COMMISSION 
AGENDA MEMORANDUM                        Item No.          7b 
BRIEFING ITEM                             Date of Meeting       April 28, 2020 
DATE:     April 14, 2020 
TO:        Port of Seattle Commissioners 
FROM:    Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director 
SUBJECT:  Draft Port Early Action Recovery Plan 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
On April 1, 2020, the Port of Seattle Commission passed Motion 2020-06 to provide guidance
for Port leadership in prioritizing Port Investments to assist local, regional, and statewide
economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 
As the region moves through an unprecedented social and economic crisis related to the
COVID-19 virus, the Port of Seattle as a major economic driver for the region is in a unique
position to lead economic recovery efforts across King County and Washington State. The
Port's unique statutory powers combined with its real estate, capital assets and financial
capabilities can also be used to help small businesses recover, create and retain jobs, and boost
economic activity. The Port can boldly help lead the state through an unprecedented period of 
economic challenges resulting from the public health emergency.
This memo provides a recommended framework for Port of Seattle recovery efforts. The
initiatives highlighted in this outline will be guided by the Commission's guiding principles of
equity, sustainability and community engagement. 
The economic emergency facing the Port and the region demands both a rapid response and a 
longer-term strategy. The Commission has already taken actions to provide immediate relief to
impacted Port related businesses. In the coming weeks, staff will evaluate the Port's financial
position and capacity and then work with the Commission to further develop an action plan for
economic recovery.  The action plans will include funding levels, goals and objectives, metrics,
and timeline for implementation. We will continue to engage with stakeholders and the
community on ideas and opportunities for economic recovery. By July, we propose to initiate
action programs and partnerships with external organizations to support our objectives.
Throughout the remainder of 2020 we will provide regular updates to the Commission and the
public.


Template revised April 12, 2018.

COMMISSION AGENDA  Briefing Item No.  7b                               Page 2 of 9 
April 28, 2020 
Background 
The Port's mission is to promote economic opportunity and quality of life in the region by
advancing trade, travel, commerce and job creation in an equitable, accountable and
environmentally responsible manner. The Port has broad statutory authority to operate airport
and seaport facilities along with related transportation and cargo infrastructure. The Port's
operations require substantial capital investments that result in major construction projects.
Among other additional powers, the Port has authority to carry out economic development
activities and workforce development programs, and to promote tourism and operate tourism
related facilities 
Through its operations the Port drives the economy of the region and the state. All of Washington's key
industries depend upon Port services to reach markets and customers. Without access to markets, local
businesses could not prosper nor grow jobs. Port operations also directly provide family-wage, durable
jobs for more than 100,000 workers across trade, travel, and tourism industries, making Port-related
jobs one of the most important jobs engines in King County. More specifically: 
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is one of the largest job sites in King County, with
more than 300 businesses employing 19,000 workers on location supporting $22.5
billion in economic activity. Across the region, airport activity directly supports 87,000
jobs. 
Maritime cargo shipping, in partnership with the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) ,
supports 20,100 jobs and $5.9 billion in business revenue. 
Commercial fishing, recreational boating and Port real estate operations support nearly
10,000 jobs and $1.4 billion in economic activity. 
Port cruise operations provide a platform for 5,500 local jobs and generates $900 million
in revenue for local businesses. 
Through its five-year, $3.4 billion capital development program the Port supports the
employment of thousands of local construction and related jobs. 
Commission Guiding Principles 
In carrying out its planning and actions, the Port will align with the Commission's guiding
principles of: 
Equity 
Sustainability 
Community engagement. 
Equity Considerations 
The underrepresented communities in the King County area have suffered historically from
systemic disparities and are especially hard hit during this pandemic. In response to the
extraordinary circumstances posed by the COVID-19 public health crisis, the Recovery Plan will
prioritize economic relief and recovery efforts to these vulnerable communities that are
disproportionately impacted by the health pandemic. The following set of core principles are 

Template revised September 22, 2016.

COMMISSION AGENDA  Briefing Item No.  7b                               Page 3 of 9 
April 28, 2020 
intended to complement the Commission's directives on COVID-19 response, and to further
elaborate on how equity can be integrated into the Port's response: 1 
Integrate Values of Equity and Inclusion 
Prioritize the Most Vulnerable 
Mitigate Economic Loss 
Ensure Language and Cultural Competence 
Support Community-based Organizations 
1 A more detailed framework and exploration of each objective is provided in attachment 2. 
Economic Recovery Framework: 
Capital Project Investments 
The Port plans to make $3.4 billion of capital facility investments over the next five years. The
over $1 billion of scheduled construction work in 2020 and 2021 will provide a significant
stimulus to the regional economy.
These construction projects support quality jobs, Women and Minority Owned Business
Enterprise (WMBE) businesses and a web of suppliers and businesses. On average per month,
Port construction work generates directly 1,300 construction jobs and over 2,000 more jobs
induced or indirectly. This work involves over 25 different trades. 
Keeping these projects moving forward during the COVID-19 crisis and moving forward on
other projects as public health restrictions lessen can generate significant economic activity and
provide the following benefits: 
Additional WMBE Contracting Opportunities 
In addition to Port-wide 2020 WMBE utilization goals, the Port's capital program will identify
projects less than $40,000 that can provide special procurement opportunities for small and
disadvantaged businesses. Staff will also use Job Order Contracting opportunities that benefit
small and disadvantaged businesses. 
Emphasis: Environmental Sustainability Goals 
The Port will prioritize capital projects that utilize the Port's Sustainable Evaluation Framework
and support attainment of Century Agenda goals for greenhouse gas and air emission
reductions, and habitat stewardship. 
Emphasis: Quality Jobs and Workforce Development 
Port capital projects drive requirements for contractors to pay prevailing wages and promote
apprenticeship utilization. On capital projects administered via Project Labor Agreements, the
Port can also advance its Priority Hire policy. This policy modeled after the city and county, can


Template revised September 22, 2016.

COMMISSION AGENDA  Briefing Item No.  7b                               Page 4 of 9 
April 28, 2020 
help increase apprenticeship opportunities for people of color, women and other low-income
communities. 
Recovery Capital Opportunity Fund (New Initiative) 
Funds in this initiative would be invested in new "shovel-ready" building and infrastructure
projects that are not currently in the five-year CIP. These projects can be expected to compete
well for future opportunities anticipated in future Federal stimulus packages. 
This Recovery Capital Opportunity Fund allows us to utilize the Port's statutory authority under
Washington State law as land owner and property developer. This fund allows us to leverage
public and private investment on Port-owned property to support construction projects that
serve our maritime and aviation enterprises at every scale from small to large. 
The Port's Recovery Capital Opportunity Fund be informed by the 2020 Port of Seattle Real
Estate Development Strategic Plan. The strategic plan, initiated in early 2020, will be a critical
component of overall Port recovery efforts. The plan will help establish investment priorities
and opportunities to advance economic recovery. It will also outline innovative financial tools
and partnerships that may have the potential to enhance the leverage ratio of Port capital and
the economic impact of these projects.. 
Tourism 
Tourism is the State's fourth largest industry with travel related employment of over 180,000
and State and local tax receipts of over $2 billion. Seattle - Tacoma International airport and
our maritime gateways have traditional been the entry points for visitors to Seattle and
Washington State, especially during the peak summer travel season. Tourism throughout the
region and the state has been decimated but, when restrictions on non-essential travel are
lifted, the Port can help the tourism industry rebound. Working with Visit Seattle, the Seattle
Southside Regional Tourism Authority, the Washington Tourism Alliance (WTA) and destination
marketing organizations across the state, the Port can assist in funding and implementing a
unified campaign to encourage interstate tourism and welcome visitors back to our State. 
Port staff also has been making changes to selected 2020 tourism grant agreements to ensure
these partners' initiatives are closely aligned with a post COVID-19 statewide tourism marketing
campaign. The Airport Spotlight advertising program can also be realigned in a similar fashion
so it can amplify a post COVID-19 campaign promoting travel and tourism in Washington State.
Cruise Industry 
The cruise industry globally and in Seattle has been hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The
2020 summer season for Alaska homeport cruises has yet to start due to state and federal
health mandates, and it appears likely vessels will not begin sailing to Alaska again before July
1. The conditions under which cruise operations will resume are still under discussion at the
national and international levels. 

Template revised September 22, 2016.

COMMISSION AGENDA  Briefing Item No.  7b                               Page 5 of 9 
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When the conditions allow it, cruise operations could play a critical part of the region's
economic recovery. When fully operational, the Alaska homeport cruise industry generates
about $894 million each year for our economy, along with 5,500 jobs here in the community.
Last year, the cruise industry at the Port of Seattle was an important component of both the
regional and statewide tourism economy with each vessel call in 2019 supporting $4.2 million in
economic activity. The more than 600 thousand passengers each season is a leading element of
the region's tourism industry.
Although the pandemic has halted cruise operations around the world, the industry has proved
itself resilient and adaptable to changing market conditions. Bookings for the 2021 season are
reported strong. 
Protecting the health and safety of the community, the traveling public and crews will be a top
priority and require close collaboration by the Port staff with cruise line customers, cruise
terminal operators, the United States Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the
Washington Department of Health.  The Port will execute its responsibilities to work with all
stakeholders to ensure that rigorous safety and health measures are in place and that
confidence is rebuilt with travelers and the public.
Workforce Development 
As airport workers face challenging layoffs and regional unemployment rates skyrocket, the
Port can help address workforce challenges by implementing training and placement initiatives
that help current and future employees. 
Airport Employees and Employers: 
The Port will work with partners to support airport employees and employers impacted by the
COVID-19 pandemic. We will work with PortJobs, the Career Advancement Center and other
partners to identify and support airport workers who may be on standby or temporary layoff. 
We also recommend expanding Airport Career Pathways training initiatives. A promising
partnership with South Seattle College and PortJobs is helping the Port support Aviation
Maintenance Mechanic training for disadvantaged workers. This program can be expanded to
support other Aviation pathways and provide disadvantaged workers access to training that can
help them develop new skills and lead to better job opportunities. Staff will work with the
Seattle King County Workforce Development Council and other partners to develop these new
training initiatives. These allies can help provide important wrap around services and online
learning supports that are critical to the overall success of the program.
Youth Employment Program: 
Although reduced in scope and scale, the Port will continue offering high school and college
students an array of internships and career connected learning opportunities. Providing
employment and learning opportunities for youth is an especially important part of Port
recovery efforts. With the uncertainty of the duration of COVID 19 public health policy
measures, the Port will work to develop on-line, virtual career exploration and summer
internship programs. The program will work with community partners to select students from
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COMMISSION AGENDA  Briefing Item No.  7b                               Page 6 of 9 
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disadvantaged communities especially those whose families have been economically impacted
as a result of the pandemic.
Duwamish River Green Jobs Program:
The Port's External Relations, Maritime Environmental, and Workforce Development groups
will partner with Duwamish Valley stakeholders to organize hands-on, career-connected
trainings that focus on habitat restoration on Port-owned properties along the Duwamish River.
The program will emphasize recruitment opportunities for youth and adults experiencing
challenges integrating into the mainstream environmental sector (such as people with low
incomes, disabilities or with experience in the criminal justice system). This program establishes
an inclusive green economy focused on Port environmental priorities related to riparian and
urban forestry stewardship, salmon recovery efforts, and climate change. 
Small and Disadvantaged Business Assistance 
Helping our Port tenants and small businesses that rely on Port operations recover from these
difficult economic times is paramount. The economic repercussions from the COVID-19
emergency will be significant and the Port can be a key player to help small businesses survive.
Our existing partnerships with Highline College's Small Business Development Center, Tabor
100 business hub and the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) are critical towards
helping our small business partners access CARES Act loans and other resources.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are poised to get stimulus funding to help
manage the flood of loan and technical assistance requests they have received. The SBDCs are
doing their best to accommodate the flood of calls from small businesses seeking help, but they
need aid from additional partners that can support the influx of small companies requesting
assistance. The Port will reach out to Chambers of Commerce, Startup 425, and other partners
to help ensure there is a broad circle of technical assistance available for small businesses at
our Port facilities, in disadvantaged communities and across the region. Small business needs
are glaring and significant, especially within our ethnic communities  we can provide
immediate help by convening and supporting organizations that can help these enterprises
survive the pandemic's economic shocks.
Leveraging Partnerships and Port Grant Funding 
The Port's unique partnerships with King County Cities, Greater Seattle Partners, the Puget
Sound Regional Council, the Soundside Alliance, and Chambers of Commerce can also drive
economic recovery across the entire region.
King County Cities' Grant Program: 
The Port's King County Cities' grant program is helping focus resources across the region
around economic recovery. Port staff asked city partners to revisit their initiatives this year and
prioritize projects that drive economic recovery and relief. Toward this end, eleven cities are
using funds to support small businesses. Eleven cities are implementing tourism grants and/or
placing marketing campaigns that can help welcome travelers and residents back to local
attractions. Another fifteen cities are complimenting small business and tourism efforts with
Template revised September 22, 2016.

COMMISSION AGENDA  Briefing Item No.  7b                               Page 7 of 9 
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placemaking initiatives. Organizing community markets, accenting city commercial districts, and
improving wayfinding signage can help attract visitors and help support local merchants.
The table below reflects city economic grant program investments. As you can see, cities across
King County are providing over $680,000 of funding leverage to support economic recovery and
relief. Staff is still working to reorient a few cities grant projects, but most cities have embraced
pivoting to support economic recovery and relief. 

Total Investment      Number of
Project Categories           2020 Port Award 
(Port Award + Match)       Cities 
Small Business Assistance              $251,204              $407,805              12 
Tourism                             $154,993             $311,555             11 
Placemaking: Buy Local
Campaign, Downtown/              $182,693            $306,718            15 
Commercial Revitalization, etc. 
Business Attraction and Trade
$145,930             $186,592              7 
Development 
Feasibility - Real Estate
$48,780              $214,180              5 
Development 
Workforce                           $66,500             $105,750              2 
Total                                     $850,100              $1,532,600              29 
Greater Seattle Partners (GSP): 
Greater Seattle Partners (GSP) has also shifted gears to focus on regional economic recovery. It
is holding weekly calls with economic development staff across the Puget Sound region on
economic resiliency and resources available to promote recovery and reinvestment. GSP is now
leading regional efforts to advance economic mitigation and recovery preparation. This new
focus for GSP includes: 
Maximizing aid and support for the region 
Leading regional coordination and collaboration efforts; and 
Serving as an advocate and voice for the region 
The Port's 2020 funding support for GSP is helping the organization support this new recovery
initiative. Staff will evaluate GSP funding level based on the organization's ability to capture aid
and funding to support economic recovery. 
South King County Fund 
The South King County Fund (SKCCF) can also be a resource to support a combination of
economic development, workforce development, and environmental initiatives in Burien, Des
Moines, Federal Way, Normandy Park, SeaTac, Tukwila. 

Template revised September 22, 2016.

COMMISSION AGENDA  Briefing Item No.  7b                               Page 8 of 9 
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The Airport Community Ecology Program (ACE): 
The Airport Community Ecology Program (ACE) is an instrumental part of the Port's recovery
initiatives. ACE currently invests in community-led environmental programs serving Burien, Des
Moines and SeaTac. In order to continue to support South King County non-profits and
community groups, the program will be expanded to include Federal Way, Normandy Park and
Tukwila. The Port will utilize $250,000 from the South King County Fund to support this
expansion. This ACE II special application cycle will be available this summer for projects
needing funding in the Fall. . 
Stakeholder and Community Engagement 
The Port will continue to support our tenants, customers, employees, small businesses and our
communities through inclusive, equitable and robust engagement practices to ensure that the
Port's recovery programs connect to our most vulnerable populations. 
Working with existing partners such as PortJobs, Fair Work Center, Duwamish Valley PCAT , and 
Highline College Small Business Development Center, outreach efforts will directly engage
constituencies providing access to resources in multiple languages, using a variety of accessible
engagement practices. Through targeted surveys, webinars, town hall meetings, virtual oneon-one
discussions, speaking engagements with member organizations and consistent, ongoing
communications, the Port and its partners will help identify and connect needs and
opportunities as well as expand our reach to impacted communities. 
In addition to robust community engagement, the Port will also coordinate recovery efforts
with federal, state and regional partners. Working with these allies can help the Port leverage
its own efforts, take advantage of new relief/recovery resources and maximize funding impact.
Key Implementation Timelines 
Financial Capacity Analysis 
Action Plan Development 
May 2020 
Commission Committees 
Engagement planning 
Community Engagement 
Commission Committees 
June 2020 
Plan Finalization 
Early Actions 
Plan Implementation 
July 2020                                            Issue RFPs for key recovery services 
Communications and Engagement 
December 2020                                Commission update on recovery
implementation efforts 
Quarterly through 2021                           Recovery implementation updates 
Template revised September 22, 2016.

COMMISSION AGENDA  Briefing Item No.  7b                               Page 9 of 9 
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ATTACHMENTS TO THIS BRIEFING 
(1)   Presentation slides 
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS 
April 14, 2020  The Commission has a Study Session on the Capital Improvement Plan and
briefing on the Federal CARES Act. 
April 01, 2020  The Commission passed Motion 2020-06 















Template revised September 22, 2016.