COMMISSION 
AGENDA MEMORANDUM                        Item No.          6c 
ACTION ITEM                            Date of Meeting     November 28, 2017 
DATE:     November 20, 2017 
TO:        Dave Soike, Interim Executive Director 
FROM:    Veronica Valdez, Commission Specialist 
SUBJECT:  Second Reading of Resolution No. 3736, Priority Hire Policy Directive; and amending
the Policy Directive related to practices for construction labor for projects located on
Port property adopted by Resolution No. 3725. 
Amount of this request:                  $95,780 
Total estimated project cost:              $95,780 
ACTION REQUESTED 
Request Second Reading and Final Passage of Resolution No. 3736, a resolution of the Port of
Seattle Commission establishing a Priority Hire Policy Directive; and amending the Policy
Directive related to practices for construction labor for projects located on Port property
adopted by Resolution No. 3725. 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
The purpose of this Resolution is to: 
1.  Establish a Policy Directive on Priority Hire with the purpose of providing good family wage
jobs to qualified construction workers from Economically Distressed Areas of King County by
increasing access to Port of Seattle Projects. This leads to economic growth and job creation
in areas of King County that are experiencing economic distress. In addition, it will provide
jobs to those historically underrepresented in the construction industry, including women
and people of color. 
To develop a Priority Hire program that will be generally implemented through a PLA and
other Port efforts, and to foster closer cooperation with the Regional Public Owners Group
to ensure uniform application of Priority Hire terms and contractor and union compliance
with Priority Hire requirements.  This supports the Port of Seattle's continued efforts on
workforce development. 


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COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. ____                               Page 2 of 14 
Meeting Date: November 28, 2017 
2.  Amend Resolution No. 3725 Policy Directive related to practices for construction labor for
projects located on Port property by striking any reference to "locality hire" and inserting
"For contracts under a PLA with projected construction labor costs at or above $5 million,
the Port shall establish Priority Hire goals." 
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS 
Housekeeping Amendments 
Amendment 1  Proposed by Commissioner Tom Albro 
On Page 1, Line 21 (redline version: Page 1, Line 21), after "WHEREAS, the Port of Seattle"
strike "has some of the", and insert the following: makes among the 
Staff recommends this amendment as it is a point of clarification. 
Amendment 2  Proposed by Glenn Fernandes, Director, Internal Audit 
On Page 2, Line 40 (redline version: Page 2, Line 40), insert the following: WHEREAS, the Port of
Seattle is committed to its values of conducting business with the highest ethical standards. Our
business practices shall reflect integrity, accountability, honesty, fairness and respect at all
levels; and 
Staff recommends this amendment as it affirms our commitment to our values which
carries down to the contractors and subcontractors that perform work on our behalf. 
Amendment 3  Proposed by Commissioner Stephanie Bowman 
On Page 2, Line 41 (redline version: Page 2, Line 45), after "construction job training programs,
including"  strike  "Apprentice"  and  insert  the  following:  Career  Connected  Learning,
apprenticeships 
Staff recommends this amendment as it highlights the importance of Career Connected
Learning which is about connecting our education system with industry and the rapidly
changing and increasingly diverse job sector. It includes efforts like Skills Centers and other
training programs. In addition, it recognizes that Career Connected Learning opportunities
are an effective way to expose individuals to the construction career paths and prepare
them for entry into a career in construction. 
Amendment 4  Proposed by Stakeholder 
On Page 3, Line 91 (redline version: Page 3, Line 96), after "WHEREAS, the Port is committed to"
strike "creating" and insert the following: fostering 
On Page 3, Line 93 (redline version: Page 3, Line 98), after "behaviors and procedures" insert
the following: and encourages positive relationships between employers and employees, and
among employees 
Staff recommends this amendment as it acknowledges the importance of fostering positive
relationships between the employer and the employee and among employees themselves
on the jobsite that further supports the employee's career development. 

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COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. ____                               Page 3 of 14 
Meeting Date: November 28, 2017 

Amendment 5  Proposed by Commissioner Tom Albro 
On Page 3, Line 100 (redline version: Page 3, Line 107), after "better understand" insert the
following: and narrow 
Staff recommends this amendment as it clarifies the mission of the Regional Public Owners
Group. 
Amendment 6  Proposed by the Commission Clerk 
On Page 4, Line 127 (redline version: Page 4, Line 134), insert the following: SECTION 3. The 
Policy Directive contained in Exhibit A and attached to this resolution shall be labeled and
catalogued as appropriate, together with other Commission Policy Directives, and shall be made
readily available for use by Port staff and members of the public as a governance document of the
Port of Seattle. 
Staff recommends this amendment as it is appropriate to include this language in the
Resolution rather than in the Priority Hire Policy Directive. 
Amendment 7  Proposed by Commissioner Tom Albro 
One Page 7, Line 247 (redline version: Page 7, Line 263), after "Executive Director's written
concurrence" insert the following: and upon notice to the Commission 
Staff recommends this amendment as it provides additional accountability. 
Amendment 8  Proposed by Commissioner Tom Albro 
One Page 7, Line 249 (redline version: Page 7, Line 266), after "reasons: when" strike "work is"
and after "emergency, when" strike "work is" 
Staff recommends this amendment as it provides more concise language. 
Amendment 9  Proposed by Glenn Fernandes, Director, Internal Audit 
On Page 7, Line 256 (redline version: Page 8, Line 273), after "C." insert the following: The
Designee shall be responsible for identifying, monitoring, and mitigating risks within his/her
authority; and propose mitigation actions to the Executive Director if additional authority is
required. 
Staff recommends this amendment as it reflects on our responsibilities. Generally, when a
new program is introduced, risk increases. Risk will come in a series of events and could
constitute a wide variety of scenarios. For example: educating Priority Hire workers on
policies and procedures at the Port and our culture and values. The "Designee" should be
responsible for making sure risks are mitigated adequately as we implement the Priority Hire
program. 



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COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. ____                               Page 4 of 14 
Meeting Date: November 28, 2017 
Amendment 10  Proposed by Commissioner Tom Albro 
On Page 8, Line 258 (redline version: Page 8, Line 278), after "D." strike "In lieu" and insert the
following: As part 
Staff recommends this amendment as it highlights that the Port will collaborate with
partners whether through the Regional Public Owners Group or establish a regional Priority
Hire Advisory Committee. 
Amendment 11  Proposed by Commissioner Tom Albro 
One Page 8, Line 268 (redline version: Page 8, Line 288), after "in the bid" insert the following:
or other solicitation. 
Staff recommends this amendment as it provides greater flexibility. 
Amendment 12  Proposed by Commissioner Tom Albro and Stakeholder 
On Page 8, Line 277 (redline version: Page 8, Line 299), after "performed by Priority Workers
by" strike "using" and insert the following: considering anticipated workforce availability and 
On Page 8, Line 279 (redline version: Page 8, Line 302), after "percentage for the" strike
"following" and insert the following: upcoming
On Page 8, Line 279 (redline version: Page 8, Line 302), after "year" strike "based on past
performance" and insert the following: This shall be included in the PLA and other Port
agreements as appropriate and progress monitored by the Designee. 
On Page 8, Line 280 (redline version: Page 8, Line 304), after "required percentages annually"
insert the following: , based on performance and reasonably anticipated changes in worker
availability 
Staff recommends these amendment as it addresses stakeholder concerns that the supply
of available Priority Workers in the workforce should be considered by the Port when
deciding on requirements. 
Amendment 13  Proposed by Commission Office 
On Page 8, Line 261 (redline version: Page 8, Line 281), after "under a" strike "Memorandum of
Understanding" and insert the following: n agreement 
On Page 9, Line 325 (redline version: Page 9, Line 355), after "established under a" strike
"MOU" and insert the following: n agreement 
On Page 9, Line 331 (redline version: Page 9, Line 361), after "will seek a" strike "MOU" and
insert the following: n agreement 
Staff recommends this amendment as it provides greater flexibility on the type of
agreement that will be determined by regional stakeholders. 

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COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. ____                               Page 5 of 14 
Meeting Date: November 28, 2017 
Amendment 14  Proposed by Commission Office 
On Page 10, Line 342 (redline version: Page 10, Line 372), after "and changes in the" strike
"percentage of dollars paid to" and insert the following: amount of contracting dollars paid to
Small Business and 
On Page 10, Line 343 (redline version: Page 10, Line 374), after "(WMBE)" strike "contractors"
and insert the following: firms 
On Page 10, Line 343 (redline version: Page 10, Line 358), after "Projects" insert the following:
and the number of Small Business and WMBE firms under contract 
Staff recommends these amendments as they are consistent with the data we track on
utilization rates for small business and WMBE firms. 
Amendment 15  Proposed by Commission Clerk 
On Page 10, Line 374 (redline version: Page 11, Line 410), after "Priority Hire program" insert
the following: Fiscal implications will be reviewed by the Designee annually, at a minimum, to
determine if additional funding and/or resources are required and shall submit a budget request
as appropriate. 
And on Page 11, Line 376 (redline version: Page 11, Line 414), strike "A Full Time Employee
(FTE) for Priority Hire in Capital Development has been included in the proposed 2018 Budget." 
And on Page 11, Line 379 (redline version: Page 11, Line 417), strike "Attachment A: New
Budget Request Form must be submitted on an annual basis should additional resources be
required." 
Staff recommends these amendments as it acknowledges that fiscal implications will be
assessed on a consistent basis. It removes specific budget request tied to 2018 budget as we
recognize that this will change over the course of the life of the program. 
Amendment 16  Proposed by Commission Clerk 
On Page 11, Line 391 (redline version: Page 11, Line 428), strike "Attachment B: Research
Findings of fact and declarations of intent" and insert in lieu thereof the following:
The Commission makes the following research findings of fact and declarations of intent: 
A. In January 2015, following the positive results of a pilot program on the Elliott Bay
Seawall project, the City of Seattle adopted Ordinance No. 124690, an Ordinance relating to
establishing a Priority Hire policy to ensure better access to training programs and well-paying
construction jobs for local workers, as well as to increase the diversity of the workforce on City
projects. 


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COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. ____                               Page 6 of 14 
Meeting Date: November 28, 2017 
B. The City implemented the Priority Hire Ordinance through a Community Workforce
Agreement (CWA) between the City and the building trade labor unions, and that agreement
requires that prime contractors on City public works construction projects of $5 million or
more, must ensure that a certain percent of project labor hours are performed by workers
living in Economically Distressed Areas of Seattle and King County. 
C. In May 2016, the King County Executive directed county agencies to implement a
Priority Hire pilot program that prioritized economically disadvantaged local workers for
inclusion on large King County capital construction projects. King County is considering a
permanent Priority Hire program implemented through a CWA. 
D. Based on studies commissioned by the City of Seattle and King County and their
implementation of Priority Hire programs, and numerous public discussions, the Port
Commission finds that it is in the Port's and the public's best interest to increase the supply of
qualified  construction  workers,  particularly  those  historically  underrepresented  in  the
construction industry, including women, racial minorities, and those who live in Economically
Distressed Areas of Seattle and King County. 
E. King County completed a study in January 2016 documenting a widening gap between
the demand for construction labor and the supply of skilled trade workers in the regional labor
market for King County and other public entities. The gap reinforces the urgent need for
developing a strategy to address the current and projected workforce shortages. The study also
used economic data involving poverty levels, employment and educational attainment to
determine Economically Distressed Areas, which are identified by zip code. 
F. King County completed The Construction Workforce Analysis in December 2016 and
found that the county may reasonably anticipate a reduced surplus of qualified labor and possible
labor shortages in certain construction trades by 2020. That is the result of a projected shortfall
forecast between demand and supply of four thousand six hundred thirty workers by 2020. The
county is concerned that these labor shortages will increase reliance on out-of-state construction
workers and that the demand for new construction workers may increase construction costs on
the county's public works projects unless the county supports efforts to increase the supply of
trained Apprentices and journey level workers for local public works projects. 
The analysis also found that 81 percent of the construction workforce in King County in
2016 were white males, while 19 percent were people of color and women. Representation of
women and people of color is higher among new entrants to the labor force through
Apprenticeships and accredited certificates of completion, such as those received for completing
a Pre-Apprenticeship program. However, according to the analysis, women and people of color
also have lower rates of Apprenticeship completion than do their white male counterparts. 
G.  The  City  of  Seattle  commissioned  the  Construction  Industry  Labor  Market
Assessment, which found that women, irrespective of race, are underrepresented in the

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COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. ____                               Page 7 of 14 
Meeting Date: November 28, 2017 
construction industry. Between 2009  and 2013, 10 percent fewer women finished their
apprentice training program than males. The assessment also found that between 2009 and
2013, 14 percent fewer racial minority Apprentices finished their Apprentice training program
than white Apprentices. In addition, it also found that underrepresented workers face barriers
to completing Apprentice training. Between 2009 and 2013, 65 percent of the racial minorities
exiting Apprenticeships did not complete the programs compared to 51 percent of the white
Apprentices who failed to complete the program. During that same time period, 65 percent of
all women, irrespective of race, failed to complete their programs compared to 55 percent of all
men. 
H. The City of Seattle has found that Priority Hire effectively and successfully increases
diversity on City construction projects. The share of labor hours between November 2013 and
April 2017 saw an increase of 233 percent in rate of hours performed by workers living in
Seattle's economically distressed zones. In addition, it saw an over 300 percent increase in rate of
hours performed by Apprentice women and 200 percent increase in rate of hours performed by
African Americans. 
Staff recommends this amendment as it changes the research findings location from an
attachment to a section in the Policy Directive and creates better flow of the Policy
Directive. 
Amendment 17  Proposed by Commissioner Tom Albro and Stakeholder 
On Page 16, Line 498 (redline version: Page 13, Line 496), after "I. A PLA" strike "with targeted
priority hiring requirements" and after "public works projects" strike "that reduces" and insert
the following: when reducing
On Page 16, Line 499 (redline version: Page 13, Line 497), after "risk of project delays" strike
",reduces" and insert the following: and reducing the potential of ; and after "labor shortages"
strike ", and improves job site safety" 
On Page 16, Line 500 (redline version: Page 13, Line 500), strike "In addition, it is also" and
insert the following: J. Priority Hire is 
Broadening Amendments 
The following amendments have been proposed by Commissioner Tom Albro 
Amendment 18 
One Page 2, Line 77 (redline version: Page 3, Line 82), after "Port construction" insert the
following: and Port-related 
Amendment 19 
On Page 5, Line 143 (redline version: Page 5, Line 156), after "Port of Seattle" strike "Covered" 

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COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. ____                               Page 8 of 14 
Meeting Date: November 28, 2017 
Amendment 20 
On Page 5, Line 148 (redline version: Page 5, Line 160), after "To develop a Priority Hire
program" insert the following: that will be generally 
Amendment 21 
On Page 5, Line 148 (redline version: Page 5, Line 161), after "Project Labor Agreement (PLA)"
insert the following: and other Port efforts, 
Amendment 22 
On Page 5, Line 171 (redline version: Page 5, Line 183), after "perform work on" strike
"covered" 
Amendment 23 
On Page 5, Line 177 (redline version: Page 5, Line 189), strike "Covered"; After "Port of Seattle
construction project"  insert the following: ,whether  ; A fter "under a PLA" strike "with
construction labor costs at or above $5 million" and insert the following: or not 
Amendment 24 
On Page 6, Line 202 (redline version: Page 6, Line 214), after "hours performed on" strike
"covered" 
Amendment 25 
On Page 7, Line 237 (redline version: Page 7, Line 250), after "pertains to" strike "Covered" 
Amendment 26 
On Page 7, Line 239 (redline version: Page 7, Line 253), insert the following: B. In keeping with
this Resolution, the Port shall develop and incorporate Priority Hire requirements in all future
leases, concession agreements, and procurement contracts. 
Amendment 27 
On Page 7, Line 248 (redline version: Page 7, Line 265), after "when impractical for a" strike
"Covered" and after "Project" insert the following: ,lease, concession, or other procurement 
Amendment 28 
On Page 7, Line 252 (redline version: Page 7, Line 269), after "sources, when" strike "the project
is in" and insert the following: options are greatly limited due to 
Amendment 29 
On Page 7, Line 253 (redline version: Page 8, Line 270), after "other legal requirements," insert
the following: or ; After "goals become impractical" strike ", or absent an executed PLA" 


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COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. ____                               Page 9 of 14 
Meeting Date: November 28, 2017 
Amendment 30 
On Page 8, Line 267 (redline version: Page 8, Line 287), after "A. For" strike "Covered" and after
"Projects" insert the following: , leases, concessions, and procurements 
Amendment 31 
On Page 8, Line 271 (redline version: Page 8, Line 292), after "aspirational goal percentages."
insert the following: Participants in Projects not covered by a PLA shall similarly endeavor to
achieve Port Priority Hire objectives. 
Amendment 32 
On Page 8, Line 276 (redline version: Page 8, Line 298), after "B. For each" strike "Covered" 
Amendment 33 
On Page 8, Line 285 (redline version: Page 9, Line 310), after "Priority Workers on the total of"
strike "Covered" 
Amendment 34 
On Page 8, Line 289 (redline version: Page 9, Line 314), after "the Designee shall require" strike
"Contractors and Dispatch under a PLA" and insert the following: contracted parties 
Amendment 35 
One Page 8, Line 292 (redline version: Page 9 Line 318), after "process by which" strike
"Contractors, Dispatch" and insert the following: the parties 
Amendment 36 
On Page 8, Line 296 (redline version: Page 9, Line 321), insert the following: As part of the PLA
and other contractual standard language, the Port shall endeavor to lower barriers to entry that
may exist for recruits from Priority Hire zip codes that disqualify them for apprenticeship, Union
membership, and/or employment such as issues related to transportation that include driver's
license, access to a vehicle, and geographic proximity to jobsites. 
Staff recommends this amendment as it demonstrates the importance of working with our
partners to address barriers that Priority Workers may face. Community stakeholders raised
concerns about barriers to entry for Priority Workers. 
Amendment 37 
On Page 9, Line 297 (redline version: Page 9, Line 326), after "E." strike "For Covered Projects,
t" and insert the following: T ; and after "referral to work on" strike "a Covered" and after
"Project" insert the following: s 
Amendment 38 
On Page 9, Line 302 (redline version: Page 9, Line 331), after "Unions" insert the following: ,
lessee's, concessionaires, suppliers, 

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COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. ____                              Page 10 of 14 
Meeting Date: November 28, 2017 
Amendment 39 
On Page 9, Line 335 (redline version: Page 10, Line 364), strike "The Port shall explore ways
Priority Hire can be implemented on Port construction projects outside a Covered Project,
where applicable." 
Amendment 40 
On Page 10, Line 340 (redline version: Page 10, Line 370), after "project" insert the following: or
procurement 
Amendment 41 
On Page 10, Line 344 (redline version: Page 10, Line 374), after "working on" strike "Covered" 
Oversight and Reporting Amendments 
Proposed by Commissioner Tom Albro 
Amendment 42 
On Page 10, Line 345 (redline version: Page 10, Line 377), after "B." insert the following: Port
efforts in pursuit of the objectives of this Policy Directive will be incorporated into the Port's
Long Range Plan (LRP) to the fullest extent reasonable, including incorporation into the LRP
scorecards, reports, and LRP updates. Further, the 
Amendment 43 
On Page 10, Line 345 (redline version: Page 10, Line 377), after "Designee shall" strike "report
findings to the Commission and Executive Director annually. In order to facilitate the timely
delivery of information for reporting to the Commission and to better serve the public, it is in
the interest of the Port of Seattle to 
Amendment 44 
On Page 10, Line 347 (redline version: Page 10, Line 382), after "prepare" insert the following:
and publish ; and after "prepare" strike "a single" and insert "an"; and after "each year" strike
"by April 30" 
Amendment 45 
On Page 11, 368 (redline version: Page 11, Line 403), after "annually" insert the following: as
part of the LRP update 
JUSTIFICATION 
A Full-Time Employee (FTE) for Priority Hire in Capital Development has been included in the
proposed 2018 Budget with salary/wages and benefits equal to $95,780. 
Amount of this request:                  $95,780 
Total estimated project cost:              $95,780 

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COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. ____                              Page 11 of 14 
Meeting Date: November 28, 2017 

BACKGROUND 
Increasing growth in the construction industry and shortage of skilled trade workers 
The Port recognizes the construction industry is forecasted to experience consistent growth in
the King County region over the next decade. However, numerous studies indicate a widening
gap between the demand for construction labor and the supply of skilled trade workers in the
regional labor market for King County public agencies. Public agencies in the region estimate
there will be over $67 billion dollars in public construction projects by 2042 with over 70 million
labor hours needed to complete these projects. It is projected that between 2018 and 2023
there will be a shortage of over 4100 skilled workers. Regional labor supply is forecasted to
underserve demand by an average of 9 to 10 percent during the 2018-2042 period. 
The Port of Seattle has some of the largest investments in infrastructure projects in the region. 
In 2017, the Port of Seattle is projected to spend approximately $180 million on construction
projects and estimates continual growth in future years. The Port's capital investment dollars
create the equivalent work hours of 10.89 jobs per one million dollars spent, providing enough
total hours to equal approximately 950 full time jobs in Washington State in 2016. 
Women and people of color are underrepresented in the construction workforce in King County 
Data indicates that in 2016, over 80 percent of the construction workforce in King County are
white males, while 19 percent are women and people of color. Representation of women and
people of color is higher among new entrants to the labor force through Apprenticeships and
accredited certificates of completion, such as those received for completing a Pre-Apprenticeship
program. However, according to the analysis, women and people of color also have lower rates of
Apprenticeship completion than do their white male counterparts. 
The Port of Seattle is committed to ensuring equity in the construction projects workforce where
disparities exist between underrepresented workers' availability to work and their opportunity to
be hired and establish a career in the construction trades.  The Port is a leader in workforce
development and has found construction job training programs, including Apprentice and Pre-
Apprenticeship programs, to be an effective way to prepare individuals for entry into
construction jobs, and to ensure women, people of color, and otherwise disadvantaged
individuals,  can  acquire  the  necessary  job  skills  and  preparation  to  successfully  pursue
construction careers. 
The Port of Seattle was the first to adopt Apprenticeship Utilization Goals over three decades
ago and is committed to achieving its Apprenticeship hiring goals set in Port policy and
addressing the disproportionately low involvement of people of color and women in the
construction labor force. Apprentice Utilization Goals for Port construction projects is 15
percent, of which includes a goal of 10 percent women and 15 percent people of color. In 2016,
Apprenticeship Utilization rates were 17 percent, of which 18 percent were women and 28
percent were people of color. 

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COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. ____                              Page 12 of 14 
Meeting Date: November 28, 2017 

In addition, on October 25, 2016, the Port of Seattle adopted Resolution No. 3725 that
established the Port of Seattle Construction Labor Policy Directive that states that the Port shall
establish appropriate apprentice and locality hiring goals and appropriate aspirational women
and minority apprentice hiring goals. 
Providing jobs to those living in Economically Distressed Areas in King County 
The Port of Seattle recognizes the City of Seattle and King County findings that King County has
geographic areas of economic distress as evidenced by poverty indicators; including poverty 
levels, concentrated unemployment, and gaps in educational attainment. 
"Economically Distressed Area" means a geographic area defined by zip code in King County and
found to have high population concentrations: 1) Living at or below 200 percent of the federal
poverty level, 2) Unemployed, 3) Those over 25 years of age without a college degree, compared
to other zip codes. King County zip codes with a high density (per acre) of at least two out of the
three criteria will be identified as Economically Distressed Areas. These zip codes are updated and
published by King County's Finance and Business Operations Division. 
The Port of Seattle seeks to act effectively and expeditiously to encourage economic growth and
job creation solutions in areas of the County that are economically distressed as evidenced by
comparatively high levels of poverty, unemployment rates and education attainment. One way to
achieve this is through Priority Hire. 
The Port believes that establishing a Priority Hire policy ensures better access to training
programs and well-paying construction jobs for local workers, particularly those from
Economically Distressed Areas, as well as to increase the diversity of the workforce on Port
construction  projects.  In  addition,  Priority  Hire  focuses  on  workforce  participation  by
Apprentices and Journey-level construction workers and is therefore directly connected to the
Port's existing Apprenticeship program. 
Priority  Hire  enhances  community  partnerships  focused  on  inclusion  and  access  to
opportunities and services; expands opportunities for disadvantaged populations to advance
equity and social justice; and ensures that Port construction projects are planned and
implemented in a way that improves equity in local communities. 
Regional problem requires a regional solution 
Over the last two years, the Port of Seattle has participated as a member of the Regional Public
Owners Group with the City of Seattle, King County, Sound Transit, the City of Tacoma and the
Washington State Department of Transportation. The purpose of the Regional Public Owners
Group is to better understand the workforce demand-supply gap for regional public
infrastructure projects; enhance access opportunities  and  increase the diversity of Pre-
Apprentices, Apprentices and journey-level workers entering into the trades workforce; support
retention programs for current trades workers, especially women and people of color; and

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COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. ____                              Page 13 of 14 
Meeting Date: November 28, 2017 
improve performance data and systems of reporting for monitoring regional goals and 
initiatives. 
In January 2015, following the positive results of a pilot program on the Elliott Bay Seawall
project, the City of Seattle adopted Ordinance No. 124690 establishing a Priority Hire policy to
ensure better access to training programs and well-paying construction jobs for local workers,
as well as to increase the diversity of the workforce on City projects. The City of Seattle has
found that Priority Hire effectively and successfully increases diversity on City construction
projects. The share of labor hours between November 2013 and April 2017 saw an increase of
233 percent in rate of hours performed by workers living in Seattle's economically distressed
zones. In addition, it saw an over 300 percent increase in rate of hours performed by apprentice
women and 200 percent increase in rate of hours performed by African Americans. 
In  May  2016,  King  County  implemented  a  Priority  Hire  pilot  program  that  prioritized
economically  disadvantaged  local  workers  for  inclusion  on  large  King  County  capital
construction  projects.  King  County  is  considering  a  permanent  Priority  Hire  program
implemented through a Community Workforce Agreement in 2018. 
Stakeholder Outreach 
From April 2017 to October 2017, the Port of Seattle conducted a total of six stakeholder
meetings. The Port received input from contractors, labor union representatives, community
advocates, small contracting and supplier businesses, training providers, and labor equity
experts from the City of Seattle and King County about the challenges and opportunities of a
Priority Hire program. Three meetings were convened by The Projects and Procurement
Committee and two meetings were led by the Port staff. In addition, a Priority Hire Roundtable
was convened by The Projects and Procurement Committee with members from the
community, labor, contractors, and government agencies to receive inputs on the Port's
proposed Priority Hire Policy Directive. 
The Port of Seattle intends to use the information received as a guide for implementing the
Priority Hire program and developing a regional agreement for use on public works projects. 
DETAILS 
Key elements of the Priority Hire Policy Directive: 
1.  This Policy Directive pertains to Port of Seattle construction projects under a PLA with
construction labor costs at or above $5 million, referred to as Covered Projects. 
2.  Establish in the bid documents the required percentage of labor hours to be performed by
Priority Workers (workers who reside in Economically Distressed Areas) and the aspirational
goal percentage labor hours to be performed by Priority Workers. 
3.  Contractors and dispatch under a PLA shall seek to first hire and dispatch Priority Workers
so as to meet or exceed the required percentages. 

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COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. ____                              Page 14 of 14 
Meeting Date: November 28, 2017 
4.  In order to achieve the intended impact in Economically Distressed Areas, the Designee
shall set project-specific requirements with the aspirational goal of  achieving a total
percentage of no less than 20 percent for all labor hours performed annually by Priority
Workers on Covered projects for the year. 
5.  Require contractors and dispatch under a PLA to seek to employ a Priority Worker who is a
resident in an Economically Distressed Area within King County, and then workers from any
other Economically Distressed Areas as needed to meet the percentage labor hours to be
performed by Priority Workers. 
6.  Ensure the availability of Jobs Coordinator(s) with the main role of facilitating referrals and
coordination around training and employment of Priority Workers between contractors,
unions and training programs. 
7.  The Designee shall establish benchmarks and metrics to evaluate the Priority Hire program. 
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST 
(1)   Redline Version of Resolution No. 3736 Priority Hire Policy Directive with Proposed
Amendments 
(2)   1st Reading of Resolution No. 3736 Priority Hire Policy Directive 
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS 
July 25, 2017  The Commission was briefed on the Commission 2018 Budget Priorities 
May 9, 2017  Workforce Development Update 
April 12, 2016  The Commission was briefed on Workforce Development Strategies and
Long Range Plan. 









Template revised September 22, 2016; format updates October 19, 2016.