TagSouth King County(10)

The Port of Seattle established the South King County Fund (SKCF), a $10 million initiative to be distributed through 2023, with $750,000 targeted for pilot projects in 2019. The fund aims to reduce airport-related environmental impacts in South King County communities through equitable community engagement and eight guiding principles, including prioritizing community input, supporting equity, promoting innovation, and encouraging matching funds. Projects are selected based on their readiness to proceed, added community benefit, and alignment with established Port programs and commitments.

In November 2018, the Port of Seattle Commission established the South King County Support Program, dedicating up to $10 million (with $750,000 budgeted for 2019) to provide resources and support to communities surrounding Sea-Tac International Airport. Program development is focused on setting guiding principles, identifying near-term projects, and ensuring equitable community engagement. The initiative aims to deliver both short-term and long-term benefits to affected South King County residents.

A November 2022 Sound Transit presentation to the Highline Forum outlines planned transit expansions in South King County, including the Federal Way Link Extension (SeaTac to Federal Way), the Tacoma Dome Link Extension, and the Stride S1 bus rapid transit route connecting Burien to Bellevue via Tukwila. The update also introduces new CEO Julie Timm and highlights additional improvements such as a new S Boeing Access Road Station, Sounder parking upgrades, and track and platform enhancements. While focused on regional transit growth, the projects have direct relevance to communities near Sea-Tac Airport affected by transportation and land-use planning.

The Port of Seattle's South King County Community Impact Fund, presented at the Highline Forum on September 28, 2022, is a grant program launched in 2020 to build equity-based partnerships with communities near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The fund offers three programs—Economic Recovery, Environmental Grants, and WMBE Small Business support—with a focus on engaging and building capacity within BIPOC communities. Multi-year funding options were introduced in the program's second round.

The Port of Seattle's South King County Fund (SKCF), launched in 2019, provides grants to build equity-based partnerships in communities near Sea-Tac Airport. In 2020, the fund distributed $1.5 million across Environmental, Economic Recovery, and WMBE (Women and Minority Business Enterprise) programs, supporting 27 projects; funding increased to $2 million in 2021. The program aims to address environmental and economic impacts on South King County residents through targeted community investment.

This July 2020 presentation from the Port of Seattle's Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion outlines the South King County Fund, an initiative aimed at supporting economic recovery and community equity in the South King County region. It provides an overview of the office's role within the Port's broader strategic priorities, which span aviation, maritime, and economic development operations. The document reflects the Port's commitment to weaving equity and community investment into all lines of business.

A September 2017 regional air quality briefing presented by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency to the Highline Forum covers air pollution sources, trends in south King County, and efforts to improve air quality in the region. The presentation also introduces an upcoming University of Washington study on ultrafine particle pollution, which is particularly relevant to communities near high-traffic corridors. The agency's vision emphasizes clean and healthy air for all residents regardless of socioeconomic status or location, covering four counties: King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Kitsap.

A 2017 white paper from Burien's Airport Advisory Committee argues that unchecked expansion at Sea-Tac Airport is causing serious health and environmental harm—including noise pollution, air pollution, and related illnesses—for residents of South King County and parts of Seattle. The committee contends that the Port of Seattle has prioritized the convenience of air travelers over the well-being of nearby communities, while King County taxpayers bear the financial burden of an airport that benefits the entire state. The paper calls on the Burien City Council to urge regional and state leaders to coordinate aviation capacity planning and meaningfully address the human costs of continued airport growth.