Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa, Port of Seattle

Today’s ruling confirming that the Trump administration’s tariffs were unconstitutional comes as no surprise. From the beginning, many of us warned that this approach overstepped legal authority and would come at a steep cost to working families, small businesses, and the broader economy.

As Port Commissioner, I have spoken directly with shippers in South Korea and Japan, representatives of the federal government in Switzerland, farmers in Eastern Washington, and small business owners here in Seattle. From top to bottom and across the land, the message was consistent: these tariffs were harmful. They disrupted supply chains, raised costs, and injected uncertainty into markets that depend on stability and trust.

One of the most damaging consequences was the trade war with China. For a trade dependent region like ours, retaliation and escalating tariffs strained relationships that took decades to build. Exporters paid the price. Importers paid the price. Ultimately, consumers paid the price.

The economic impacts will not disappear overnight. Recovery will take time. But I am hopeful that with this ruling, we can begin the work of stabilizing our trade relationships, restoring confidence with our partners, and rebuilding with our greatest trading partner in a way that is lawful, strategic, and grounded in long term prosperity.

At the Port of Seattle, we will continue advocating for trade policies that are predictable, rules based, and supportive of workers, farmers, and small businesses alike. Our regional economy depends on it.

https://www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/16/sound-transit-greenlights-overnight-express-bus-to-sea-tac-airport/?mc_cid=a4f77e003c&mc_eid=ec3127a38e

Sound Transit Greenlights Overnight Express Bus to Sea-Tac Airport » The Urbanist # Late-night bus service starting March 28 will give riders with late flights at Sea-Tac more breathing room. The pilot is one element of Sound Transit's planned overnight bus network queued to launch this fall.

Judge allows Port of Seattle's S**o housing challenge to move forward The decision keeps alive a lawsuit the port filed in April to overturn a city council ordinance that permits up to 1,000 housing units south of T-Mobile Park.

The Port of Seattle has made bold commitments to become the greenest port in North America—but this new federal “Big, Beautiful Bill” makes that mission harder, not easier.

The bill eliminates key clean-energy tax credits that help us electrify our vehicles, build green infrastructure, and decarbonize our maritime industry. These aren’t abstract goals—they’re about protecting workers, growing the economy, and securing a livable future for our kids.

We’re not backing down. The Port remains fully committed to its climate goals. But this is a setback—and we need our federal partners to invest with us, not against us.

👉 Read more from KUOW: https://www.kuow.org/stories/big-beautiful-bill-not-so-pretty-for-port-of-seattle-s-carbon-reduction-goals

'Big beautiful bill' not so pretty for Port of Seattle's carbon reduction goals The elimination of clean energy credits as part of President Donald Trump's newly enacted "big beautiful bill" could hamper the Port of Seattle’s goal to become "the greenest port in North America."

Join Us for the Buffalo Soldiers Equine & Life Skills Day Camp!
Saturday, June 28, 2025 | The Sacred Land Collective

Following the commemoration of Seattle’s fallen Buffalo Soldier, Joseph Overall “Joe Bubba,” we invite you to a powerful day of learning, connection, and community.

This free, family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to engage with horses and gain valuable life skills through fun, interactive workshops and demonstrations. Whether you’re an experienced rider or trying horseback activities for the first time, there’s something for everyone.

The day is designed to inspire, empower, and educate—celebrating the enduring legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers while fostering confidence, responsibility, and teamwork among participants of all ages.

Come celebrate history, community, and personal growth in a warm and welcoming environment. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

🔗 Register now: https://form.jotform.com/251701356915052
All are welcome — see you at the ranch!

Youth Camp Packet Please click the link to complete this form.

Yesterday, the Port of Seattle hosted Secretary Steve Hobbs, State Representative My-Linh Thai, the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, as well as several community members at an event commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Arrival of the first Vietnamese refugees to America. Editors John Hughes and Edward Echtle Jr. revealed their new book, New Land, on this chapter of history. Regarding his decision to welcome regugees to Washington State, Governor Dan Evans said, “That’s how we grew over the centuries, was through immigrants. Virtually all of us except Native Americans are immigrants,” and called California’s decision to reject them, “the worst kind of hipocrisy.” The first family who arrived included a woman who was 5 months pregnant, and named her son Evans, after our great Governor. Evans turned 50 this year and shared words at the event, along side Gov. Evans’ son, demonstrating the intergenerational impact of political leadership and decision making. Rep. Thai, as always, stole the show with her heartfelt remarks about connectedness and acceptance — and a hug from her was a personak reminder of the joy and purpose I had in my 6 years in the Inslee Administration, serving our communities in behalf of the State of Washington.

The Port of Seattle is proud to be a gateway to the world—and we believe every traveler, regardless of their citizenship status, deserves to be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.

This week, we learned—through our community, not through official channels—that a lawful permanent resident arriving at SEA Airport was detained by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for five days. That is surprising and deeply concerning.

As the governing body of the Port, we do not have jurisdiction over CBP operations or access to federal detention facilities. We are not notified when someone is detained, and we cannot intervene in immigration enforcement decisions. Still, we believe in accountability, and we will continue to ask questions on behalf of the public.

Recent immigration enforcement actions across the nation raise serious and legitimate questions about transparency, due process, and whether airports are truly safe, welcoming places for all travelers. These concerns are not theoretical; they reflect the lived experiences of our communities and deserve clear, timely, and accountable responses.

Today, members of our executive leadership team and I toured CBP’s operation at the international arrivals facilities at SEA in an effort to understand the federal policies and protocols they're following. As a public agency, the Port of Seattle remains committed to ensuring that SEA Airport reflects our RAISE values: Respect, Anti-Racism & Equity, Integrity, Stewardship, and Excellence. These values are not just aspirational—they are the standard by which we hold ourselves accountable. We will continue to push for greater transparency and communication from CBP, and for regular briefings on how federal immigration policies are being implemented on our premises. And We will continue to advocate for the rights of all people.

Our community expects—and deserves—nothing less.

As of today, the new federal REAL ID travel law is in effect. That means your typical WA state drivers license won’t be enough for you to travel by plane. The following are a list of real ID complaint forms of ID:

•Enhanced driver’s license (EDL)
•Enhanced identification card (EID)
•U.S. passport or passport card
•U.S. military ID for active duty members and dependents
•Permanent resident card (Green card)
Foreign passport
•U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services •Employment Authorization card (1-766)
•Federally recognized Tribal-issued photo ID
•Border crossing card

To learn more about the federal REAL ID travel law, read the Port of Seattle’s blog post below.

Be REAL ID Ready for Travel Your flight is booked. Your bags are packed. Is your identification good to go for travel in 2025? REAL ID enforcement is happening and one of the most important things on your travel checklist is making sure your photo ID card is accepted by TSA.

“When women are fairly treated and fully empowered in this world, our country, and here at home, it will bring equilibrium to our entire ecosystem.” 💃🏽💪✨

Honored to deliver the keynote address at the University of Washington Women’s Center’s event, where I spoke on environmental justice for overburdened communities, access to opportunity for people of color and women, and the power of local leadership to advance progressive priorities like DEI, clean energy, & climate action.

She’s the only one we got. 💙🩵🤍 Happy Earth Day. 🌎🌲

Washington ports brace for fallout from U.S.-China trade war Washington ports prepare for impacts from the U.S.-China trade war, reflecting on past market share losses and future strategies.

🚀 Exciting News! The Port of Seattle has just announced the largest allocation in the history of the South King County Community Impact Fund (SKCCIF), committing $14 million over the next five years to support community-led projects that advance equity, environmental health, and increased access to opportunities. This unprecedented funding aims to provide equitable access to living-wage jobs and careers in port-related industries for underrepresented communities. Applications for the 2025 Economic Opportunities for Communities (EOC) Program are open from March 3 to April 10, 2025. Don’t miss this chance to make a meaningful impact in our community!

Learn more and apply here: https://www.portseattle.org/programs/south-king-county-community-impact-fund-eoc

South King County Community Impact Fund Economic Opportunities for Communities Program 2025 RFP application is open from March 3 - April 10