Add to CalendarTuesday Sep 9: 12:00pm
2711 Alaskan Way, Seattle WA

Port of Seattle Commission Meeting

Article Summary:

Port of Seattle Renames Community Impact Fund to Expand Geographic Reach

Order No. 2025-09
Proposed: September 9, 2025

Overview

The Port of Seattle Commission is proposing to rename the South King County Community Impact Fund to the “South King and Port Communities Fund” to better reflect the program’s expanded geographic reach and mission.

Background

In October 2024, the Commission authorized the Executive Director to continue the South King County Community Impact Fund (SKCCIF) Environmental and Economic Opportunities for Communities programs for 2025-2029. This five-year continuation includes several key expansions:

  • $14 million in total funding for community-based organizations
  • Refocused “Economic Recovery” program to “Economic Opportunities for Communities”
  • Expanded geographic reach to areas in King County identified by the Equity Index as having the greatest needs
  • Continued priority funding for the six near-airport cities

What’s Changing

Program Name

The South King County Community Impact Fund will be renamed the “South King and Port Communities Fund” to reflect its broader geographic scope beyond just South King County.

Streamlined Process

The notification period for recommended projects to Commissioners will be reduced from 14 days to 7 days before contract execution, creating more efficient operations and faster support for community partners.

Program Success and Impact

From 2020-2024, the SKCCIF has demonstrated significant impact:

  • $9.25 million committed across four funding cycles
  • 52 community-based organizations supported
  • Positive economic and environmental outcomes documented through program evaluation

Expanded Geographic Focus

The renamed fund will serve:

  • South King County communities (original focus area)
  • Additional King County areas identified by the Equity Index as having the greatest need for economic development and environmental improvement funding
  • Priority status maintained for the six near-airport cities

Program Components

The fund supports two main program areas:

Environmental Programs: Supporting environmental improvement initiatives in underserved communities

Economic Opportunities for Communities: Previously called “Economic Recovery,” this refocused program advances economic stability and opportunity rather than pandemic recovery efforts

Commission History

This expansion builds on years of Commission action:

  • 2018: Original South King County Fund established
  • 2019: Guiding principles adopted for outreach and policy development
  • 2020: Economic development added to permissible uses for COVID-19 recovery
  • 2021-2023: Multiple funding cycles authorized and briefings conducted
  • 2024: Program evaluation completed and five-year reauthorization approved

What’s Next

The Commission will vote on this renaming order at their September 9, 2025 meeting. If approved, the newly named “South King and Port Communities Fund” will begin operating under its expanded geographic mandate while maintaining its commitment to supporting community-based organizations in areas with the greatest need for economic and environmental investment.

This order represents the Port of Seattle’s continued commitment to supporting communities through targeted investments in economic opportunity and environmental improvements, with a particular focus on areas identified as having the greatest need through equity-based analysis.