Municipal League Issues Report on Policies and Practices of the Port of Seattle

The Municipal League of King County’s new study, “The Port of Seattle: Where It’s Been and Where It’s Going with the Public’s Money,” finds room for improvement on fundamental issues such as the scope of the Port’s mission, transparency, and management of resources.

The review made findings and recommendations in four areas:

1. The Port’s overly broad mission should be revised to focus energies on commerce in freight, passengers and the maritime industry.
2. Use of public resources is a prime concern, especially the under-utilization of the Port’s prime real estate while increasingly relying on tax levies.
3. Presenting costs and benefits of all viable options for major investments would improve accountability and transparency in Port decision-making processes.
4. The Port Commission should reaffirm its emphasis on the public interest by making ethical culture and best practices an explicit Commission oversight function.

Click here to read “The Port of Seattle: Where It’s Been and Where It’s Going with the Public’s Money”

Click here to read the response to this report by the Port of Seattle

Municipal League Makes Recommendation on North Highline Annexation

and Reviews Plastic Bag Tax Ballot Issues for August Primary

The Municipal League supports Proposition 1, the annexation of unincorporated North Highline - the north to Seattle, the south to Burien - as an appropriate reflection of community character, demographics, and preferences.

Click here to read the report on Proposition 1: North Highline Annexation

After reviewing the issue, the Municipal League took no position on Referendum 1 to tax plastic and paper bag use.  Arguments for and against the measure can be found in the report.

Click here to read the report on Referendum 1: Plastic and Paper Bag Tax