Time on Council
Current term: January 1, 2026 to
December 31, 2029
Position: 3
Time in office: 2026 to present
Contact
[email protected]
Boards and Committees
Background
“I envision a Burien that is vibrant, affordable, and safe for everyone. I ran on affordability, safer streets for bicyclists and pedestrians, and government transparency and accountability, and I intend to act on these priorities. I’d like to see more housing opportunities for working families and communities that are more enjoyable and safer for people who walk and bike. I’m committed to being responsive to public input and to doing everything I can to make our city better, from fixing potholes to fixing street lights. If I don’t respond to an email, let me know. And I plan to have regular meet & greets with the public, so please come! I love this city, our many excellent businesses, our beautiful parks, and above all, our good people.”
Sam Méndez moved to Burien in 2020 when he and his wife bought their first home in Seahurst, where they are raising their son and two dogs. Méndez grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and moved to Seattle in 2011 for law school. He graduated from UW Law in 2014, and worked in private practice for five years before beginning work in state government at the Health Care Authority, where his work continues. In Burien, Méndez has served on the board of Hospitality House and the 33rd District Democrats, and is a member of Lake Burien Presbyterian Church.
Méndez is passionate about civil rights, wealth inequality, and climate change. He wants to make Burien a better place for everyone, where people can enjoy public spaces, raise a family, and be connected with community. Méndez loves Burien’s thriving business community, its excellent food, and its beautiful parks. Méndez loves to cook, garden, and go traveling.
Updated March 5, 2026