Mike Reid

The Port of Olympia's 2026 Action Plan details the specific annual actions to implement the ten overarching policy goals of its long-term Vision 2050 framework. Key priorities include preserving and enhancing the working waterfront and global trade, improving Swantown Marina and Boatworks, developing the Port Peninsula, fostering economic opportunities, exploring new transportation nodes, maximizing airport value, emphasizing sustainability, strengthening organizational effectiveness, developing a robust finance strategy, and building community partnerships. This plan serves as an implementation step towards becoming an innovative economic development leader for the region.

This action plan for the Port of Olympia identifies major projects and efforts for the year 2026, aligning with the Port's Vision 2050 plan. The initiatives extend beyond day-to-day operations and focus on enhancing the working waterfront and global trade, improving Swantown Marina and Boatworks, transforming the Port Peninsula into a premier destination, catalyzing economic opportunities, exploring non-trade maritime functions like cruise ship destinations, maximizing the Olympia Regional Airport's value, emphasizing sustainability, improving administrative decision-making and objective achievement, developing a long-term finance strategy, and building community partnerships and expanding communication.

The meeting included an executive director's report highlighting attendance at the Washington Public Ports Association spring meeting, community partnership efforts, and the designation of a commemorative day for a long-standing employee. Public comments addressed concerns regarding the dredging project at the marine terminal, toxic hot spots, the lack of work sessions on complex issues, and the inconsistencies of grant applications with the Port Peninsula master plan. A presentation was provided by the Park Foundation of Thurston County regarding their role in funding local programs and potential partnership opportunities with the port.

The meeting includes an executive director report, a partner spotlight with the PARC Foundation, and consent calendar approvals for policies regarding commission size and cell phone usage. Action items feature the review of the Community Advisory Committee resolution and operating rules, as well as the approval of the PIDP grant application. Advisory items involve updates on the Budd Inlet cleanup contract amendment and the Bush Prairie Habitat Conservation Plan, including an amendment to an interlocal agreement.

The work session focused on the initiation of a new economic benefit study to establish a baseline for the port's current economic footprint. The discussion covered the selection of a consultant, Burke, to conduct the analysis, which will span five segments including the marine terminal, marina, airport, real estate portfolio, and port events. The study will measure direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts, incorporate qualitative assessments of community benefits, and include an analysis of ongoing and anticipated operational and maintenance costs, including climate change mitigation.