"Dan Knox... showed a detailed knowledge of the policy tools available to make needed changes at the port."

Future-Proofing Tacoma’s Port Economy

The Port of Tacoma is facing a new era of volatility—supply chain shocks, tariff swings, and fierce competition from other coasts. We can’t rely on yesterday’s infrastructure or passive planning. As Port Commissioner, I will:

Double down on intermodal capacity: Invest in rail and truck gate synchronization to ensure efficient cargo flow and reduce bottlenecks.
Expand gate hours: Advocate for flexible scheduling to keep cargo moving during surges and unexpected downturns.
Champion real-time data tools: Promote logistics tech that allows terminals, rail, and shippers to adjust to fast-moving market conditions.
Strengthen rail partnerships: Work with BNSF, UP, and shortline operators to pre-position assets and reduce dwell times.

Double down on intermodal capacity: Invest in rail and truck gate synchronization to ensure efficient cargo flow and reduce bottlenecks.
Expand gate hours: Advocate for flexible scheduling to keep cargo moving during surges and unexpected downturns.
Champion real-time data tools: Promote logistics tech that allows terminals, rail, and shippers to adjust to fast-moving market conditions.
Strengthen rail partnerships: Work with BNSF, UP, and shortline operators to pre-position assets and reduce dwell times.

My Priorities

"Dan Knox... showed a detailed knowledge of the policy tools available to make needed changes at the port."

- Tacoma News Tribune

Environmental responsibility isn’t a side goal—it’s how the Port stays competitive, attracts modern carriers, and protects public health. As Port Commissioner, I will:

Mandate shore power by 2030: Push to embed electrification into all terminal leases, and tie incentives to early adoption.
Secure federal and state funding: Leverage PIDP, GRIP, and Climate Commitment Act dollars to build green infrastructure.
Launch sea level adaptation strategy: Use GIS and FEMA data to prioritize climate-resilient capital investments—elevating key assets and upgrading stormwater systems.
Support clean energy jobs: Build pathways through the Maritime Skills Center and local colleges to train youth in offshore wind, clean hydrogen, and environmental remediation.

Environmental and Climate Leadership

Environmental responsibility isn’t a side goal—it’s how the Port stays competitive, attracts modern carriers, and protects public health. As Port Commissioner, I will:

Mandate shore power by 2030: Push to embed electrification into all terminal leases, and tie incentives to early adoption.
Secure federal and state funding: Leverage PIDP, GRIP, and Climate Commitment Act dollars to build green infrastructure.
Launch sea level adaptation strategy: Use GIS and FEMA data to prioritize climate-resilient capital investments—elevating key assets and upgrading stormwater systems.
Support clean energy jobs: Build pathways through the Maritime Skills Center and local colleges to train youth in offshore wind, clean hydrogen, and environmental remediation.

"Sovereignty is a Partnership" - Honoring the Puyallup Tribe in Action

The Port sits on Puyallup land. The Tribe’s new terminal partnership marks a turning point—but real co-governance must go further. As Port Commissioner, I will:

Establish a Joint Port–Tribal Advisory Council: Formalize ongoing collaboration on land use, workforce, and environment.
Codify tribal consultation policy: Require that all major Port decisions assess tribal impacts and integrate cultural priorities.
Champion shared workforce development: Expand maritime career pipelines for tribal youth and fund mentorship programs.
Support Tideflats Subarea Plan enforcement: Uphold treaty rights, pollution restrictions, and smart industrial zoning.

The Port sits on Puyallup land. The Tribe’s new terminal partnership marks a turning point—but real co-governance must go further. As Port Commissioner, I will:

Establish a Joint Port–Tribal Advisory Council: Formalize ongoing collaboration on land use, workforce, and environment.
Codify tribal consultation policy: Require that all major Port decisions assess tribal impacts and integrate cultural priorities.
Champion shared workforce development: Expand maritime career pipelines for tribal youth and fund mentorship programs.
Support Tideflats Subarea Plan enforcement: Uphold treaty rights, pollution restrictions, and smart industrial zoning.

Balance the Books, Balance the Benefits

Tacoma’s South Harbor generates ~60% of NWSA’s revenue but receives a smaller share of capital investments. That’s unfair—and unsustainable. As Port Commissioner, I will:

Establish a South Harbor Equity & Infrastructure Fund: Tie reinvestment directly to income and volume generated.
Push for periodic NWSA charter review: Use the built-in recalibration mechanism to update cost and revenue sharing.
Require ROI assessments on capital projects—ensuring South Harbor’s high-performing terminals get strategic upgrades.
Protect Tacoma’s long-term competitiveness: Modernize berths, expand breakbulk capacity, and prepare for post-Panamax vessels.

Tacoma’s South Harbor generates ~60% of NWSA’s revenue but receives a smaller share of capital investments. That’s unfair—and unsustainable. As Port Commissioner, I will:

Establish a South Harbor Equity & Infrastructure Fund: Tie reinvestment directly to income and volume generated.
Push for periodic NWSA charter review: Use the built-in recalibration mechanism to update cost and revenue sharing.
Require ROI assessments on capital projects—ensuring South Harbor’s high-performing terminals get strategic upgrades.
Protect Tacoma’s long-term competitiveness: Modernize berths, expand breakbulk capacity, and prepare for post-Panamax vessels.

Every job on the docks supports a family. But automation, AI, and trade fluctuations threaten union jobs. Leadership must act—not just observe. As Port Commissioner, I will:

Require labor impact reviews before approving automation or tech modernization projects.
Tie terminal incentives to job creation—more gate hours, more shifts, more accountability.
Enforce Project Labor Agreements on all major Port infrastructure—ensuring fair wages, apprenticeships, and local hire.
Create a Labor Advisory Committee—permanent, empowered, and directly involved in Port decisions.

Every job on the docks supports a family. But automation, AI, and trade fluctuations threaten union jobs. Leadership must act—not just observe. As Port Commissioner, I will:

Require labor impact reviews before approving automation or tech modernization projects.
Tie terminal incentives to job creation—more gate hours, more shifts, more accountability.
Enforce Project Labor Agreements on all major Port infrastructure—ensuring fair wages, apprenticeships, and local hire.
Create a Labor Advisory Committee—permanent, empowered, and directly involved in Port decisions.

Standing Up for Workers

Equity and DEI That Delivers Results

For too long, DEI efforts have been symbolic or siloed. I bring lived experience—and a commitment to embed equity across every Port decision. As Port Commissioner, I will:

Launch a public-facing DEI Scorecard: Track hiring, contracting, and investments—updated quarterly.
Pass a supplier diversity resolution: Set MWBE participation targets and require DEI plans from prime contractors.
Create a Port Supplier Accelerator: Provide technical support, mentorship, and direct matchmaking for small businesses.
Expand community hiring programs: Tie local hire goals to capital projects and ensure wraparound support—childcare, transit access, legal aid.

For too long, DEI efforts have been symbolic or siloed. I bring lived experience—and a commitment to embed equity across every Port decision. As Port Commissioner, I will:

Launch a public-facing DEI Scorecard: Track hiring, contracting, and investments—updated quarterly.
Pass a supplier diversity resolution: Set MWBE participation targets and require DEI plans from prime contractors.
Create a Port Supplier Accelerator: Provide technical support, mentorship, and direct matchmaking for small businesses.
Expand community hiring programs: Tie local hire goals to capital projects and ensure wraparound support—childcare, transit access, legal aid.