My budget priorities this year build on my work for the past two years. They reflect my belief that good jobs and a healthy environment create a thriving port economy. The Port of Seattle's budget must show our commitment to uplifting our community. This helps King County residents, Port of Seattle and SEA employees, and our visitors and passengers.
You’ll see that my top priorities this year build upon last year's priorities:
1. $850,000 to implement childcare study recommendations
The lack of childcare hinders our efforts to recruit and keep skilled workers at the 24/7 Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). This funding request continues to build upon my work for the past two years.
I am working on an order to develop an implementation plan based on The Imagine Institute’s work and recommendations. The Imagine Institute assessed different service models to reduce barriers to childcare and provided recommendations for us to consider for SEA workers. This funding will support employee engagement and surveys, possible childcare subsidies, and resources to help SEA workers find childcare centers.
Update: $550,000 has been included in the Aviation Customer Service budget (of the Executive Director’s proposed 2025 budget) to support this effort.
2. Health care for SEA workers
At SEA, offering affordable, quality health care is vital for recruiting and retaining skilled workers. This concern was raised repeatedly during our workforce recruitment and retention listening sessions. We need to work with SEA's small businesses to help them address this critical concern for their employees. I'm proud to cosponsor an upcoming order that asks the Executive Director to study how access to affordable, quality health care affects our ability to attract and retain workers, as well as its impact on airport businesses.
Update: $200,000 has been included in the Aviation Director’s Office Budget (of the Executive Director’s proposed 2025 budget) to support an upcoming Commission Order.
3. Continued support for the Duwamish Hub
The Duwamish River Community Hub is a vital resource center. The Hub supports economic development and serves as a meeting space for the Port Community Action Team (PCAT) and local residents. Last year, I secured funding to extend the lease. I will continue to work with my colleagues and Port employees on a long-term solution.
Update: Funds have been included in the Economic Development Department budget (of the Executive Director’s proposed 2025 budget). Staff continue to explore options for a potential purchase.
4. Community outreach for the Sustainable Airport Master Plan
SEA must adapt and change to meet the demands and needs of the changing Puget Sound region — the Central Puget Sound region is expected to grow by another one million people by 2035. The Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) is the blueprint for SEA changes to meet this future forecasted demand. Completed in 2018, the SAMP identified a Long-Term Vision and a set of Near-Term Projects planned for construction by 2027.
With limited land and resources, SEA needs to plan carefully for changes. We must budget, consider, and engage with nearby residents, businesses, and officials. I support funding for meaningful and robust conversations with stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and officials. On October 21, the Draft NEPA Environmental Assessment for the Port’s SAMP Near-Term Projects was published, beginning the 45-day public comment period.
Update: Staff will complete between three and six outreach and feedback events in Highline cities, plus one event focused on South Seattle communities held in Beacon Hill, in the fourth quarter of 2024. SAMP will be built into community presentations during the course of FY 2025 as part of the SEPA process.
5. $14 million for the expanded South King County Community Impact Fund
The South King County Community Impact Fund was established to develop equity-based partnerships and provide resources and support in historically underserved near-airport communities. The fund awarded nearly $10 million from 2019 to 2023. It aimed to address noise, environmental health, and sustainability in these diverse communities. I will continue the Port's commitment to historically underserved, near-airport communities. I will advocate for a $14 million investment over five years. This includes $300,000 for sessions with in-language support. These will inform people in newly qualified areas of this opportunity.
Update: On October 22, the Commission voted to reauthorize the program with $14 million for the next chapter of funding and with expanded eligibility based on the Equity Index.
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