Update from the Port of Seattle

Peter Steinbrueck - Commissioner

Port of Seattle

Commissioner Steinbrueck will share  an update on the Port of Seattle and their approach to an equitable economic recovery.

About the Speaker

Peter Steinbrueck is an architect, small business owner, community planner and has served as Port of Seattle Commissioner since 2018. Peter's priorities for the Port include economic development, family wage jobs, climate protection, the environment, and racial justice and equity.

Peter’s accomplishments include establishing the $10 million South King County Community Fund, which addresses environmentally impacted communities near SEA airport and to provides economic resources, green jobs for youth, and opportunities to historically underserved people in South King County.

Following the George Floyd killing by police in 2020, Peter called for an immediate ban on the use of choke holds by Port Police and established the first ever Commission Task Force on Policing and Civil Rights. As a result, the Port conducted a comprehensive review of policing practices, establishing best practice reforms for de-escalation and the protection of civil rights.

As Commission President in 2020, Peter led the Port’s initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Peter shaped the Equitable Economic Recovery Strategy with a focus on protecting family wage jobs, internships, workforce training, pipelines to employment for underserved youth, and increasing contracting and procurement opportunities for women and minority-owned businesses.

As co-chair of the Port’s Sustainability, Energy, and Climate Committee, Peter’s top priorities are transitioning Port facilities and vehicles to cleaner, more sustainable energies, climate resiliency, habitat restoration, and tree stewardship.

From 1997 to 2007, Peter served as City of Seattle councilmember where he led major legislative efforts, innovative policies and programs including addressing climate change and environmental protection, alternative transportation and urban mobility, workforce development, youth programs, public safety, policing, and civil rights protections.

Peter volunteers?extensively and has served on the boards and advisory councils of many national and local organizations, including:

• Pike Place Market Foundation
• Washington Environmental Council
• United Indians of All Tribes Labateyah Youth Home
• National Alliance to End Homelessness
• Seattle Library Foundation?
• Feet First
• Real Change Newspaper (homeless/low-income advocacy)
• Forterra Green Seattle Partnership

In 2019, Peter was a “green horn” crew on his brother’s gillnetter, the Majestic. The experience provided a first-hand look at the sustainable practices of the North Pacific Fishing Fleet, homeported at the Port of Seattle’s Fishermen’s Terminal. Peter enjoys making pizza, vegetable gardening, and hiking the wilderness with his sons.