By Lindsay Peyton

The theme of the recent Port of Seattle’s “State of the Port” address, held on Thursday, Jan. 18, was “sea change,” and panelists discussed how the Port could work to create a sustainable future in the midst of an ever-growing city. 

The Museum of Flight was full of guests for the event. The Port’s interim executive director Dave Soike kicked the meeting off. 

“This is your Port,” he said. “We serve you. We are stronger together. This year, we want greater engagement with you so we can have a greater impact for you.”

Port commission president Courtney Gregoire presented a number of the Port’s accomplishments from the past year. She also discussed challenges related to population increases in Seattle. 

“Aviation, maritime trade and travel are still at the center of our daily lives,” Gregoire said. “These industries make our region a global player.”

She said that the Port is in the midst of $2 billion in construction projects at its airport, as well as a number of transportation improvements in the city. 

Challenges in the upcoming year include protecting the environment and moving away from fossil fuels, Gregoire said. She also said protecting lands dedicated to the maritime industry is a top priority. 

She added that the Port wants to insure that nearby neighborhoods benefit from its economic impact. “Too many of our neighborhoods feel left out,” she said. “In 2018, we need to do more.”

In addition, Gregoire said that the Port will support a regional conversation about long-term transportation needs. 

Addressing economic inequality, and how it affects minorities, is another priority. “This year is about making sure all in the community have a chance to get ahead and stay there,” Gregoire said. 

Enrique Cerna, director of community partnerships for KCTS 9, moderated the panel discussion. 

Members of the panel included chief executive officer of Seattle Goodwill Daryl Campbell, executive secretary-treasurer with King County Labor Council Nicole Grant, executive director of the Ethnic Business Coalition Taylor Hoang, senior vice-president of public affairs at Vigor Jill Mackie, vice-president of external relations at Alaska Airlines Diana Birkett Rakow and owner of Taylor Shellfish Farms Bill Taylor.  

They discussed a range of topics from how to get youth interested in blue-collar jobs to the challenges associated with growth in Seattle. 

For more information about the Port of Seattle, visit www.portseattle.org.