Municipal/Other Questionnaire
Candidate Info
Candidate Name: Ryan Calkins
Position Sought: Port of Seattle Commission, Position 1
Are you an incumbent for this position? Incumbent
Home Legislative District: 43rd
Are you a Democrat? Yes
Campaign Info
Campaign Manager or Point of Contact: Ryan Calkins
Website: http://www.ryanforport.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryanforport
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ryancalkinsSEA
Part I – Candidate Background
1. Please briefly describe your qualifications, education, employment, community and civic activity, union affiliation, prior political activity, and other relevant experience. Beyond your qualifications, what makes you the best candidate for this position or office? Please describe any specific background or unique perspective you offer and how those will help you accomplish your goals for the position sought. If possible, give practical examples.
In addition to serving on the Port Commission since 2017, I have spent nearly a decade of my career working with nonprofit organizations in the United States and Latin America, working on economic justice and human rights. I now work as an Energy Policy Advisor at Pacific Northwest National Labs, where I work to decarbonize the aviation and maritime sectors across the country.
For ten years, I ran an import business in South Seattle that relied on the Port of Seattle as the entry point for products we sourced from around the world. In 2007, I started a microfinance nonprofit that supported the growth of a major poverty alleviation initiative both locally and in Latin America. I have served on several nonprofit boards related to my work in Latin America.
2. What prompted you to run for this office?
For the last seven years, I’ve been a commissioner at the Port – elected to shape one of our region’s most important public assets. During that time, I have worked hard to preserve those jobs and to create new ones. And, just as important, I’ve opened up new opportunities for everyone to share in the prosperity that a growing economy brings.
3. What steps are you taking to run a successful campaign?
My re-election campaign is off to a strong start – I've received prominent early endorsements from Governor Ferguson, fellow Commissioners Cho, Mohamed, and Hasegawa, Executive Dow Constantine, and all of the Democratic King County Councilmembers.
My plan to win is to highlight our strong record of accomplishment from the last several years, as well as share elements of my bold agenda to continue improving our Port, taking action on climate change, and building a truly sustainable and equitable economy for everyone in our region. I will continue raising money and seeking endorsements to demonstrate the strength of our campaign, and will continue to introduce myself to voters through Democratic LD organizations, community groups, and field efforts.
4. What are your campaign’s most important themes, issues, or priorities (three to five)? Share issues or priorities specific to the office that you’re running for.
I have worked hard to make the Port of Seattle an environmental leader, demonstrating that economic growth and sustainability are critical components of our future. Done right, responding to climate change can actually mean new jobs and industries for our region. We need to overhaul the way we fuel our ships, planes, and trucks before it’s too late. That’s why we cut our carbon emissions in half, ten years ahead of schedule, and are pursuing the most ambitious environmental agenda of any port in the nation.
At the same time, I know that we all rely on the Port to perform well. We all deserve a clean, stress-free, and enjoyable experience when we fly through Sea-Tac. And we depend upon the seaport for the food on our table and the packages arriving on our doorsteps.
Part II – Yes/No Questions, please qualify your answer if necessary
1. Do you support steps to build a fairer economy through tax reform and progressive taxes as wealth increases? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #1
2. Do you support robust investment in publicly owned housing/subsidized housing for elderly and low-income individuals/families, and zoning changes to support such housing? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #2
3. Developer impact fees are allowed under the Growth Management Act. Should they be increased to help pay for needed improvements to our roads, parks, and schools? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #3
4. Do you support building a municipally owned and operated broadband system in your city or jurisdiction? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #4
5. Do you support local investments to address climate change where applicable? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #5
6. Do you support women’s unrestricted access to reproductive healthcare? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #6
7. Do you support laws regulating the purchase, ownership, and carrying of firearms? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #7
8. Do you support the right of workers to unionize and bargain, including public employees? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #8
Part III – Free Response (Please answer at least four fully, and consider the additional three optional)
1. Why are you requesting Democratic endorsement? What aspects of the Democratic platform most resonate with you?
I was a first time candidate elected to the Seattle Port Commission in 2017. On the commission, I have worked with fellow elected officials to support small businesses, address the impacts of climate change, support the Port’s workers, and advocate a greener, more equitable local economy for all. I have served on numerous Democratic campaigns and progressive initiatives and referendums, from supporting Darcy Burner to Brady Walkinshaw, and doorbelling for R-74 (marriage equality) and I-1491 (gun safety). I have served as a PCO, was a delegate for Obama to the Washington State Convention in 2008 as a 36th District Democrat, and interned as a legislative assistant and speechwriter for Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut.
As an elected official, I have endorsed and supported Democrats running for all levels of office, donating, fundraising, and volunteering through doorbelling and phonebanking.
2. What public policy reforms do you support to achieve greater equity and inclusion for BIPOC and LBQIA+ individuals in our communities?
The establishment of the Port's Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion during my first year on the commission has helped the Port to improve it's internal and external efforts. As a result of our success, we have become a repository of best practices for other ports around the country.
3. What steps do you think need to be taken to improve voter turnout and increase voter trust in our election process?
Make election day a holiday. Reduce the influence of money in campaigns.
4. What important local issues have you worked on (or taken an interest in) that you feel aren’t getting enough attention from elected leaders and the local media?
If there were an issue particular to our region that I wish garnered more attention from media it would be tribal relations. At the Port, I’m working to strengthen ties with the sovereign nations whose ancestral lands we operate on. Since my last election, we've signed memoranda of understanding with both the Muckleshoot and Suquamish Tribes, which exemplifies the strength of our relationship with the two tribes whose usual and accustomed fishing grounds include the waters around our terminals.
5. Please list at least three specific, concrete actions you would support to ease the homelessness crisis.
6. What safety, law, or justice issues are currently facing your jurisdiction, and how will you address them?
7. What are the transportation/transit challenges which face your jurisdiction and how would you address them? What role does green energy play in your proposed solutions?
SEA just set a record for passengers last year. I have advocated for the creation of a Transportation Management Association that would pool the efforts of all 800+ businesses at the airport in order to take advantage of economies of scale in commute trip reduction. This year we launched SEA Moves, the culmination of our efforts to create a TMA, as well as other initiatives to reduce transportation pollution and congestion in and around the airport.
By typing my name below, I declare under penalty of perjury the foregoing is true and correct.
Printed Name: Ryan Calkins
Date (mm/dd/yy): 02/02/2025
