March 2026 Knowing the Waters
This month’s column discusses effective strategies for conducting commission meetings—a continuation of the theme from the last few columns, which have focused on topics of interest to newly elected commissioners.
February 2026 Knowing the Waters
This month’s column revisits a reoccurring conversation regarding a port commission’s delegation of authority resolution. Several newly elected commissioners recently began their terms, and many ports are in the process of reviewing, updating, and reauthorizing their delegation of powers resolutions (as was recommended in last month’s column).
Bellingham Municipal Code 6.20
On November 4, 2025, an ordinance passed by the Bellingham City Council was codified in the Bellingham Municipal Code (“BMC”) as BMC 6.20.
January 2026 Knowing the Waters
January is the month to put resolutions into action and boost any neglected goals from the previous year to the top of your agency’s queue. This month’s column is an legal checklist of items that your port should review annually.
Building Performance Standards
Do you own buildings that are 20,000 square feet or larger? If so, between June 2026 and June 2028, you will likely have to comply with Building Performance Standards (“BPS”) in the Clean Building Act, Chapter 19.27A RCW, adopted by the legislature in 2019 and amended in 2022 and 2023.
December 2025 Knowing the Waters
The National Retail Federation forecasted that over one trillion dollars will be spent holiday shopping this season. Given the significant personal procurement occurring, it’s fitting that this month’s column discusses port procurement (which is not just limited to the holiday season).
November 2025 Knowing the Waters
Earlier this month ports around the state elected new commissioners. Congratulations to all newly elected commissioners.
Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA)
The Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (“WUCIOA”) took effect in 2018. But thus far, its applicability has been limited to the budget and special assessment approval process for condominiums and homeowners associations that were already in existence at the time of its adoption.
September 2025 Knowing the Waters
A question was recently posed by the WPPA Marina Committee. They asked, “Can a port district charge differing moorage rates for customers...
August 2025 Knowing the Waters
At the end of July, I attended the Commissioner’s Conference at Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine. It was a nice change of pace to attend a conference near my home, not only because I could sleep in my own bed and avoid several hours of travel...