Jasmine Vasavada

The Commission Meeting included reports on various community events hosted at port property, including the Fan Zone, Shoe String Circus, Capital City Pride, and the Dragon Boat Festival. The executive director provided updates on youth leadership programs, a visit from JBLM officials, and the installation of a new kayak and human-powered boat launch at Swantown Marina. The Commission approved the consent calendar, which included an amendment to the Evergreen Business Capital agreement and June 2026 bills and vouchers. Additionally, the Commission authorized a contract award for the port headquarters tenant improvement project to the Good News Group and discussed grant application options for an electric aircraft charging station.

This 2026 Action Plan for the Port of Olympia details major projects and efforts for the year, aligning with its broader Vision 2050. The plan focuses on ten key goals: preserving and enhancing the working waterfront and global trade, ensuring Swantown Marina and Boatworks remains a premier destination, developing the Port Peninsula, catalyzing countywide economic opportunities, exploring non-trade maritime functions, maximizing the value of the Olympia Regional Airport, emphasizing sustainability, improving administrative capabilities, developing a long-term finance strategy, and building community partnerships and expanding communication strategies. The overarching aim is to become an innovative economic development leader.

The work session focused on the budget as a communications tool for the public, specifically reviewing budget document examples from other ports of similar size and business lines. Staff discussed the need to improve financial transparency regarding business unit profitability, tax levy allocations, bond debt management, and reserve funds. Additionally, the commission reviewed a draft 2026 action plan, with staff tasked to incorporate feedback into a future budget document for further review.

The committee meeting covered a Waterfront Site Solicitation of Interest project involving a 6.05-acre parcel near the Swantown Marina and a warehouse project update concerning grant applications and environmental permitting challenges. Discussions also included the status of an updated committee resolution regarding member appointments and leadership selection, the election of a new Vice Chair, the decision to postpone the formation of a nominating committee, and planning for upcoming site visits to the Olympia Airport and Marine Terminal.

This document outlines the 2026 Action Plan for the Port of Olympia, which serves as the annual implementation plan for the overarching Vision 2050 policy goals. The plan details actions across ten strategic areas, including preserving and enhancing the working waterfront, diversifying marine terminal operations, developing the Port Peninsula, catalyzing economic opportunities, maximizing Olympia Regional Airport's value, emphasizing sustainability, and strengthening community partnerships and communication, supported by a long-term finance strategy.