This is the first in what we plan on being a regular (hopefully weekly) update. We know you are busy. We know it’s a lot. As you can see, there are plenty of things happening. We want you to be aware of all of them. But honestly, only some are things that are worth most people’s time. We can’t just put events on a calendar and expect you to show up. The challenge is not ‘information’ – there is a firehose of information – so much so that it makes it easy for the Port of Seattle, the FAA and most electeds to tell a story that leaves most people confused and doing the wrong things. The real challenge is getting more people to understand that they can make a difference and how they can make a difference. To do that, we’ll try to highlight items where we think you can have an immediate impact. Please let us know how we’re doing. If you’re reading this, you’re already at least partly convinced. Tell us what we can do to get you (and everyone else) the rest of the way. We can reduce the noise and pollution and create healthier communities.
This Week’s Developments
Highline Forum Meeting Scheduled for March 26
The next Highline Forum will convene on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, from 2:30 to 4:30 PM. Hosted by the City of Federal Way, the meeting will be held in a hybrid format—both in-person at Federal Way City Hall Council Chambers and virtually via Microsoft Teams. Click the link to sign up.
The agenda includes a presentation on the Sound Insulation Repair & Replacement Pilot Program (SIRRPP) by Ryan McMullan, Senior Manager of Aviation Noise Programs at the Port of Seattle. John Flanagan from State Government Relations will provide a legislative update, and Clare Gallagher from Aviation Capital Delivery will offer a StART update.
Des Moines Economic Development Committee – March 27
The committee will discuss how to re-instate the sound code the City abandoned in 2012. Although the previous code is still available (which both Burien and SeaTac generally follow), the City’s position is that the issue is not as simple as re-instating that previous code. The discussion will consider how to implement a better code, based on current technology and best practice. Readers know: this has been a highly political issue. The City rescinded the code, supposedly to encourage more development. It never happened. The net effect has been to provide a developer discount and charge new homeowners ‘paid option’ sound insulation which he been standard equipment in Burien and SeaTac.
Call To Action: Save Port Package Funding!
The Governor’s proposed budget cuts the $1 million in funding that was secured last year through SB 5955 for the Port Equity Fund. This fund is critical for fixing failed port packages, which were meant to insulate homes from airport noise but have deteriorated over time. Without this funding, many homeowners will be left without the repairs they need to make their homes livable and energy-efficient. We need your help to make sure this funding stays in the final budget! We are urging everyone to email key legislators on the Senate Ways & Means and House Appropriations committees. Let them know how important this funding is for our communities.
SEA Airport Managing Director Lance Lyttle Departs for Orlando
Lance Lyttle, Managing Director of Aviation at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), has been appointed as the new CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. He is expected to begin his new role in mid-April. During his tenure at SEA, Lyttle oversaw significant projects, including the N Concourse Modernization and the International Arrivals Facility. Arif Ghouse, Chief Operating Officer of the Port’s Aviation Division, will serve as Interim Managing Director while a national search for Lyttle’s replacement is conducted.
Burien Airport Committee (BAC) Meeting Held on March 18 (Video)
The main topics were welcoming new members, a discussion of their trip to Olympia as part of the Port’s shared legislative agenda, and their next steps for 2025.
StART Meeting on February 26 Featured SIRRPP Presentation
The Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) met on February 26. Members received a presentation on the Sound Insulation Repair & Replacement Pilot Program (SIRRPP) – probably very similar to the one at the upcoming Highline Forum. However, we always remind readers: every presentation by the Port is slightly updated. The value of keeping abreast of each event is that one cannot take for granted that the information or position the Port is taking is the same.
The Scoreboard
Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP)
We are still awaiting a ruling from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the SAMP Draft Environmental Assessment (EA). Currently, there appears to be no interest from the Four City Interlocal Agreement (ILA) group in pursuing an appeal.
Local Government
Des Moines City Council (DMCC) Considers Airport Advisory Committee
At their February 6 2025 meeting the Des Moines City Council (DMCC) discussed creating an Airport Advisory Committee, similar to the 2018 Ad Hoc Airport Advisory Committee. The structure of this new committee will not be fully settled until April. However, they’ve decided to automatically include current StART members but no electeds. The concern expressed by the Council majority was that including any elected might somehow lead to one member co-opting the group for a personal agenda. This was an obvious attempt to exclude Councilmember Harris, notably the author of the airport portion of the City’s 2024 legislative agenda. At the moment there is only one Des Moines StART member.
State Legislation
We previously reported on the failure of both HB1303 and SB6652 to move forward in the legislative process. These bills were very different, but the fact that neither moved forward in this most important year of the SAMP should be a wake up call. We will be providing a follow-up soon.