Juneteenth, Homelessness Outreach, Development Fees, ARPA Funding for Human Services
The Burien City Council issued a proclamation in honor of Juneteenth, learned about Burien’s comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness, discussed raising development fees, and learned about the status of federal funding for human services programs.
Juneteenth Proclamation Celebrates Emancipation of Enslaved African Americans
Councilmember Cydney Moore sponsored a proclamation celebrating Juneteenth. The City Council made Juneteenth an official holiday for City staff starting last year.
Community members are encouraged to visit the Northwest African American Museum, who will be hosting Juneteenth events all weekend.
Coordinated Care Model Relies on Partnership and Evidence-based Practices to Address Homelessness in Burien
Representatives from six behavioral and public health agencies, City of Burien human services, and law enforcement presented an overview of current homelessness outreach and case management efforts occurring in Burien.
The presentation began with an explanation of the City’s services-first framework for addressing homelessness through prevention, intervention, and outreach. The approach, or care model, addresses a person’s behavioral, shelter, medical, legal, and employment needs. Using a client-centered, coordinated care approach to behavioral health care optimizes wellness, as we maintain strong linkages with community agencies, connecting clients to trusted local resources, and facilitating timely access to primary care, specialty care, basic needs, legal representation, medications, and supportive housing.
The framework relies on non-contractual partnerships that have been established with Salvation Army Outreach, Catholic Community Services CReW program, Transform Burien, LEAD, Ecumenical Leadership Circle, and other churches.
In addition, the City currently holds contracts with the following organizations:
Cost of Permitting Services Requires Development Fees Increase
The City Council discussed increasing development fees as a way to increase revenue and to partially address the budget gap forecasted to start in 2025. The new revenue structure is estimated to generate $120,000 in additional revenue each year. The City Council will discuss a resolution that will raise the fees at a future meeting.
Development fees are paid by permit applicants in exchange for permitting services, which includes building plan and review, land development review, engineering review and inspection, and environmental review (SEPA).
In 2019, the City conducted a comprehensive study of its fee structure. The study recommended some fee adjustments that would recover more of the costs incurred in the permitting process and ensure that the fees do not discourage applicants from the permitting process. The study also presented information about fees from comparable jurisdictions.
The City of Burien hired the FCS Group in 2018 to develop a long-term financial plan for the City of Burien. The group evaluated the City’s long-term financial health and recommended several strategies to increase revenue, including solutions that require only a City Council action and those that will require voter approval. Increasing fees was one of the solutions proposed in the plan.
Federal Pandemic Recovery Funding Will Enhance Public Safety and Human Services Investments
City staff presented an update on human services investments paid for through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.
In 2022, the City Council approved $1.896 million be allocated from the City’s $10.8 million ARPA funding to pay for public safety programs between the years 2023 and 2026. This funding is supporting the storefront resource officer, neighborhood care coordinator, and a mental health professional for the City’s co-response team.
Another $2.9 million of ARPA funds was designated for human services programs, with a focus on the following:
- Gang and Youth Violence Intervention/Prevention
- Homelessness Intervention/Prevention
- Food Access
- Mental Health and Counseling
- Neighborhood Cleanliness
- Housing Stability
Programs and services will be provided by qualified agencies, with the City monitoring and reporting progress. The providers will be selected through a competitive and open request for proposals process set to open in July that will include review of applications by the Human Services Commission. Provider contracts are scheduled to begin in January 2024 and will extend through the end of 2026.
These human services investments are related to the Enhanced Public Safety Initiative approved in 2021.
Consent Agenda and Future Topics of Discussion
The City Council determined June 15, 2023 as the date for a special meeting to discuss a possible censure of Councilmember Cydney Moore and removal of Charles Schaefer from the Planning Commission.
The City Council approved on their consent agenda extension of food truck pilot program and budget adjustment, discussed during their June 5, 2023 meeting.
During the City Manager’s verbal report, he shared that King County had sent a letter that details an offer to support a managed and sanctioned encampment for people experiencing homelessness. Their proposal will be discussed with other proposals during a future City Council meeting.
The city manager also shared that City staff are reviewing ordinances that exist in neighboring municipalities that restrict sale of spray paint. This review is being performed as part of an effort to reduce graffiti vandalism.