Economic Development

The City of Burien’s economic development staff actively recruit and retain businesses, attract new development, promote the city to visitors, and work with local and regional partners to increase Burien’s quality of life. Burien has a history of successful proactive economic development.

Town Square

To form a new civic center, provide valuable transportation improvements, and catalyze development downtown, the City assembled properties and then partnered with developers and local agencies to create Town Square. Comprised of a library, city hall, new retail space, and over 500 units of housing, Town Square is also home to year-round events including a weekly Farmers Market. Foot traffic from Town Square supports small downtown businesses. The project is a huge success, with faster lease ups than comparable projects in Seattle and the eastside, proving the Burien market is strong.

NERA

The City is also partnering with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Port of Seattle to help bring a new employment base to Burien. The North East Redevelopment Area (NERA) is 153 acres adjacent to SeaTac International Airport primed for industrial/flex space development. In 2017, due to proactive efforts to assemble land and leverage partner funding, the City welcomed the largest cold storage facility in the state, making Burien the staging ground for Washington food products to be shipped all over the world. Adjacent parcels house 480,000 square feet of industrial space, providing more jobs for Burien residents.

Services

In addition to their proven track record of public private partnerships, the economic development team also provides the following services:

  • Business assistance. Providing customized or policy solutions to meet the needs of Burien businesses to help them grow here.
  • Site selection assistance. While working with a real estate broker is always encouraged, the city can help connect businesses to locations that meet their criteria and meet city zoning requirements.
  • Business development attraction. Filling vacant spaces, increasing employment opportunities, and encouraging investment in Burien
  • Tourism/Visitor promotion. Benefiting from our proximity to the airport to strengthen our small businesses.
  • Community events. Partnering with local community groups to put on events that engage the community and benefit small businesses.

Special Projects

Economic development staff also work on a number of special projects that support Burien’s local economy. To find out the latest on these projects:

Social Media

Follow City of Burien’s economic development pages on  social media.

Newsletter

If you would like to receive the City of Burien's economic development newsletter, please email [email protected].

CONTACT US

Chris Craig

Economic Development Manager

400 SW 152nd St
Suite 300
Burien, WA 98166
Ph: (206) 241-4647
Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.