Aerial view of SEA looking westward toward the Puget Sound.
The budget includes total operating revenues of $813 million, an 8% increase over the 2019 budget, and total operating expenses are $472 million, a 3.6% increase over 2019. Budgeted Net Operating Income is $342 million, 14.6% above 2019.
SEATTLE – Port of Seattle Executive Director Stephen. P. Metruck officially released his proposed 2020 Budget and five-year capital development and investment plans. Port Commissioners will consider the budget and capital development and investment plans at their November 12 and November 19 public meetings. A hard copy of the materials will be available to the public at the Port of Seattle’s Pier 69 office on Thursday, October 24.
“This budget allows the Port of Seattle to respond to the unprecedented growth in our business gateways with operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, greater economic and community development and equity, diversity and inclusion,” said Port of Seattle Executive Director Stephen P. Metruck. “It was developed using a ‘zero-based’ approach to reduce unnecessary spending, use greater discipline in developing realistic spending plans, and identify potential cost savings.”
“We urge the public to attend these meetings, review our budget, ask questions and offer suggestions. The budget is the ultimate expression of the Port’s commitment to creating jobs and economic opportunities in our region and around the state,” said Port Commission President Stephanie Bowman. “The Port of Seattle Commission will review this document in a public and transparent way. We look forward to hearing the public’s comments and questions to help us shape our investments in the community.”
The two community open houses to review budget, capital development, and investment plan materials will occur this evening at 5:30, October 22 at the Port’s office at 2711 Alaskan Way, and 5:30 on October 28 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Operating Budget Summary
The Port’s operating budget responds to regional needs by investing in customer service, innovation, sustainability, safety and security, organizational effectiveness, and equity.
The budget includes total operating revenues of $813 million, an 8% increase over the 2019 budget, and total operating expenses are $472 million, a 3.6% increase over 2019. Budgeted Net Operating Income is $342 million, 14.6% above 2019.
Capital Budget Summary
Capital projects, the infrastructure that supports the region’s economy, make up the largest share of the Port’s budget.
The Capital Investment Plan (CIP), which amounts to $3.4 billion over the next five years, continues our commitment to investing in regional infrastructure to grow our transportation gateways, create jobs and stimulate economic development.
Capital projects at the airport improve customer service and safety, maintain airport facilities, and generate new revenue for future investment. Signature projects at Sea-Tac International Airport include completion of the International Arrivals Facility and North Satellite expansion/renovation, and baggage system optimization.
The Maritime and Economic Development Division CIP advances the Port’s Waterfront Strategy with significant investments in a new Cruise Terminal at Terminal 46, Terminal 91 uplands development, habitat restoration, and development at Fishermen’s Terminal, including a Maritime Innovation Center.
In addition to its CIP, the Port is also investing $184 million over the next five years in the Northwest Seaport Alliance capital program, which includes modernizing Terminal 5 to make it one of the most efficient container terminals on the West Coast. The CIP also includes $107 million of additional funding primarily for preservation of critical maritime infrastructure.
The Port of Seattle is in the second year of a five-year investment plan designed to make our region a competitive maritime hub. The investments focus on asset preservation and prioritize economic development where our natural advantages align to economic growth opportunities.
Under the proposed plan, Port property tax collections would increase from $74.2M in 2019 to $76.4M in 2020. The median household property tax payment to the Port would increase by $1.74 a year, making it $73.33 a year from $71.59. In 2019, of the $5.6 billion that King County collected in property taxes, just 1.3 percent went to the Port of Seattle. The property tax levy made up less than five percent of the Port’s cash revenue in 2018. This is based on approval this year of a proposed 3-percent levy increase.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
