TagStART(508)

The Des Moines, Washington City Council Airport Advisory Committee held its inaugural meeting on August 11, 2025, covering organizational matters such as member introductions and the selection of a Chair and Vice Chair. The agenda also included briefings on the Port of Seattle's StART (Sea-Tac Airport Roundtable) community engagement program and the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), both of which relate to managing the impacts of Sea-Tac Airport on surrounding communities. The committee also discussed selecting a StART representative and reviewed meeting policies, reflecting Des Moines' active role in regional airport noise and development oversight.

The StART (SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table) Policy Working Group met on August 8, 2025, via Zoom to review and discuss proposed federal and state legislative priorities related to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The one-hour meeting featured updates from Port of Seattle government relations managers Eric Schinfeld and John Flanagan on federal and state policy matters respectively. The next meeting is scheduled for October 6, 2025, also via Zoom.

The Port of Seattle and communities near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport have outlined shared policy priorities for the 2026 state legislative session, addressing key challenges including aircraft noise, air quality, and the airport's near-full capacity. The proposals include a noise insulation repair program, identifying new regional airport capacity, sustaining air quality programs for schools and residences, expanding sustainable aviation fuel production, and reducing emissions from ground transportation. These priorities reflect a joint effort between the Port and neighboring communities to partner with the state legislature on practical solutions that balance regional economic growth with the well-being of South King County residents.

The StART (Sea-Tac Airport Roundtable) coalition has outlined its 2025/2026 federal policy priorities aimed at reducing aircraft noise and air emissions around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Key goals include passing new legislation to fund failed noise insulation repairs and expand EPA authority over aviation emissions, securing funding for sustainable aviation fuel programs, and pushing the FAA to fully implement noise and emissions provisions from the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act that have stalled under new federal leadership. The group also plans a Washington, D.C. advocacy trip in spring 2026 to advance these priorities with Congressional and Administration officials.

The SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) will hold a virtual meeting on June 25, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 PM via Zoom, with the primary goal of using a priority framework exercise to determine StART's 2025/2026 priorities. The agenda includes updates from the Policy Working Group and the Aviation Noise Working Group, along with a public comment period. The next tentative meeting is scheduled for August 27, 2025.

The Burien Airport Committee held its regular meeting on June 17, 2025, covering topics related to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's impact on the surrounding community, including subcommittee reports on committee priorities, a possible University of Washington economic impact study, and an update on the Port of Seattle's noise insulation (Port Package) program for affected homes. Draft minutes from the May 20, 2025 meeting were also included, noting discussions about how flight-path properties are assessed for value and Chair Moore's home being selected for a noise eligibility test. Public comments could be submitted in advance by email or provided in person and via Zoom during the meeting.

The Des Moines, WA City Council is considering Resolution 25-034 to formally establish an ad-hoc Airport Advisory Committee focused on Sea-Tac Airport issues, including review of the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), interlocal agreements with airport partners, and the city's strategy with the Port of Seattle. The five-member committee would include the city's existing StART (Seattle-Tacoma Airport Roundtable) representative Joe Dusenbury and four mayoral appointees — Jeffrey Bogen, Barton DeLacy, Todd Downing, and Steve Reagin — each serving terms through December 31, 2027. The committee will act in an advisory capacity to the City Council, ensuring community involvement in decisions related to airport noise, expansion, and related environmental and policy matters.