PORT OF SEATTLE 
MEMORANDUM 

COMMISSION AGENDA-STAFF BRIEFING 
Item No.         4a 
Date of Meeting     August 16, 2011 

DATE:    August 8, 2011 
TO:      Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer 
FROM:    Dan Thomas, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer 
Michael Tong, Corporate Budget Manager 
SUBJECT:  Distinguished Budget Presentation Award 

The Port has received the Government Finance Officer's Association's Distinguished Budget
Presentation Award for our 2011 budget document. As stated in GFOA's award letter, "the
award represents a significant achievement by the entity. It reflects the commitment of the
governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting." In order
to achieve this recognition the budget document is evaluated against nationally recognized
guidelines related to its effectiveness as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide,
and a communications device. 
This is the fourth consecutive year that the Port has achieved this prestigious award, and it
highlights our ongoing commitment to transparency, public accountability, fiscal stewardship
and excellence in financial management. We would like to acknowledge and express deep
appreciation for many staff across the organization for their commitment, dedication and valued
contributions in support of our annual budgeting process and preparation of a budget document
that meets the highest possible standards.