P.O. Box 1209 
Seattle, Washington 98111 
www.portseattle.org 
206.787.3000 
APPROVED MINUTES 
COMMISSION SPECIAL JOINT MEETING MAY 8, 2015 
The Port of Seattle Commission met in a special joint meeting with the Port of Tacoma
Commission Friday, May 8, 2015, in Council Chambers at Federal Way City Hall, Federal Way,
Washington. Port of Seattle Commissioners Albro, Bowman, and Bryant were present. Port of
Tacoma Commissioners Bacon, Johnson, Marzano, Meyer, and Petrich were also present. Not
attending were Port of Seattle Commissioners Creighton and Gregoire. 
CALL TO ORDER 
The meeting was called to order at 9:35 a.m. by Port of Seattle Commission Co-President 
Stephanie Bowman, who led the Flag Salute. 
WELCOME AND OVERVIEW 
Commissioners noted the historic nature of the business to be transacted and commented on the
importance to the regional economy that the Ports of Tacoma and Seattle form a Seaport Alliance.
The Commissioners expressed their commitment to a collaborative partnership to meet the needs 
of a dramatically changing industry. They stressed the importance of public participation as they
make decisions and the need for long-term solutions to keep the state of Washington competitive
in international trade. Notwithstanding particular individual concerns over the various aspects of the
alliance, Commissioners acknowledged that with experience and public participation, the ultimate
alliance product would be a significant benefit to the region and the state. 
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT 
Julie Collins, Senior Director, Public Affairs, Port of Seattle, presented the background and
schedule for consideration of the Discussion Agreement filed with the Federal Maritime
Commission. She described a public engagement process begun in October 2014 that included
over 25 joint presentations and numerous individual meetings. She noted the public meetings held,
written testimony accepted, information posted to the ports' websites, labor engagement, and use
of media outlets pursued during this time. Ms. Collins announced upcoming town hall meetings in
Georgetown and Lakewood. 
ALLIANCE FORMATION RATIONALE 
Kurt Beckett, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Port of Seattle, presented the rationale behind the
formation of this alliance, including discussion of the stakes, competitive pressures, and benefits of
forming an alliance between the Ports of Tacoma and Seattle. 
STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLAN AND HOW THE ALLIANCE WILL WORK 
John Wolfe, Chief Executive Officer, Port of Tacoma, and Kurt Beckett, Deputy Chief Executive
Officer, Port of Seattle, offered a presentation on the alliance strategic plan and the mechanics of
how the alliance would function, including discussion of governance, leadership, lines of business

Digital recordings of the meeting proceedings and meeting materials are available online  www.portseattle.org.

PORT COMMISSION JOINT MEETING MINUTES                 Page 2 of 2 
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015 
to be included or excluded from the alliance for each home port, dispute resolution, and the
competitive advantages of the alliance. 
Commissioners commented on the constitutional nature of the alliance's charter and encouraged
public input on it. Commissioner Meyer expressed his concerns regarding asset valuation without
differentiating diverse lines of business and acknowledgment of the differences between
international and domestic cargo and the exclusion of grain terminals as an alliance asset.
Commissioners discussed the need for equal representation in the alliance from both King and
Pierce Counties and the difference between a merger and a joint management arrangement. They
also pointed out in-depth conversations about how to involve various lines of business to achieve a
balance of the managed assets between the two ports. It was noted that changing circumstances
and the need to bolster Washington's trade statewide require adapting for success. The opinions of
the two ports' Eastern Washington customers regarding the need for change in how the ports do
business was noted.
PUBLIC COMMENT 
Public comment was received from the following individual(s): 
Goodspaceguy, King County resident, in opposition to the alliance and in support of
competition between the ports and the simplicity of the current, separate arrangement. 
Steve Sewell, Director of Maritime Business, Washington State Department, regarding
the historic nature of the alliance's formation and the long history leading to this point.
Mr. Sewell read a letter from Governor Jay Inslee supporting the formation of the
Seaport Alliance. 
Joshua Berger, Washington Maritime Federation, in support of the formation of the
Seaport Alliance. 
COMMISSIONER COMMENT 
Commissioner Bowman listed upcoming joint public meetings, town hall discussions, and individual
meetings planned over the coming month. Commissioner Marzano encouraged legislative action at
the state level to move forward with a transportation revenue package in order for the state to
remain competitive. 
ADJOURNMENT 
There was no further business, and the meeting adjourned at 11:25 a.m. 
Stephanie Bowman 
Secretary 
Minutes approved: January 12, 2016. 




Minutes of May 8, 2015, joint public meeting, proposed for approval on January 12, 2016.