Item Number:      7a_motion 
Meeting Date:   May 26, 2020 

1                                                   MOTION 2020-12: 
2                                 A MOTION OF THE PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION 
3 
4                           To  explore  short-term  employment  opportunities  that
5                           enhance the mission of the Port of Seattle and support
6                           economic recovery for the residents of King County from
7                           the COVID-19 pandemic. 
8 
9                                                         PROPOSED 
10                                                 MAY 26, 2020 
11 
12                                                 INTRODUCTION 
13    The mission of the Port of Seattle is to promote economic opportunities and quality of life in the
14    region by advancing trade, travel, commerce and job creation in an equitable, accountable and
15    environmentally responsible manner.    The Port's stewardship of aviation  and  marine
16    infrastructure and environmental assets is essential to Washington State's economy and quality
17    of life and is critical to the Port's ability to fulfill its mission. 
18 
19    The Port of Seattle is well-positioned to stimulate economic recovery from the COVID-19
20    pandemic by providing short-term employment opportunities through accelerated investment in
21    the preservation, maintenance and enhancement of Port assets and programs. Examples include
22    habitat restoration and clean-up projects that support port developments environmental
23    enhancements, improvements to fence line communities' quality of life , expansion of public art,
24    and collaboration with regional partners to promote responsible travel. 
25 
26                                              TEXT OF THE MOTION 
27 
28    The Port Commission hereby directs the Executive Director to review existing Port programs and
29    capital projects  and identify those  which may provide additional short-term employment
30    opportunities that may: 
31                 support the Port's mission 
32                 advance projects currently underway 
33                 commence by July 1, 2020 
34                 be undertaken while adhering to Governor Jay Inslee's "Safe Start Washington"
35                    phased reopening 
36                 achieve substantial completion and / or progress within 90-120 days 
37                 be performed by youth 16-24 years of age without specialized skills 
38 
39    The Executive Director should include in this review programs and projects performed by
40    community partners that support the Port's mission and stewardship of its assets and provide
41    estimates of expenses and total employment related to each. The Executive Director shall report
42    results of this review and recommendations to the Commission by June 9, 2020. 
43 
44 

Motion 2020-12  Employment Opportunities                                                      Page 1 of 2


45                                     STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION 
46    The economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been widespread.  The likely need for
47    ongoing  social  distancing  will  pose  significant  challenges  for  the  creation  of  near-term
48    employment opportunities.  Such challenges can be overcome, in part, by targeting those
49    activities that make use of the ability to work outside during the fair-weather conditions this
50    Spring and Fall.
51 
52    While workers in nearly every sector Washington's economy have been adversely affected by the
53    Covid-19 pandemic, the loss of employment opportunities for low-skilled workers between 16-
54    24 years of age is the most substantial.
55 
56    Identifying projects and programs that can advance the Port's mission, including the creation of
57    short-term employment emphasizing this age group, will provide material benefit to the Port as
58    it looks to maintain, preserve and enhance the assets and programs of statewide significance that
59    are necessary to Washington State's economic recovery in 2020. 
60 
61    RCW 53.08.245 states "port districts may contract with nonprofit corporations and private and
62    public entities that provide training systems  and promote workforce diversity in furtherance
63    of this and other acts relating to economic development. 
64 
65    Economic development programs may include: Occupational job training and placement, job
66    advancement and job retention, preapprenticeship training, or occupational education programs
67    associated with port tenants, customers, and local economic development related to port
68    tenants or port-related economic activities that are sponsored by a port and operated by a
69    nonprofit, private, or public entity" 
70 
71    Any program that is developed shall require quantitative information on program outcomes
72    including: the number of workers trained, recruited, placed in jobs, and retained; the types of
73    jobs and range of compensation; the number and types of businesses that are served; and any
74    other tangible benefits realized by the port, the workers, businesses, and the public." 







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