Sustainable development isn’t just about reducing carbon footprints or installing the latest green tech—it’s about people. It’s about the communities that are impacted, the voices that too often go unheard, and the collective action that drives real change. For Ryan Calkins Port of Seattle, community engagement is at the heart of everything the Port does to create equitable and sustainable growth. He believes that if we’re going to build a sustainable future, we need to do it together—with everyone involved, every step of the way.
What Community Engagement Means for Sustainability
When we talk about community engagement in sustainable development, we’re talking about really involving people in the process—listening to them, understanding their concerns, and making sure their voices are an essential part of decision-making. It’s not enough to just inform people about what’s happening; true community engagement is about collaboration. It’s about making the community a partner from start to finish.
Sustainable projects are only successful if the people who are most affected by them are not just consulted but included in meaningful ways. It’s not about checking off a box labeled “public input”—it’s about creating an open dialogue where the community can shape projects and initiatives so they reflect the needs of the people who actually live there.
Community Engagement at the Port of Seattle: A Real Commitment
At the Port of Seattle, sustainable development is community-driven at every level. One of the main focuses has been reaching out to neighborhoods that often bear the brunt of port activities—like air pollution and noise. These areas are typically underserved, and it’s easy for their needs to get lost in the shuffle. However, under the current leadership, it has become a priority to engage directly with these residents, hear their voices, and collaborate on finding solutions.
In neighborhoods heavily affected by industrial activities, the Port team has been on the ground, connecting with community leaders and residents to understand their concerns. This approach ensures that decisions are made with community input, working toward improving the environment, creating green spaces, and developing job training opportunities that meet the specific needs of the people who live there.
Creating Economic Opportunities with a Focus on Sustainability
Community engagement isn’t just about addressing environmental concerns; it’s also about creating opportunities for people. Sustainability at the Port of Seattle includes the local economy—and that means jobs. But not just any jobs—jobs that are tied to the Port’s sustainability goals, like those in renewable energy, conservation, and green technology.
Workforce development has been a major priority. It’s about ensuring that local residents have access to training programs that help them get good-paying, green jobs—positions that not only provide for their families but also contribute to the sustainability of their community. It’s a win-win. By providing training and skills development, the Port is not only reducing economic inequalities but also helping residents feel connected to the changes happening around them.
Listening and Learning: A Key to Sustainable Success
Community engagement isn’t a one-time thing—it’s an ongoing process. It’s about constantly listening, learning, and making adjustments to better serve the community. This means the Port doesn’t just roll out initiatives and hope for the best—it evaluates the impact, talks to people about what’s working and what isn’t, and makes changes as needed.
This is what sustainability is really about. It’s about balance—balancing the economic growth of the Port with the needs of the community, balancing immediate needs with long-term goals, and making sure that, along the way, no one is left behind. By putting people at the center of sustainability efforts, the Port is proving that real, lasting change is possible—and it starts with listening to the community.
A Future Built Together
At the end of the day, sustainable development isn’t something that happens in isolation. It takes all of us—community members, leaders, businesses, and organizations—working together to make it happen. And by prioritizing community engagement, the Port of Seattle is ensuring that it not only grows sustainably but does so in a way that benefits everyone.
When people feel heard, when they feel like they have a stake in what’s happening, they’re far more likely to support sustainable initiatives and be part of the solution. That’s the power of community engagement, and that’s what building a sustainable future is all about—a future that works for all of us.