Cities
Neighbors from across the Highline area gathered at Glacier Middle School in SeaTac on June 17 for an evening of conversation on airport growth, community impacts, and public participation.
More than 70 people from airport-adjacent communities, including Burien, SeaTac, Des Moines, Normandy Park, and Tukwila, came together to learn, ask questions, and share their experiences. The evening featured information tables, maps, handouts, and opportunities for conversation. Attendees reviewed information, asked questions, and discussed issues ranging from aircraft noise and air quality to housing, transportation, health, and environmental concerns.
The event was co-hosted by SeaTac Airport Community Coalition for Justice (STACC4J), Defenders of Highline Forest, Cedarhurst Neighborhood, and Creating Pathways. Organizers created the gathering to help residents learn more about the Port of Seattle's airport expansion plans, share personal experiences, and better understand how proposed changes could affect nearby communities.
Residents, advocates, and local leaders gathered around information tables to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from one another. Photo by Katie Kresly, The Highline Journal
The evening featured information tables, maps, handouts, and opportunities for conversation. Neighbors reviewed information, asked questions, and talked about issues ranging from aircraft noise and air quality to housing, transportation, health, and environmental concerns.
SeaTac Airport impact displays at Community sponsored airport expansion information event, held at Glacier Middle School in SeaTac, WA on June 17, 2026. Photos by Katie Kresly, The Highline Journal
A “Shape Your City: Burien 2044 Visioning Work” board (originally by artist Natalie Dupille) was enhanced by Lynda Wong, who said she "mauled it with post-it's and string to show what and how the airport expansion will impact what the residents dream for their community home."
Burien Airport Committee Vice Chair Brian Davis emphasized the importance of community involvement.
“We know the airport is going to expand,” Davis said. “Our job is to make sure that our communities better compensated... for the economic and health damage that is done by operations of the airport." He encouraged residents to attend and share their concerns with Port commissioners and staff at the upcoming port meetings.
Burien Airport Committee Vice Chair Brian Davis and STACC4J community advocate Lynda Wong spoke with attendees about upcoming opportunities to share feedback and engage with Port of Seattle officials. Photo by Katie Kresly, The Highline Journal
Several elected officials attended, including State Senator Tina Orwall, State Representative Edwin Obras, Burien Mayor Sarah Moore, Des Moines Councilman J.C. Harris, SeaTac Councilman Peter Kwon, Burien Councilman Sam Mendez, and other local leaders.
Photos of elected leaders at SeaTac community event. From left: State Rep. Edwin Obras, Senator Tina Orwall, Des Moines Council J.C. Harris, Burien Council Sam Mendez, Burien Mayor Sarah Moore. Photos of Obras, Orwall and Moore by Katie Kresly. Photo of Harris and Mendez by Megan Durham.
Organizers encouraged residents to share their personal experiences during the public comment period, noting that stories from people who live, work, and raise families near the airport help decision-makers better understand how airport operations affect surrounding communities.
Food, drinks, and snacks helped create a warm community atmosphere as neighbors connected, exchanged ideas, and learned more about issues affecting the future of the Highline area.
Engaged community event attendees at Glacier Middle School in SeaTac, WA learning about SeaTac Airport expansion. Photos courtesy of Megan Durham
For many attendees, the evening was a reminder that community conversations matter. Neighbors left with new information, new connections, and a better understanding of how they can participate in decisions affecting the places they call home.
Resources
Public comments on the Port of Seattle environmental review are due by 4 p.m. on July 21, 2026. SAMP@portseattle.org
Upcoming Public Meetings
• June 22, 6 p.m. — Glacier Middle School, SeaTac
• June 23, 6 p.m. — Mount Rainier High School, Des Moines
• June 25, 6 p.m. — Wildwood Elementary School, Kent
• June 27, 10 a.m. — Gregory Heights Elementary School, Burien
Learn More
• Port of Seattle Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) information LINK
• Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) documents LINK
• Public comment portal LINK
• Sea-Tac Noise Info (STNI) resources LINK
• SeaTac Airport Community Coalition for Justice (STACC4J) LINK
• Defenders of Highline Forest LINK
• Cedarhurst neighborhood information LINK
• Creating Pathways LINK
Sponsors from Cedarhurst Neighborhood "Oppose the Rezone" Lindsay, and Defend the Highline Forest Sandy Hunt. Photo by Katie Kresly, The Highline Journal
Gift cards and other fun raffle prizes kept the energy level high and the experience light! Photo by Katie Kresly, The Highline Journal
Thank you to photographer Megan Durham for her contributions!
Members Discussion
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