Oakland, CA—July 20, 2012— On June 21, 2012, the Board of Port Commissioners adopted the Port of Oakland’s Operating and Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year (FY) ending June 30, 2013. The objectives used to develop the FY 2013 Operating and Capital Budgets included: ensuring operating needs are met; supporting organizational priorities and strategic initiatives; planning for the long-term; and maintaining and improving the Port’s financial position.

“This budget reflects our focus on fiscal responsibility, while addressing core operational needs and ensuring adequate funding for strategic activities today and tomorrow,” said, Port of Oakland Executive Director Omar R. Benjamin. “To demonstrate our shared commitment to getting on a path toward long-term sustainability today, in FY13 all Senior Management including myself are going to begin making a 5% contribution to our own retirement, the same investment we are asking of all of our employees and assuming in the budget.”

“My fellow Commissioners and I felt that the Board of Port Commissioners should also share in the prudent efforts to reduce expenses, approving a 5% across the board reduction in Commission expenses.” said Port Board President Pamela Calloway, adding, “This shared commitment helps the budget balance near-term operating needs with the strategic objectives of long-term financial sustainability and enhanced competitiveness.” While the Commissioners are all unpaid volunteers, the Port budgets for travel, printing, and other administrative expenses for the Commission.

The Port’s adopted FY 2012-13 operating budget reflects flat to modest growth in activity at both Oakland International Airport and the Oakland seaport, in line with general economic conditions. Passenger traffic (enplanements) is expected to grow 1.5%. Cargo traffic (loaded containers) is expected to grow 2.0% in FY 2012-13. Although office space at Jack London Square is nearly 90% occupied, attracting new commercial and industrial tenants continues to be a challenge for the Port’s commercial real estate business.

“Given that the Port’s revenue is not tied directly to activity levels at the Airport and Seaport, growth in activity does not necessarily translate into higher Port revenue,” noted Port Chief Financial Officer Sara Lee. “Furthermore, while we anticipate modest growth in Port revenues in FY 2012-13, our operating expenses are projected to grow faster than revenues,” added CFO Lee.

FY 2012-13 budgeted operating revenues are approximately $311.5 million, a 5% increase compared to FY 2012 budgeted revenues. However, operating expenses are projected to grow 8.2% in FY 2012-13, primarily due to rising costs in the areas of health care, pension, and regulatory compliance.

The Port’s updated 5-Year (FY 2013-2017) Capital Needs Assessment (CNA) includes approximately $638 million of capital expenditures for projects critical to revenue maintenance and keeping the Port competitive. For FY 2012-13, the Board of Port Commissioners adopted a Capital Budget of approximately $112 million; an additional $31 million of capital expenditures are anticipated in FY 2012-13, but not yet approved by the Board. Key projects in the CNA include Oakland International Airport Terminal 1 Retrofit and Renovation, shore power infrastructure at the Oakland seaport, the BART – Oakland Airport Connector, and the redevelopment of the former Oakland Army Base.

The Port’s competitiveness is essential to supporting the Port’s viability and continued positive economic impact in Oakland and the region, which amounts to nearly $10 billion annually, and includes the following jobs and tax revenue benefits:

1. The Port receives no local tax revenue, and from its operations and those of its tenants—contributes more than $462 million in taxes to the City of Oakland, regional cities and counties, and the State of California.
2. Through its operations and policies, and the business activities of its tenants and customers, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs across the region, and is connected to approximately 827,000 jobs across the nation.

The Port’s adopted operating and capital budgets are presented in the Port’s Budget Summary, which can be found on the Port’s website: https://www.portofoakland.com/portnyou/public.asp

About the Port of Oakland:
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront. The Oakland seaport is the fifth busiest container port in the U.S.; Oakland International Airport is the second largest San Francisco Bay Area airport offering over 300 daily passenger and cargo flights; and the Port’s real estate includes commercial developments such as Jack London Square and hundreds of acres of public parks and conservation areas. Together, through Port operations and those of its tenants and users, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an independent department of the City of Oakland. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Isaac Kos-Read
Director of External Affairs
Port of Oakland
(510) 627-1565
[email protected]

Marilyn Sandifur
Port Spokesperson
Port of Oakland
(510) 627-1193
Click here to contact Marilyn Sandifur