2021 Council Roundups

Recycling can and plastic bottles.
Police and Human Services, City Manager Search, Recycling Incentive Program, Comprehensive Plan Docket
12/21/2021
The Burien City Council discussed the collaboration between police and human services, approved a request for proposals to seek out and hire the next city manager, approved a new recycling incentive program, adopted the 2022 Comprehensive Plan docket, and approved a reconstruction waiver for a single-family residence construction project.
Read More about Police and Human Services, City Manager Search, Recycling Incentive Program, Comprehensive Plan Docket
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Large tree with rooftops of houses visible below extending into the distance.
Proclamations, Grant Funding Updates, Budget, Kinect@Burien, Tree Memorial Program, Tree Regulations, DESC, Councilmember Salaries
12/10/2021
The Burien City Council adopted the mid-biennium budget update. They also issued a proclamation in honor of people with disabilities as well proclamations to honor outgoing councilmembers Krystal Marx, Pedro Olguin, and Nancy Tosta. The City Council heard updates on major grants, discussed Kinect@Burien’s apprenticeship program donation, reviewed the tree memorial program, discussed updated tree regulations, clarified process for the approval of the DESC supportive housing project, and discussed councilmember salaries.
Read More about Proclamations, Grant Funding Updates, Budget, Kinect@Burien, Tree Memorial Program, Tree Regulations, DESC, Councilmember Salaries
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Photo of miniature wooden houses and trees.
COVID-19 Rent Assistance, Rental Housing Inspection Program, 2022 Proclamations, Affordable Housing Demonstration Program
12/02/2021
The Burien City Council discussed during a study session COVID-19 rent assistance, rental housing inspection program, 2022 proclamations and other observances, and the Affordable Housing Demonstration Program.
Read More about COVID-19 Rent Assistance, Rental Housing Inspection Program, 2022 Proclamations, Affordable Housing Demonstration Program
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Illustration of document with dollar sign. City of Burien logo.
Special City Council Meeting on Mid-biennium Budget Update
12/02/2021
The Burien City Council hosted special meeting on the mid-biennium budget update. They adopted an increase to surface water management fees and property tax levy. They also discussed increasing the per capita rate for the Human Services Fund and changing the policy to re-evaluate the rate from every two years to every year. The City Council also discussed key areas of the budget with final adoption of the budget scheduled for December 6, 2021.
Read More about Special City Council Meeting on Mid-biennium Budget Update
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Utility boxes with artwork wrap.
American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, State Legislative Agenda, Public Art, Budget, City Council and City Manager Salaries, Enhanced Services Facilities
11/18/2021
The Burien City Council issued a proclamation in honor of American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month and adopted a review process for Enhanced Services Facilities. They also discussed a process to hire the next city manager, the state legislative agenda, public art grant recipients, mid-biennium budget update, and city councilmember and city manager salaries.
Read More about American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, State Legislative Agenda, Public Art, Budget, City Council and City Manager Salaries, Enhanced Services Facilities
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Illustration of speech bubbles, businesses, and logo.
Joint Burien City Council and BEDP Meeting on Ways to Enhance Communication Between City Council and Business Community
11/17/2021
The Burien City Council hosted a joint special meeting with the Business and Economic Development Partnership (BEDP), an advisory board made up of local business owners and community members who advise the City Council on topics related to economic development.
Read More about Joint Burien City Council and BEDP Meeting on Ways to Enhance Communication Between City Council and Business Community
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Illustration of green space and document with check mark.
Climate Action Plan, Federal Legislative Agenda, Budget, Trusted Community Partner Network, Planning Grants, Vaccine Mandate
11/04/2021
The Burien City Council adopted the City of Burien’s first Climate Action Plan, discussed their federal legislative agenda, and discussed the 2021–2022 mid-biennium budget update, including property tax levy and surface water management fees.
Read More about Climate Action Plan, Federal Legislative Agenda, Budget, Trusted Community Partner Network, Planning Grants, Vaccine Mandate
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Pie chart.
Climate Action Plan, Boulevard Park Flooding, Mental Health Services
10/28/2021
The Burien City Council discussed the insurance, Climate Action Plan, Boulevard Park Flooding Study, King County’s crisis response system, and appointments to regional boards and committees during a study session.
Read More about Climate Action Plan, Boulevard Park Flooding, Mental Health Services
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Bar chart.
Budget, Planning for ARPA, Rental Housing Business License Fees, Subminimum Wage
10/21/2021
The Burien City Council continued discussions on the 2021-2022 mid-biennium budget update, adopted an ordinance making rental housing business license fees consistent with all other business license fees, and discussed a resolution to oppose subminimum wages in Burien.
Read More about Budget, Planning for ARPA, Rental Housing Business License Fees, Subminimum Wage
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Zoning Map and aerial view of town.
Native Land and People Acknowledgment, Proclamations, Budget, Comprehensive Plan, Utility Tax Relief
10/07/2021
The Burien City Council issued four proclamations, discussed a Native Land and People acknowledgment, reviewed work plans for the Parks and Recreation Board and Arts Commission, began mid-biennium budget discussions, discussed a redesigned utility tax relief program, discussed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, and reviewed an amendment to the operating agreement between the City of Burien and King County Library System.
Read More about Native Land and People Acknowledgment, Proclamations, Budget, Comprehensive Plan, Utility Tax Relief
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Illustration.
Eviction Moratorium, City Bonds, Fee Study, Ambaum and Boulevard Park Community Plans, Proclamations
10/01/2021
The City Council held a study session to discuss extension of Burien’s eviction moratorium, City bonds refinancing, a new fee study, community feedback gathered for the Ambaum and Boulevard Park Community Plans project, and a list of proclamations for 2022.
Read More about Eviction Moratorium, City Bonds, Fee Study, Ambaum and Boulevard Park Community Plans, Proclamations
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Photo of COVID-19 vaccine vials on white background.
Proclamations, KCSO Use of Force Policies, New Staff, Bond Rating, CDBG, SKHHP, Sustainable Airport Master Plan, Refugee Support, Employee Vaccine Mandate
09/23/2021
The City Council issued two proclamations, heard an update on new use-of-force policies from King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), announced an intention to extend Burien’s eviction moratorium through December 31, approved contracts to support new technology in council chambers and evaluation of the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), passed a resolution to support refugees, and approved a vaccine mandate for City of Burien employees.
Read More about Proclamations, KCSO Use of Force Policies, New Staff, Bond Rating, CDBG, SKHHP, Sustainable Airport Master Plan, Refugee Support, Employee Vaccine Mandate
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Booth at block party.
Welcoming Week, Annual Crime Report, Ambaum and Boulevard Park Community Plan, Solid Waste Services for Businesses, Housing Action Plan, Ambaum Zoning Code, Rental Housing Policy, Vaccine Mandate
08/24/2021
The City Council issued a proclamation in support of Welcoming Week, discussed the annual crime report, heard an update on the Ambaum and Boulevard Park Community Plan, and discussed interim zoning changes for Ambaum Blvd SW, solid waste requirements for businesses, Burien’s rental housing policy, and a vaccine mandate for City of Burien staff.
Read More about Welcoming Week, Annual Crime Report, Ambaum and Boulevard Park Community Plan, Solid Waste Services for Businesses, Housing Action Plan, Ambaum Zoning Code, Rental Housing Policy, Vaccine Mandate
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Heavy trucks.
New Maintenance Facility, Arts Commission, Welcoming Network, Salmon Habitat Plan
08/05/2021
Council discussed progress on building a shared public works and parks maintenance facility, selected candidates to interview for membership on the Arts Commission, approved joining the Welcoming Network, discussed the WRIA-9 salmon habitat plan, and more.
Read More about New Maintenance Facility, Arts Commission, Welcoming Network, Salmon Habitat Plan
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Police officers walking bicycles through farmers market .
Downtown Public Safety, American Rescue Plan Act, Airport Committee and StART, Hazard Pay, Emergency Preparedness
07/27/2021
Council proclaimed July as Park and Recreation Month, approved re-financing of bonds, approved new investments in public safety, appointed new members to airport committees, discussed hazard pay for essential workers as well as eviction moratorium, and approved more time to develop an interlocal agreement for DESC Burien supportive housing development.
Read More about Downtown Public Safety, American Rescue Plan Act, Airport Committee and StART, Hazard Pay, Emergency Preparedness
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Architectural rendering of DESC Burien building.
DESC Supportive Housing, Eviction Moratorium, Teamsters Contract, Federal Relief Funding Plan, Downtown Burien Public Safety
06/23/2021
Burien City Council discussed plans for federal relief funding, approved DESC's application into the Affordable Housing Demonstration Program, discussed public safety in downtown Burien, discussed Juneteenth as an official holiday for city staff, approved a Teamsters contract, and approved an eviction moratorium extension.
Read More about DESC Supportive Housing, Eviction Moratorium, Teamsters Contract, Federal Relief Funding Plan, Downtown Burien Public Safety
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Proclamations: Citizens of the Year, LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, Juneteenth
Proclamations, Citizen of the Year, La Serra Subdivision, Budget, Food Trucks
06/11/2021
Burien City Council issued two proclamations, gave three Burien community members a Citizen of the Year award, approved Black Lives Matter artist proposal, and approved minor budget items.
Read More about Proclamations, Citizen of the Year, La Serra Subdivision, Budget, Food Trucks
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Map.
Ambaum Blvd & Boulevard Park Study, Climate Action Plan, Police Services Study, Hazard Pay for Frontline Workers
05/26/2021
Burien City Council held a study session to discuss updates to a new land use study, climate action plan, police services, and hazard pay for frontline workers.
Read More about Ambaum Blvd & Boulevard Park Study, Climate Action Plan, Police Services Study, Hazard Pay for Frontline Workers
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Building.
DESC Housing, Property Tax, State Law on Drug Possession, Citizen of the Year, Business License Code, Transportation Improvement Program
05/21/2021
Burien City Council postponed a decision on whether to accept a supportive housing project into the Affordable Housing Demonstration Program. They also discussed transportation projects, 2021 property taxes, a new state drug possession law and investments in diversion programs, city equity efforts, and new business license code. They also selected this year’s recipients of the Burien Citizen of the Year Award.
Read More about DESC Housing, Property Tax, State Law on Drug Possession, Citizen of the Year, Business License Code, Transportation Improvement Program
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Bicyclist on a bike path.
Proclamations, King County Sheriff, Urban Center Streetscape Design, Rental Housing
05/06/2021
Council issued four proclamations honoring Asian American and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Older Americans Month, Peace Officers Memorial Day, and Affordable Housing Week, heard an update on King County’s efforts to change sheriff position from elected to appointed, discussed a plan for urban center streetscape design, discussed progress on the Rental Housing Inspection Program, and welcomed new employees.
Read More about Proclamations, King County Sheriff, Urban Center Streetscape Design, Rental Housing
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Person in apron hands food to customer through a food truck window.
Food Trucks, Independent Investigation Team, State Legislative Session, Council Priorities
04/28/2021
Council postponed the start of the food truck pilot program, heard a summary of the state legislative session, discussed the selection process for community members to serve on an Independent Investigation Team for police-involved shootings, and discussed 2021 priorities.
Read More about Food Trucks, Independent Investigation Team, State Legislative Session, Council Priorities
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Burien Police Department officer walks bicycle through Burien Farmers' Market.
DESC Supportive Housing, Proclamations, New Advisory Board Members, Public Safety, Food Trucks, Code Updates
04/19/2021
Council issued three proclamations, continued discussion on the DESC supportive housing project, updated municipal code governing fireworks, junk vehicles, and business licenses, selected new advisory board members, discussed concerns about public safety, addressed concerns about food truck pilot program, and more.
Read More about DESC Supportive Housing, Proclamations, New Advisory Board Members, Public Safety, Food Trucks, Code Updates
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Building.
DESC Supportive Housing, Compostables, Proclamations, New Advisory Board Members, Recology, COVID-19 Update
04/07/2021
Council issued two proclamations, delayed the effective date of the compostables ordinance, discussed DESC supportive housing project, selected new advisory board and commission members, delayed discussion of the food truck pilot program, and approved funding for a stormwater study to address localized flooding in the Boulevard Park neighborhood.
Read More about DESC Supportive Housing, Compostables, Proclamations, New Advisory Board Members, Recology, COVID-19 Update
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City Hall.
Study Session on City Staff Workload and Priorities
03/25/2021
Staff directors and managers presented summaries of the current workload to inform future Council discussions on short-term priorities.
Read More about Study Session on City Staff Workload and Priorities
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Police patch.
Food Truck Pilot Program, Police Services, Ambaum Development, Maintenance Facility, Eagle Landing Stairs, Advisory Boards and Commissions
03/22/2021
Burien City Council passed a food truck pilot program, discussed police services contract with King County Sheriff’s Office, heard an update on mobile vaccine program, selected applicants to interview for advisory boards and commissions, heard an update on Eagle Landing Stairs removal and new maintenance and operations facility, approved extension of Ambuam development moratorium, and discussed flooding in Boulevard Park.
Read More about Food Truck Pilot Program, Police Services, Ambaum Development, Maintenance Facility, Eagle Landing Stairs, Advisory Boards and Commissions
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Food truck.
Women’s History Month, DESC Housing, Food Trucks, Ambaum Development, Downtown Parking
03/03/2021
Burien City Council acknowledged Women’s History Month, heard an updated on a proposed housing development in downtown Burien, approved a food truck pilot program, extended a moratorium on new development along the Ambaum Blvd Corridor, and approved extension of a parking program aimed at aiding economic development in downtown Burien.
Read More about Women’s History Month, DESC Housing, Food Trucks, Ambaum Development, Downtown Parking
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Person boards bus.
King County Metro RapidRide H Line Funding Approved
02/24/2021
Burien City Council approved pass through of state funding for the construction of the RapidRide H Line.
Read More about King County Metro RapidRide H Line Funding Approved
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Cashier in mask.
Council Approves Grocery Worker Hazard Pay
02/10/2021
In a special meeting, Council passed an updated version of an ordinance requiring grocery workers be paid hazard pay during the pandemic.
Read More about Council Approves Grocery Worker Hazard Pay
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Grocery cashier rings up groceries.
Grocery Worker Hazard Pay, Black History Month, Localized Flooding and Landslides, BEDP 2021 Work Plan
02/01/2021
Council passed a hazard pay ordinance for grocery workers, which will be discussed again during a special meeting on February 8, 2021. They also heard an update on a landslide in Seahurst Park and localized flooding in the Boulevard Park neighborhood, approved the 2021 work plan for the Business & Economic Development Partnership, and approved the Greensward Farms subdivision applcication. February was declared Black History Month in Burien.
Read More about Grocery Worker Hazard Pay, Black History Month, Localized Flooding and Landslides, BEDP 2021 Work Plan
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Photo of Miller Creek in Burien.
Grocery Worker Hazard Pay, Miller Walker Creek Stewardship, Zoning Code Amendments, Comprehensive Plan Docket
01/29/2021
Council discussed grocery worker hazard pay, utility tax relief program, the Miller and Walker Creek Stewardship Program, zoning code amendments on legacy storefronts and home occupations, and the 2021 Comprehensive Plan docket. Council discussed and placed several items on the consent agenda to be approved at the February 1, 2021 meeting. The Council often uses a “two-touch” process and by placing items on the consent agenda to be approved at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
Read More about Grocery Worker Hazard Pay, Miller Walker Creek Stewardship, Zoning Code Amendments, Comprehensive Plan Docket
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Dart board.
Deputy Mayor Election, Human Trafficking Awareness, COVID-19, Utility Tax Relief Program, Growth Targets, Plastic Bag Ban, Council Retreat
01/07/2021
Council elected a deputy mayor, issued a proclamation marking January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Burien, provided an update on COVID-19 in Burien, discussed updates to the utility tax relief program, discussed the process for establishing housing and employment growth targets, updated Burien's plastic bag ban, and discussed topics for the upcoming Council Retreat.
Read More about Deputy Mayor Election, Human Trafficking Awareness, COVID-19, Utility Tax Relief Program, Growth Targets, Plastic Bag Ban, Council Retreat
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Icicles hanging from building.
Severe Weather Shelter, Utility Tax, Rental Housing Inspection Program, Elected Officials and Social Media, Sea-Tac Airport Community Concerns
01/04/2021
Council heard updates on planning for severe weather shelter in Burien and discussed the implementation of a new utility tax and low-income relief program, the launch of the Rental Housing Inspection program in January, addressing community concerns with Sea-Tac Airport operations, and new records retention policies for elected officials’ social media accounts.
Read More about Severe Weather Shelter, Utility Tax, Rental Housing Inspection Program, Elected Officials and Social Media, Sea-Tac Airport Community Concerns
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