The pro-housing bill’s passage in 2025 was a rare setback for the maritime community in a long history of legislative battles of protecting industrial lands against commercial and residential encroachment.
Wendy Reiter, the airport’s long-time security director, has been named Managing Director of the Port’s Aviation Division, taking charge at one of the most critical junctures in the airport’s 75-year history.
On the City Council, Nelson has packed in more legislative battles, many won and some lost, in four years than most council members can claim over several terms.
Terminal 46, on the Duwamish River near Pioneer Square, was once one of Seattle’s premier terminals, long operated by Hanjin Shipping Co. until the company collapsed in 2017 during the global maritime recession.
Before concrete and steel can start rising, the Port must complete planning and design (estimated at $300 million) for the 31 projects, determine their priority, and figure out how to pay for them. The Port has not announced an updated estimate but given the rapid escalation in construction costs the final figure could be $10 billion or more.
The hearings board’s ruling was a big win for the Port and its longshore allies who said the housing project would undermine efforts to protect scarce industrial lands from commercial and residential encroachment.
“The Trump Administration’s chaotic tariff implementation is already wreaking havoc on Washington’s economy and our businesses’ ability to plan for the future.”
The Trump anti-DEI and immigration policies are threatening millions of dollars in funding for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport terminal and airfield projects.
As travel increases, airport managers must referee the heated competition among airlines for more space, even as they pressure the airport to keep costs low.