• 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.
  • 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
  • 2026-07-25

    Ep #38 Aviation Forum 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.
  • 2026-07-17

    Three City Airport SAMP Open House Postgame

    Higher quality materials, lower turnout, more time… Community Development Directors from Burien, Des Moines and SeaTac held a joint presentation to help residents provide more effective public comment on the SAMP. The video and poster boards were much better than previous efforts and we urge residents to watch. Turnout was less than forty. So, if
  • 2026-07-17

    Notice of Comment Period Extension — State Environmental Policy Act Sustainable Airport Master Plan Near-Term Projects Draft Environmental Impact Statement

    Extended Comment Period End Date: August 20, 2026 Project Name: Sustainable Airport Master Plan Near-Term Projects (SEPA No. 2026-01) Location: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, 17801 International Blvd., SeaTac, WA 98158 Lead Agency: Port of Seattle This notice is to announce the extension of the public comment period for the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Draft Environmental
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