The Port of Tacoma and City of Tacoma’s collaboration on a shoreline public access interlocal agreement earned the two organizations a Governor’s Smart Communities award.

Announced by Gov. Jay Inslee last week, the awards program recognizes achievements by local leaders who promote smart growth planning and projects that contribute to quality of life in Washington state. In all, 16 cities, five counties, two ports and one school district received awards. See all.

The Port and City earned one of three Smart Partnerships Awards. The interlocal agreement provides a flexible approach for the Port and its tenants to fulfill the public access permit requirements of the City’s Shoreline Master Program.