Port of Seattle Commission Delivers Stronger Oversight with Resolution

Resolution implements second of State Auditor’s Overarching Recommendations

The Port of Seattle Commission voted today to approve Resolution 3605 which makes sweeping changes to how the Commission delegates its authority throughout the organization. The new framework strengthens commission oversight of the Port’s capital construction programs and clarifies when and how staff members must gain the body’s approval on Port projects.

Today’s vote culminates a seven-month public process that included the involvement of an expert citizens panel, significant efforts to recruit public comment on how the Commission could even more effectively govern the Port, and transparent, regular communication efforts about the proposed changes. Commissioners Pat Davis and Gael Tarleton led the sub-committee, working with their peers to determine the best methods for ensuring effective, transparent oversight that accounted for the rapid pace and wide range of Port activities.

“Today’s vote represents a turning point: it changes the policy for how the Commission governs this agency,” said Commissioner Tarleton. “My colleagues and I are confident that the changes we’ve instituted will not only prevent future situations such as those highlighted in the performance audit report, but will make the Port a stronger, more agile organization as we continue our mission of bringing jobs and economic growth to King County.”

“Resolution 3605 is a major reform milestone for the Port – a key step in our ongoing work to improve Commission oversight of the Port,” said Commission President John Creighton. “This Commission is continually looking for ways to make the Port more efficient and transparent, and the new delegation resolution provides a strong tool for us in our continuing efforts to make the Port a more effective public agency.”

Some of the changes included in Resolution 3605 include:

Commissioners must now approve expenditures more than $200,000.
Port projects will be before the Commission at least three times for authorization: for approval of design funds; for approval of construction funds; and final award of construction contract.
Port Commission and Chief Executive Officer duties are clarified, as is the relationship between the Port’s governing body and its executive staff.

Find the full text of the resolution, as well as an explanation of the process leading to today’s vote here. Port of Seattle transportation facilities support nearly 200,000 jobs in the Puget Sound region and generate more than $12 billion in business revenue and $626 million in state and local taxes annually. For more information about the Port of Seattle’s commitment to job creation, economic growth and environmental stewardship, click here.