WPPA 2025 Spring Meeting Agenda
Spring Meeting Agenda
Historic Davenport Hotel
10 S Post Street
Spokane, WA 99201
Wednesday, May 14
Registration Desk Opens at 8:00 am
Concurrent Training Modules from 8:30 to 11:30 am
These modules run concurrently from 8:30 to 11:30 am and are an additional registration and cost to the Spring Meeting. You can sign up for them HERE on the registration page.
Concurrent Training Module A: Finance & Taxation
This training module provides a comprehensive overview of port district finance and taxation, equipping Port Commissioners and staff with the knowledge to navigate financial decision-making effectively. Participants will explore the legal and regulatory framework governing port finance, including Washington State laws, financial reporting requirements, and budgeting processes. The session will also cover the types of taxes port districts can levy—such as General Property Tax, Industrial Development District (IDD) Levy, and Dredging Levy—along with limitations, compliance requirements, and case studies on tax levy implementation.
In addition to taxation, the module will examine debt financing options, including General Obligation Bonds, Revenue Bonds, and Special Revenue Bonds, as well as debt limitations, interest rates, and tax exemption considerations. The session will also address emerging trends in port finance, such as political and economic factors affecting taxation, new funding opportunities, and best practices in financial stewardship. Through interactive discussions and real-world scenarios, participants will gain practical insights to enhance financial management and strategic planning within their port districts. the basics of real estate and the “pitfalls and speed bumps” to avoid. Hear best practices about how to implement a strategic approach to real estate development and managing your property portfolio. Attendees will come away with better understanding of how their port can use real estate to improve their port’s bottom line and create economic activity in their communities.
Concurrent Training Module B: Communication & Outreach
This module focuses on building effective communication strategies and approaches to community outreach that shine a light on the good work ports do, that embrace the importance of engaging the public, and that emphasize transparent and open government. Participants will explore the best approaches to stakeholder outreach, innovative community engagement techniques, and compliance with public meetings and records laws. Key topics from the agenda include the development of communications plans, understanding audience needs as an element of community engagement, and how to utilize both digital and in-person outreach tools to improve your ports effectiveness.
Given the premium that all ports place on doing their work in an open and transparent manner, presenters will also examine legal requirements under the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) and Public Records Act (PRA). With that foundation, the group will discuss the best practices for crisis communication and for managing public controversy. The session aims to provide members with actionable strategies for strengthening community relationships and fostering public trust.
Spring Meeting Program Officially Begins with Luncheon at 12:00 pm
Keynote Speaker: TBD (Governor Bob Ferguson has been invited)
General Session begins at 2:00 pm
2:00 – 2:50 pm – Drought Impacts and Agriculture Sustainability in Central Washington
Jaclyn Hancock, Water Resources Scientist, WA Department of Agriculture
Sarah Higgins, Executive Director, Columbia Basin Development League
3:05 – 4:00 pm – Energy Topic
Jeremy Hargreaves, Principal, Evolved Energy Research – Invited
Associate Member Reception from 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Please join us and enjoy some appetizers while networking with our Associate Members. You can use this opportunity to ask for free advice or just simply get to know our Associate Members.
Evening: Dinner on Your Own
Please plan ahead for dining out and make reservations when available.
Thursday, May 15
Rise-n-Shine Walk! Optional walk at 6:00 am with Your Executive Director, Eric ffitch!
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to check out the beautiful scenery in Spokane! Meet in Hotel Lobby at 6:00 am. Waters and juices will be available!
Ports Only Breakfast from 7:30 to 8:30 am
This breakfast is for registered Port Commissioners, Executive Directors, and Port staff only
Committee Meetings from 8:30 to 11:45 am
Committee meetings are open to everyone, even if you are not registered for the Spring Meeting. If you intend to stay after your committee meeting and want to join us for lunch or any other sessions, you do need to register as a Spring Meeting attendee. Let Mandy know if you have any questions.
Agendas will be posted here as soon as we have them
8:30 – 11:30 am Legal
8:30 – 10:00 am Trade & Transportation
8:30 – 10:00 am Marina
8:30 – 10:00 am Environmental
10:15 – 11:45 am Economic Development
10:15 – 11:45 am Aviation
10:15 – 11:15 am Communications
Luncheon at 12:00 pm
Keynote Panel: Marine Cargo Forecast
Heather Haugland, McKinley Research Group
Spencer Cohen, Peak Strategy
General Session begins at 1:45 pm
1:45 – 2:45 pm – Report on the 2025 Legislative Session
Mark Wilson, Executive Director, Port of Kalama, and Legislative Committee Chair presiding
Eric ffitch, Executive Director, WPPA
Chris Herman, Deputy Director, WPPA
Carly Michiels, Senior Director of Environmental Policy, WPPA
James Cockburn, Government Relations Manager, WPPA
3:00 – 4:30 pm – Port Reports
Port of Whitman County
Port #2 Invited
Port #3 Invited
Spring Fling Reception from 4:30 – 6:30
We will wrap up our day with a casual reception that will provide plenty of time to network with your peers and unwind from a long day of meetings! Please join us and enjoy some medium hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Spouses are invited and encouraged to attend this event!
*Please note the programming change from years past. This reception event will end at 6:30 which gives attendees an opportunity to go out and enjoy dinner and an evening on the town!
Friday, May 16
Awards Breakfast at 8:00 am
Please join us for breakfast and our Spring Meeting awards ceremony
- Spring Scholarship Award
- Community Outreach Award
- Creative Partnership Award
- Outstanding Job Creator Award
- Environmental Stewardship Award
- Compass Award
Board of Trustees Meeting – immediately following awards breakfast
Meeting adjourns by 11:00 am
