Over the last few months, Port of Seattle staff and directors have been working diligently to craft our operating and capital budget for 2026.
My budget priorities for next year focus on continuing initiatives supported by the Port of Seattle like Maritime High School but also look to what’s next for our region. We have an opportunity to lead the nation in the development of the green economy, despite federal attempts to hinder clean energy growth.
As my budget priorities for 2026 came together, it was critical to balance my priorities as a commissioner — workforce development for Port-adjacent industries and growing our local economy through decarbonization — with good stewardship of our resources during economic uncertainty.
Here are my priorities for the 2026 Port of Seattle budget this year.
Strengthening pathways to workforce development programs for English Speakers of Other Language (ESOL)
I am proud of our state’s diversity and here in King County, data tells us that nearly 25% of our population are foreign-born. My staff and I learned that with this rich diversity, access to English language classes have long wait lists in order to gain the language proficiency to enter workforce development pathways for aviation and maritime industries. This is why I am supporting resources for English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) pathways as one way to address workforce shortages reported by industry partners.
Continued support for Maritime High School operations
Maritime High School graduated its inaugural class in June. That is an exciting benchmark and testament to this innovative approach to high school education. I believe supporting Maritime provides options for young people who leave the classroom with industry credentials and ready to enter the maritime workforce upon graduation or go on to continue their education at post-secondary institutions. Whatever choice these young people make, it is an investment in them and a win for the maritime workforce.
A summit on sustainable maritime fuels convened by the Port of Seattle
The Port of Seattle is deeply committed to sustainability and climate action, detailed in our Century Agenda goal of becoming the greenest port in North America. Working with many different partners across public and private sectors, we have helped grow the conversation and ecosystem for sustainable aviation fuel. Now we are looking to do the same for sustainable maritime fuels by bringing together thought leaders across the many sectors with a summit to build pathways and relationships toward collective action.
Growing shipbuilding readiness as an economic development strategy for Washington state
Washington state has a strong shipbuilding legacy, but the industry has been shrinking for decades. The opportunity is ripe to reinvigorate the industry while also introducing advanced technologies to build low-emission and zero-emission vessels that can power trade and transport for decades to come.
Community-focused activations
With the refurbished and reactivated Seattle waterfront, we have an opportunity to say thank you to community members for their support in building a truly world-class public space, stretching from Pioneer Square to Interbay. I have requested resources to support increased activation to deepen the connection to our maritime heritage, our waterfront, and our being a port city with local residents and communities next summer, as we host the World Cup and also celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding.
The Port of Seattle budget season is still underway, but we hope to adopt a final budget on November 18, 2025. Learn more on the 2026 Budget and Capital Improvement Program page.
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