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This document summarizes a April 5, 2021 meeting of the StART Federal Policy Working Group, which advises on cooperation between the Port of Seattle and communities near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Guest speaker Annie Russo of Airports Council International outlined 2021 legislative opportunities related to aircraft noise and emissions, including the Biden infrastructure plan, annual appropriations earmarks, and the upcoming FAA Reauthorization Act. Port of Seattle staff also provided updates on expanding sound insulation eligibility for pre-1993 residences, a $2.5 million earmark request for re-insulation, and upcoming virtual meetings with congressional staff.

The Highline Forum held a joint meeting with StART (Sea-Tac Airport Roundtable) on March 24, 2021, hosted by the City of Burien and conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams due to the Governor's Stay at Home order. Key agenda items included the presentation of the 2020 StART Annual Report by Port of Seattle Aviation Director Lance Lyttle, adoption of Highline Forum Operating Procedures, and discussion of emerging issues related to Sea-Tac Airport. The document also outlines the full 2021 meeting schedule, with six bimonthly sessions hosted by various local jurisdictions including Federal Way, Highline College, Tukwila, and SeaTac.

The Burien Airport Committee held a Study Session on March 16, 2021, focusing on airplane noise and its impacts on surrounding communities. Key agenda items included an update from Congressman Adam Smith's office on a letter urging the FAA to implement a noise mitigation program for homes, updates on the SeaTac Airport Roundtable (StART) process, and a discussion on preparation for the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP). The meeting was conducted virtually via Zoom due to COVID-19 restrictions under Governor Inslee's Healthy Washington guidelines.

The StART (SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table) meeting held on February 24, 2021 brought together the Port of Seattle and neighboring communities to discuss issues related to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The agenda included updates on new operating procedures, neighborhood environmental survey results, and reports from the Federal Policy and Aviation Noise Working Groups. The meeting was facilitated by BDS Planning & Urban Design, a firm specializing in inclusive community decision-making processes.

The StART (SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table) meeting held on February 24, 2021 via Zoom brought together Port of Seattle officials, FAA representatives, and community stakeholders to review revised operating procedures and hear results from a Neighborhood Environmental Survey on airport noise. Key agenda items included updates from the Federal Policy Working Group and the Aviation Noise Working Group, along with a period for public comment. The meeting was part of an ongoing effort to enhance cooperation between the Port of Seattle and communities surrounding Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

The Burien Airport Committee held a virtual meeting on February 16, 2021, to discuss topics including the committee's purpose, chair selection for 2021, and updates on the SeaTac Airport Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART), a body focused on airport noise and community impact issues. The agenda also covered federal airport-related legislation, recruitment of new committee members, and selection of StART representatives, following the December 2020 resignations of several committee members amid disagreements over the committee's direction. Draft minutes from the December 15, 2020 meeting were presented for approval, documenting a committee vote to send a letter to the Port of Seattle regarding a 250-degree flight turn affecting Burien neighborhoods.

The StART Aviation Noise Working Group met on February 8, 2021, to review updated operating procedures, discuss late-night noise issues driven by increased cargo flights during COVID-19, and examine fleet changes trending toward quieter aircraft at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Key findings included FedEx leading in late-night noise exceedances, a significant drop in Third Runway use during late-night hours, and an FAA survey showing 66% of residents near airports are highly annoyed by aviation noise. Future topics under consideration include incentives or penalties for carriers operating late at night and further studies on ultrafine particulates and public health impacts.

The StART Federal Policy Working Group met on February 1, 2021, to discuss opportunities under the Biden administration to advance the group's federal aviation policy priorities, including sustainability and noise-related issues near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Presenter Eric Schinfeld of the Port of Seattle outlined three mechanisms for achieving policy goals: executive action, legislation, and budget reconciliation, highlighting the COVID relief and Build Back Better packages as key vehicles. The group also identified target congressional relationships to develop, including outreach to Senator Cantwell, Representative Larsen, Eastern Washington members of Congress, and peer aviation communities in Boston and the Bay Area.

The 2020 StART Annual Report documents the work of the SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table, a group that fosters cooperation between the Port of Seattle and communities surrounding Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The report covers 2020 meeting outcomes, accomplishments, and the activities of two working groups focused on aviation noise and federal policy, while also addressing how COVID-19 impacted operations. It concludes with recommendations for enhanced community engagement and priorities heading into 2021.