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Executive director outlines 2025 priorities: resilience, equity, offshore wind and ARPA delivery
Summary
Executive Director Elaine Forbes told the Port Commission the agency will prioritize economic vibrancy, racial equity, waterfront resilience projects working with the U.S. Army Corps, offshore wind site readiness, and timely delivery of ARPA-funded capital projects by November 2026 amid a citywide hiring and contracting freeze.
Executive Director Elaine Forbes presented the Ports annual priorities at the Jan. 14 commission meeting, framing 2025 around economic vibrancy, equity, resilience and capital delivery.
Forbes told commissioners the Port must tighten priorities in light of a citywide hiring and contracting freeze tied to a projected $1 billion general-fund shortfall. "The mayor did recently announce a citywide hiring freeze and a contracting freeze," Forbes said, and staff are working with the city's infrastructure chief to prioritize safety and federally funded capital work. She outlined several high-priority projects: interim flood protections and early implementation for the downtown coastal resilience program, work in South Beach, and collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on planning and congressional appropriations for the Waterfront Resilience Program.
Forbes highlighted offshore wind site readiness at 90/496 (site identification in staff remarks) and the Ports work to support an offshore-wind manufacturing vision, noting the California Energy Commission will name awardees for a facility improvement grant later in the year. She also emphasized workforce and equity initiatives, including a three-year internship program for high school and college students, the release of disaggregated salary data by race and gender, and an upcoming photography installation at Pier 1 celebrating waterfront histories.
On capital delivery, Forbes said: "We must deliver those projects by November 2026." She noted unprecedented funding levels and ARPA deadlines that require staff to scale up contracting and delivery capacity.
Forbes closed by announcing a leadership transition: Deputy Director of Finance and Administration Nate Cruz will depart to become a chief financial officer for another jurisdiction; Megan Walls will serve as acting deputy director. Commissioners and staff offered public thanks and brief remarks recognizing his service.
