Abstract
Purpose. This study explores seaport decision making, policy design, and lessons learned from 3 terminal expansions and capital infrastructure development investments. Cases explored collaboration, governance, and civic engagement, and concepts of port competition, knowledge, motivation, and organization. Theoretical Framework. This research draws from theories of collaborative planning and collaborative governance, after-action-review (AAR) frameworks, and the Wilder Collaboration Factors Inventory tool. The closing chapter is interwoven by the knowledge, motivation, and organization framework and citizen engagement principles. Methodology. This mixed-methods research incorporated primary and secondary data, 2 participant surveys, 1 focus group session, and semistructured interviews. Descriptive statistics, comparison means test, and Pearson chi-square correlation were used to analyze data. In total, 85 individuals participated in this study. Examination of cases spanned across 20 years. Findings. Examination of the data suggest in Case 1 that 3 consensus-building processes had a higher degree of perception in the governance setting, 4 processes had varied influences on governance, and 7 characteristics had a positive influence on governance. In Case 2, 4 major root causes created the problem examined and identified sustainable and nonsustainable practices along with lessons learned to improve decision making. In Case 3, 5 areas could be improved, yet leadership and collaboration were strengths, and 7 factors had an influence on collaboration and governance. The final chapter suggests 8 important factors in decision making and competition and identifies more than 500 stakeholders in the public deliberation process from 8 cross-sector scales and a moderate strength in civic engagement. Conclusions and Recommendations. The study data support that the Port of Los Angeles, CA (USA) is transcending/transforming in a more joined-up, complex collaborative governance network environment involving multiple sectors and new public governance schemes; AARs improve organizational effectiveness; public deliberation supports civic engagement; port competition and its tripartite dilemma is reshaping local geographies, economies, and societies; and collaboration and governance inform decision making and policy design. Study recommendations include but are not limited to conducting research on collaborative and governance outcomes; improving organizational effectiveness through consensus building, collaboration, and governance; conducting local community and economic impacts from waterfront development ports; and encouraging ports to build partnerships with local universities and colleges.