My budget priorities for 2026 continue to build on the foundation of work I've established over the past three years. They reflect my unwavering belief that good jobs, environmental stewardship, and community equity create a thriving port economy.
The Port of Seattle's budget must demonstrate our deepened commitment to uplifting our community; supporting King County residents and Port of Seattle and SEA employees; and enhancing the experience for our visitors and passengers.
As we look forward to 2026, my priorities expand my focus on equity, sustainability, and strategic economic development while addressing emerging challenges and opportunities in our region.
1. $500,000 for enhanced public and community engagement
Beyond the mandatory NEPA and SEPA public engagement requirements, the Port should continue to invest in robust community outreach to increase engagement with local communities and enhance understanding of their concerns. Our Port for the Future messaging should be consistently integrated throughout these engagement activities to build public awareness and support for our long-term vision. This approach will improve policy development, which will be particularly important as we transition to a new SEA Airport Managing Director and implement the 31 Near-Term Projects under the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP).
This funding will support ongoing public and community engagement efforts for SEPA/NEPA public engagement requirements, SAMP outreach, and Port for the Future education across 38 locations. Internal stakeholders, including the Aviation and External Relations teams, will be responsible for implementing this program, with the additional budgetary allocation likely to be allocated to the External Relations department.
2. Drug interdiction funds utilization
Earlier this year, the Legislature passed a law, Chapter 306, 2025 Laws (HB 1440), which codified significant reforms to Washington State's civil asset forfeiture framework, including allowing a "port district operating an airport in a county with a population of more than one million to use net proceeds for the expanded purposes of substance abuse education, human trafficking interdiction, and responsible gun ownership."
These changes allow comprehensive updates to the Port of Seattle Police Department's asset management protocols to ensure compliance with stricter legal standards, enhanced transparency requirements, and new fiscal constraints, while also allowing greater flexibility for the use of net proceeds. With a balance of more than $3 million in the state forfeiture account, the Port should develop a plan to allocate a portion of those funds toward the expanded purposes under the new law, which takes effect for seizures occurring on or after January 1, 2026.
3. Continued investment in the Duwamish Hub
The Duwamish Valley has historically been disproportionally impacted by Port lines of business, and continued investments will further demonstrate our commitment to environmental justice. The Port must continue its investments in anti-displacement measures so that the local community can thrive economically in place.
The Duwamish Hub serves an important role in connecting Port staff and PCAT members with local residents, workers, and small businesses with Port-related careers, contracting opportunities, and other economic development resources. This ongoing support builds on my previous work to secure funding for the Hub, representing our long-term commitment to this vital community resource.
4. Economic development strategic planning
A comprehensive strategic plan for the Port's real estate portfolio, especially our industrial lands, key real estate, and other properties, will be vital as we position ourselves as the Port for the Future and further our investments in sustainability to achieve the Teal New Deal.
Properties such as the Maritime Innovation Center and other properties in neighborhoods such as the Duwamish, Ballard, and SoDo need to be inventoried, and a strategic plan prepared. The plan will prepare a needs/readiness assessment for these properties, ensuring that they are appealing and viable for potential customers, and are suitable for clean energy manufacturing and warehousing uses.
5. Parks assessment implementation
It is important to have the necessary resources available to implement the recommendations from the park-wide assessment. The Port can implement the recommendations of the park assessment to be good stewards for our green spaces for the public. This investment ensures that our parks continue to serve as community assets that reflect our commitment to environmental stewardship and public access.
6. Rewriting the Map for Equitable Tourism (RMET) program
Many King County communities and neighborhoods that have historically been redlined have yet to benefit from tourism, despite their potential to be attraction centers. These communities have also lacked significant economic activity and investment, especially ahead of FIFA 2026.
The Port's unique position in helping to plan FIFA 2026 can help engage these historically redlined communities and prepare them, along with their organizations and businesses, for the influx of visitors during FIFA. This program will ensure that the economic benefits of major events like FIFA 2026 reach communities that have been historically excluded from tourism-related economic opportunities.
In conclusion
These priorities reflect my commitment to the Port's strategic goals: responsibly investing in economic growth for all communities; becoming the greenest and most energy-efficient port in North America; serving as a model for equity, diversity and inclusion; and being a highly effective public agency. I look forward to working with my fellow Commissioners, Port staff, and community members to advance these important initiatives.
All my best,
Toshiko Grace Hasegawa
President, Port of Seattle Commission
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