About Us

Washington State Parks, recognizing Fort Worden's unique attributes, developed a vision and plan to transform the Fort into a financially self-sustaining lifelong learning center. After years of planning, Washington State Parks entered into a co-management agreement with the Fort Worden Public Development Authority (FWPDA) to carry out the vision for the lifelong learning center. The FWPDA's role is to ensure that Fort Worden continues to operate as a vibrant, public resource that provides a confluence of creative learning, recreation and retreat opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

The FWPDA is working to help renovate and fill the 70-plus historic buildings on Fort Worden's campus, expand the number and types of partners and programming at the Fort, and work with Fort Worden Hospitality who provides an outstanding hospitality experience for guests. The FWPDA is a public corporation created by the City of Port Townsend.

The FWPDA's governing documents can be found here.

General Meeting & Records Information

The Fort Worden Lifelong Learning Center Public Development Authority (FWPDA) Board of Directors will hold regular board meetings on the 4th Tuesday of every month in 2023. The meetings will begin at 5:30 pm. and are currently hybrid, taking place in the Fort Worden Commons and remote on Zoom. Meeting agendas, meeting changes, and special meetings will be published as required by law and are posted in the calendar and in the agenda center.

Open Public Meetings and Public Records Act

The FWPDA is dedicated to upholding the principles and ethics detailed in the Washington State Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) and Public Records Act (PRA). To submit a public records request email mvitale(at)fwpda.gov or fill out this form.

The Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) is a nonprofit organization that helps local governments across Washington State better serve their communities by providing legal and policy guidance on any topic. Check out their website for additional information about the Open Public Meetings Act and the Public Records Act.

What is a public development authority?

A public development authority (PDA) is a quasi-governmental, public corporation created by a city, town, or county ordinance to manage a special project or perform a specific public function. PDAs are subject to the same laws regulating public officials and local governments as outlined in RCW 35.21.759.

What is the difference between the FWPDA and Fort Worden Hospitality?

The FWPDA is the government organization that manages the 90-acre lifelong learning center campus and performs a variety of oversight duties including facilities and building maintenance, long-term lease agreements with partners, and ensures transparency of campus operations.

Fort Worden Hospitality (FWH) is a non-profit company that manages guest accommodations, restaurants and catering, and venue rentals for year-round events.

The FWPDA and Fort Worden Hospitality operated as one organization until February 14, 2022 at which point they became independent entities. This decision was years in the making and allowed each organization to focus on its strengths and take advantage of the appropriate organizational structure.