel attraction plan to boost tourism
    
    •    Tukwila: Hosted a vibrant culture and fashion show celebrating local diversity
    
    •    Des Moines: Piloted a food truck program to support small businesses
    
    •    Federal Way: Created a tech hub plan to foster innovation
    
    •    Normandy Park: Produced ecotourism videos highlighting local natural assets
    
    •    SeaTac: Launched pop-up markets to give local entrepreneurs new sales opportunities

•    City of Burien update on major accomplishments

July: Preparing for FIFA and creating economic opportunity

The meeting was hosted by Highline College and discussion focused on: 

• Looking ahead to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and how communities can maximize economic benefit
   
• Presentations on workforce development initiatives such as:
  • Highline College’s Allied Health Degree, and Engineering and Simulation Tech Programs
     
  • Highline Public Schools’ ReadyK program (offering a no cost, full day transition to kindergarten)
     
  • The Port’s workforce pathways around maritime, aviation, construction, and green job careers, and partnerships with groups like ANEW and Urban League
     
• Highline College recent milestones and community impact

Upcoming meeting topics

Topics for the upcoming September 24 meeting will include:

• Part 150 Noise Study update
   
• South King County Community Impact Fund Environmental Improvements Program update

Topics for the November 19 meeting will include:

• State and regional transportation updates
   
• Aviation-related updates 

About the Highline Forum

The cities of Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way, Normandy Park, SeaTac, and Tukwila make up the Highline region of Washington state, a diverse and thriving region in southwest King County that sits between two of the state’s largest cities and is home to one of the largest gateways to the Pacific Northwest: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Much of the Highline region’s growth has, in part, been related to SEA and other major aviation industry investments. For 20 years, the Highline Forum has fostered connection and conversation between SEA and the local community through open dialogue about priorities, issues, and concerns — ranging from aircraft noise to land stewardship efforts to workforce development and economic opportunity for residents. 

Stay informed

Interested in attending an upcoming meeting? The public is welcome to attend this currently hybrid bi-monthly forum. The format provides easy access for all to real-time updates and conversations about projects happening in these communities. 

Review past forum presentations and a schedule of future discussions, and sign up to receive meeting notifications and summaries