• 2025-06-01

    The Gift of Public Funds Bogeyman

    ★ 32
    This 2025 Washington Law Review article argues that Washington State's 'gift of public funds' doctrine—which prohibits governments from giving away public assets—is widely misunderstood and far less restrictive than most officials believe. The authors, both attorneys in Washington's Solicitor General's Office, explain that modern court interpretations allow governments broad flexibility to fund programs serving legitimate public purposes, and note that no appellate court has struck down any government program under this doctrine in the past 45 years. The article urges public officials and lawyers to stop letting unfounded fears about this doctrine block innovative policy solutions to problems like homelessness, childcare, and climate change.
  • 2025-06-01

    The Gift of Public Funds Bogeyman

    Noah Purcell (Washington State Solicitor General) and Michelle Saperstein (Assistant Attorney General) argue in the Washington Law Review (Vol. 100, No. 2, 2025) that Washington’s ‘gift of public funds’ doctrine under article VIII, sections 5 and 7 of the Washington Constitution is systematically misunderstood and over-applied by public officials and government lawyers. The article analyzes
  • 2026-09-09

    Ep #42 Data, Data Centers, and you (Raw!)

    This **raw episode** serves as an update to listeners affected by sound insulation issues. You are not forgotten despite our heavy focus on the SAMP (Sustainable Airport Master Plan) throughout the year. --- ## Key Topics Covered ### Sound Insulation as a Basic Right - The host frames sound insulation as a **fundamental right**, not an afterthought - The Port of Seattle conducted a **new Part 150 Study** as part of the SAMP - That noise study has been used to **further expansion plans** - A significant portion of SAMP advocacy has been directed toward securing **relief for affected residents** ### Port Package Update Program - Slow Progress - The Port proposed a **Port Package update program in 2024** - The process has been **slow-walked** since then - Concerns raised about: - **Window-dressing** by involved parties - **Opposition from some affected city councils** (described as "beyond shameful") ### 📋 Legislative Action - What's Coming
  • 2026-09-07

    Ep #41 Port Package Updates… update (Raw!)

    This **raw episode** serves as an update to listeners affected by sound insulation issues. You are not forgotten despite our heavy focus on the SAMP (Sustainable Airport Master Plan) throughout the year. --- ## Key Topics Covered ### Sound Insulation as a Basic Right - The host frames sound insulation as a **fundamental right**, not an afterthought - The Port of Seattle conducted a **new Part 150 Study** as part of the SAMP - That noise study has been used to **further expansion plans** - A significant portion of SAMP advocacy has been directed toward securing **relief for affected residents** ### Port Package Update Program - Slow Progress - The Port proposed a **Port Package update program in 2024** - The process has been **slow-walked** since then - Concerns raised about: - **Window-dressing** by involved parties - **Opposition from some affected city councils** (described as "beyond shameful") ### 📋 Legislative Action - What's Coming
  • 2026-09-03

    CAWG Postgame: Regional Airport System?

    Peter Kirsch explains how three separate airports could act like one This week’s Commercial Aviation Work Group meeting made clear that this is not a second airport committee. The main event was a presentation by Peter Kirsch. You can believe what Mr. Kirsch says because, in addition to being a principal at one of the
  • 2026-08-30

    American Airlines makes no money—But it will spend millions on Trump Accounts to build goodwill in Washington

    by Gary Leff on August 31, 2026 American Airlines will contribute $1,000 to Trump Accounts opened for eligible children of its employees, matching the federal government’s $1,000 seed contribution. This is a parting gift from Nate Gatten to the administration as he leaves to head government relations for Apple, and helps to set the airline
  • 2026-08-25

    Ep #40 Thank you, Explorer!

    What if the solution to decades of airport noise and community impacts has been hiding in plain sight all along? In this open letter to city managers across airport communities, we revisit a landmark yet largely forgotten document: the Sea-Tac Communities Plan of 1976. Built on the Port of Seattle's promise — *"As we do better, you'll do better"* — this collaborative plan was supposed to be the long-term answer for neighborhoods living under the flight path. So why has it been reduced to little more than an expensive property buyout program? The answer reveals a critical gap that neither elected officials nor community advocates can fill alone. Real, lasting solutions require sustained professional commitment to airport community planning — something that should have been established 50 years ago. If you work in city management, this episode speaks directly to you and the unique role only you can play in finally delivering on that broken promise.
  • SAMP Public Comment Template

    Ideas and easy instructions to help you make a meaningful impact on the largest expansion in airport history. Deadline is 5:00pm August 20, 2026
  • 2026-08-12

    Ep #39 Port of Seattle Listening Session 2 Postgame (Raw!)

    What if the solution to decades of airport noise and community impacts has been hiding in plain sight all along? In this open letter to city managers across airport communities, we revisit a landmark yet largely forgotten document: the Sea-Tac Communities Plan of 1976. Built on the Port of Seattle's promise — *"As we do better, you'll do better"* — this collaborative plan was supposed to be the long-term answer for neighborhoods living under the flight path. So why has it been reduced to little more than an expensive property buyout program? The answer reveals a critical gap that neither elected officials nor community advocates can fill alone. Real, lasting solutions require sustained professional commitment to airport community planning — something that should have been established 50 years ago. If you work in city management, this episode speaks directly to you and the unique role only you can play in finally delivering on that broken promise.
  • Des Moines Airport Advisory Committee — July 30, 2026

    The Airport Discount answers the wrong question This special meeting had no specific agenda, but leaned heavily on the following FAA-funded study, concerning the negative impacts of aircraft noise on property values. NBER: How Airplane Noise Impacts Home Values – October, 2025 Studying this seems so common-sense we completely understand the ongoing appeal. But the