Washington Public Ports Association Statement on Equity

Washington’s public port districts were created to serve their communities: to promote trade, tourism, economic development, infrastructure building, marine cargo, freight mobility, environmental sustainability, and community outreach. The people living within a port district democratically select their Port Commissioners- elected officials designated to represent community interests.

Washington is known for its amazing geographic diversity- from rugged mountain ranges to deserts to inland seas. Ports in Washington are as diverse as the communities they serve—there are large marine ports, small marine ports, river ports, and inland ports. Ports, through their core functions, were designed to serve their equally diverse residents. Everyone, regardless of who they are, has a say in how their port district is run.

As a collective port community, our greatest strength is therefore our diversity—not only in where our ports operate or what their focus is, but in their ability to serve the entirety of the public in Washington. This strength is borne on the inherent respect port districts have for their residents, and for their belief in the benefits port bring, including economic opportunity, to individuals from every background.

We recognize that not all port district residents have felt equal access to the public services ports provide. Whether barriers exist because of their race, national origin, class, gender, disability status, religion, or sexual orientation, these historical inequities can create communities where not everyone is granted equal access to the benefits a port district provides.

We believe that the entirety of the communities we serve deserve to access to the services ports offer, and our collective mission is to ensure diversity remains our strength. Port districts can and should reflect the multitude of concerns and desires of their residents, through representative governance and active community engagement.

As an Association, we will advocate for ports to continuously assess their commitment to inclusion and equity for everyone in their communities. Washington’s public ports are just that—built by the public for the people they serve.