City of Burien

For our elders and other vulnerable community members, and for the health care workers and others on the front lines, please do your part to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

In order to protect the health and safety of grocery and retail workers, the Burien City Council has temporarily suspended the plastic bag ban and paper bag fees.

As the COVID-19 outbreak in Washington continues to evolve, the City of Burien recognizes the substantial impacts to our local business community.

Burien playground equipment, park restrooms, and sports courts will be closed starting March 23, 2020 as part of the City of Burien’s continued response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Burien parks and trails will remain open, but community members are directed to follow social distancing guidelines.

Council passed an emergency resolution on COVID-19, approved a moratorium on residential evictions, approved a $200,000 emergency fund, passed a resolution supporting a complete count for Census 2020, and more.

NEWS RELEASE: Garmon Newsom II has been selected as the new city attorney for the City of Burien.

We are faced with an unprecedented crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to harm our community unless we all work together to stop the spread. As your elected leaders, we are acting swiftly to provide a safe and healthy environment for our residents, and staff are working long hours to coordinate and advocate for the right resources for Burien.

In support of State and County directives and our community’s public health, the City of Burien is closing recreation programs and the Burien Community Center and Moshier Art Center.

The City of Burien is adopting emergency procedures for upcoming Council meetings and advisory board meetings following Public Health - Seattle & King County's recommendations to promote and practice “social distancing,” increasing the physical distance between people to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

NEWS RELEASE: City Manager Brian J. Wilson has declared a proclamation of emergency for Burien, Washington, due to public health impacts of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). The proclamation supports measures to be taken to protect public health, safety and welfare within the city.

Council heard briefings on COVID-19, Census 2020, and redevelopment opportunities in downtown Burien. They also voted to increase the city manager’s compensation, approved the Burien Urban Center Plan, discussed the Eagle Landing Park Storm Drainage Project, and more.

The City of Burien is offering, in partnership with the Small Business Development Center and StartZone, a workshop dedicated to addressing important topics a small business owner should be aware of as they enter or renew a commercial lease. Rich Shockley of the SBDC at Highline College will guide you through understanding the basics of commercial leasing.

Council extended a moratorium on enhanced services facilities, approved the Business and Economic Development Partnership work plan, approved funding priorities for the Human Services Fund, discussed a fee study, and directed research be done into a minimum wage in Burien.

In conjunction with National Invasive Species Awareness Week, the City of Burien hosting is two events to raise awareness about the importance of native plants and invasive plant removal.

On November 14, 2019, a group of Washington counties and cities, including the City of Burien and joined by several transit and environmental groups, filed a lawsuit calling for I-976 to be halted from going into effect. On November 27, 2019, the King County Superior Court barred I-976 from going into effect while the lawsuit is pending. On February 12, 2020, the court rejected most of the arguments Seattle, King County, and others made that I-976 was unconstitutional, however it did not rule on the City of Burien’s claim that the measure illegally impaired Burien’s bond contracts.

NEWS RELEASE: Starting January 1, 2021, a new law goes into effect restricting the use of single-use plastic food serviceware in Burien.

Council discussed zoning regulations for enhanced services facilities, passed a new law requiring food serviceware products be compostable, welcomed new City of Burien employees, and more.

NEWS RELEASE: On January 28, 2020, Craig Pierce Tweney was convicted of assault in the fourth degree for his attack on Mayor Jimmy Matta in 2018.

Council held a study session to discuss the Business and Economic Development Partnership (BEDP) annual report and work plan, recommendations from the Burien Airport Committee, a State of Washington planning grant to fund community engagement for a new community center, new appointments to local government organizations, and council meeting guidelines. Study sessions allow for a more in-depth exploration of topics.

Nominate a person or organization for 2020 Citizen of the Year!

Burien City Council directed the City Manager to extend the leases for tenants of the Burien Annex Building until the end of July 2020. The City will conduct repairs to address immediate health and safety issues.

The City of Burien is preparing for extreme cold and wet weather.

New councilmembers were sworn in, Jimmy Matta was elected as mayor and Krystal Marx was elected as deputy mayor, and Council discussed the Burien Annex and compostable food service products.

NEWS RELEASE: Burien City Council voted to elect Jimmy Matta to serve a second, two-year term as mayor and Krystal Marx for a one-year term as deputy mayor.

City Council directed the City Manager to authorize testing for pollutants in the Annex immediately at January 6, 2020 meeting.

The City of Burien is partnering with Ventures to provide a series of FREE Business Basics classes for aspiring and existing Burien businesses.

Carolyn Hope has been hired as the City of Burien’s new Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Director, effective Feb. 3, 2020.

On January 6, 2020, the community is invited to a reception and swearing-in ceremony for newly elected council members Sofia Aragon, Cydney Moore, and Kevin Schilling. The reception will be followed by the selection of mayor and deputy mayor.

Council discussed the Burien Annex, arts and culture grants, animal control code, and more.

The City has explored an option to extend the time period for tenants to operate out of the Annex building past the January 31, 2020 deadline. After a consultation regarding the insurance and liability issues surrounding the significant safety risks that are present, enabling tenants to stay in the building past January 31, 2020 is not an option the City can entertain.

Council adopted the 2020 budget, passed legislation to encourage investments in affordable housing, passed ADU ordinance, amended animal cruelty code, discussed climate change, and discussed Comprehensive Plan amendments. Council also discussed funding for stream restoration and fish passage project, funding for a severe weather shelter, and councilmember salary changes.

NEWS RELEASE: The City of Burien is closing the Burien Community Center Annex because initial inspections have found significant concerns with the structural integrity of the building.

On December 16, 2019, the community is invited to a reception honoring the service and dedication of Burien Deputy Mayor Austin Bell and Councilmembers Bob Edgar and Lucy Krakowiak.

On November 27, 2019, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision in favor of the City of Burien in Burien’s lawsuit against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) arising from the FAA’s change of a flight path over Burien without environmental review.

The City of Burien is changing the permit center hours to 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. starting January 2, 2020.

Council discussed the 2020 Census and the Burien Urban Center Plan.

Council approved minor increases to commercial parking tax, surface water management fees, and property tax. Council also discussed climate change, impact of I-976, accessory dwelling units, and updates to the animal code.

NEWS RELEASE: Based on rising construction costs and decreasing revenues in the hotel sector, Hotel Concepts has decided not to move forward with developing a hotel in Burien at this time.

Council honored veterans with a proclamation, discussed homeless sheltering models, continued to discuss the 2020 budget, approved a new affordable housing program, and approved a new noise ordinance for downtown Burien.

NEWS RELEASE: The City of Burien is proud to announce a new series of events titled “It’s a Wonderful Burien.” Winter lights will illuminate Burien’s Town Square Park every night in December, inspiring people to come to downtown Burien for unique dining, shopping, and seasonal experiences hosted by the City of Burien and community partners.

Council discussed the storm drainage master plan, parking on 152nd St in downtown Burien, and provided comments on a proposed regional homeless authority.

The Department of Commerce will be hosting a public meeting to provide a preliminary report on study of impacts of SeaTac Airport.

Council pledged support for Highline Medical Center, heard an update on the Westmark Emerald Pointe property, appointed a new BEDP member, and discussed affordable housing and the 2020 budget.

City staff are monitoring work being done at property located on 1300 SW 136th St., owned by Westmark Emerald Pointe LLC.

Council met new employees, discussed property tax, 2020 budget, state and federal legislative agenda, rental housing policies, SCORE jail, and more.

NEWS RELEASE: On October 7, 2019, the Burien City Council passed policies designed to protect renters and improve renter-landlord relationships. Ordinance 716 goes into effect October 15, 2019.

The Town Square Fountain will be closed for maintenance September 30 and October 1.

Council discussed City staff salaries and benefits, an urban forest stewardship plan designed to protect Burien’s tree canopy, and affordable housing demonstration program.

Council approved a rental housing inspection program, declared October 2019 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, discussed gang activity in Burien, approved funds for human services and community center projects, discussed ways to support micro-businesses in Burien, and directed staff to continue Navigation Team’s efforts to connect people living outside to services.

NEWS RELEASE: The Burien City Council approved on Burien’s first rental housing inspection program. The Council also approved the hiring of a rental housing inspection coordinator, who will manage the program and work with residents who need assistance with rental housing issues.

The City’s temporary sign regulations have been updated. The City’s permanent sign rules were not changed. A 90-day grace period was given to businesses to comply with the new regulations. Code enforcement on the new rules is allowed to begin on September 9, 2019.

Susan McLain Selected to be New Community Development Director; Lorraine Chachere Selected to be New Economic Development Specialist

Council discussed an arts and cultural district in Burien, selected new advisory board members, heard an update on the urban center plan, extended a moratorium on the siting of enhanced services facilities in Burien, discussed a climate action plan, and more.

Burien’s Town Square Fountain has reopened to the public after repairs to the electrical system were completed. The fountain will remain open until October.

NEWS RELEASE: The Burien City Council unanimously passed an ordinance on January 7, 2019 to ban carryout plastic bags in restaurants and retail establishments. The ordinance and ban will take effect on January 1, 2020, giving Burien businesses time to use their current stock of plastic bags.

To assess the effectiveness of beach restoration projects in restoring former forage fish spawning habitat, Coastal Geology will be using a drone to conduct monitoring work at Seahurst Park August 28–30.

Council heard an update on SCORE jail, recognized Burien Police Sgt. Chad Myers, and discussed a "mercado", Peter Western Bridge Construction, Burien Fire Department, rental housing policy, the Puget Sound Regional Council VISION 2050, and more.

Hamilton Construction Company has been awarded through a competitive bid process the contract to construct the new Peter Western Bridge. Construction will begin end of August and be completed by the end of 2020

The City of Burien is updating its Hazard Mitigation Plan, a plan to reduce harm from potential hazards such as landslides and earthquakes. The community is invited to provide feedback about what hazards you see in Burien.

The Burien City Council is discussing a potential law that would require all food service products in the City of Burien to be made of compostable materials due to concerns about the effects of plastics on the natural environment. The Burien Business and Economic Development Partnership (BEDP) invites Burien businesses to a roundtable discussion on the draft legislation.

Council discussed a Port of Seattle community fund, a strategic communications plan, the July 4th holiday, staffing changes, site options for a vendor market (“mercado”), investments into affordable housing, and more.

The Department of Commerce’s Sea-Tac Airport Impact Study project team is an open house on July 24 to gain public input on plans to study and inventory environmental, social, and economic impacts of the Sea-Tac Airport on the surrounding communities.

As repair work for the Town Square Fountain progresses, unforeseen issues have occurred. At this time, we cannot commit to an open date. To help Burien’s youngest residents have fun and cool off during this summer’s hottest days, sprinklers will be turned on at Lake Burien Memorial Park Mondays and Fridays, 2–4 p.m. when temperature rises above 75 degrees.

S 144th Way is being re-aligned between Des Moines Memorial Drive and the cold storage warehouses. Construction begins July 15 and will continue until the end of the year.

A 4.6 magnitude earthquake struck at Three Lakes, Washington and shook much of our region. As of now, no significant impacts or damages have been reported within King County.

The possession and discharging of all fireworks is banned in the City of Burien. To report a fireworks violation, please call 911.

Council discussed the pilot program to address camping and unauthorized use of parks, StormFest, and climate change.

On Thursday, June 27, the City of Burien invites you to join a discussion about a shared community vision for Burien’s Urban Center at an open house at Angelo’s of Burien.

The City of Burien is updating the Storm Drainage Master Plan, which was last published in 2012. The plan will guide where the City focuses its efforts to reduce urban flooding and protect water quality in Miller Creek, Salmon Creek, and Puget Sound.

Council discussed progress on the pilot four-month program to regulate unauthorized use of Burien parks and facilities, passed a resolution supporting the Medic One/Emergency Medical Services levy, approved revisions to the zoning code regulating temporary signs in Burien, discussed long-range financial plan scenarios, and heard alternatives to the current fireworks prohibition.

An algal toxin was found in a water quality sample collected from Lake Burien on May 31. Public Health recommends that people and pets do not swim in the lake, drink lake water, or engage in other water-contact activities.

NEWS RELEASE: Chris Craig has been selected to lead economic development for the City of Burien.

The City of Burien is hosting a follow up community meeting on June 20 on proposed rental housing policies and a rental inspection program. City of Burien staff will present a summary of the proposed policies and ask for community feedback. The proposed policies will reflect revisions based on feedback received during previous community meetings.

Council discussed amendments to Burien’s sign code, updates to the Transportation Improvement Program, passed a resolution opposing Initiative 976, and heard a presentation about Burien First Fridays.

Response from City Manager Wilson to residents expressing concerns about how the City is serving those living unsheltered in our community, and about tents and camping in Burien parks and the effect this has on the health and safety of our parks.

The Town Square Fountain will have a delayed opening due to sustained substantial water damage in the control vault and the fountain’s electrical system. Parks Department staff are working quickly to secure repair services and seek replacement of electrical components.

Council issued two proclamations, discussed a proposed plan for addressing camping in parks and homelessness, and appointed members to the Burien Airport Committee and Planning Commission.

On May 6, 2019, the City of Burien announced a new approach to addressing unauthorized use of Burien parks and facilities. In an effort to make everyone feel welcome and safe in Burien parks, City staff and Burien Police will be taking a compassionate, collaborative, and legal approach to prevent camping and encampments, that complies with the Martin v Boise decision.

Burien is holding a #TreeSelfie photo contest, where one lucky individual will win $25 if they correctly identify a tree in their neighborhood and let us know!

Council discussed during a study session the results of the urban center planning workshop and survey, gave direction on options for future housing policy discussions, and continued a discussion on a new community center.

Council made advisory board appointments, issues a proclamation in support of Affordable Housing Week, heard a presentation about the Burien Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program, and more.

With Earth Day just around the corner, there are many opportunities to help protect Burien’s environment.

NEWS RELEASE: Charles “Chip” Davis, Burien Community Development Director, has announced his retirement after 40+ years of public service. His last day will be May 31, 2019.

Council approved updates to the Shoreline Master Program, discussed forecasts for the General Fund, heard presentation on the 2018 Police Services Annual Report, and discussed proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments.

Council heard presentations and discussed budget forecasts, website improvements, and possible restrictions on single-use plastics.

The City of Burien is accepting applications for three open positions on the Planning Commission.

Support for State Housing and Essential Needs Funding, Construction Codes for Alleys, Shoreline Master Program, and Noise Ordinance

Apply for Position on Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table

What will Burien's downtown and urban center be like 5, 10, or 20 years from now? Tell us what you think by taking a survey.

Council received updates on Community Court, the City’s human services program, and animal control services. The Council also presented two proclamations, selected the 2018 Burien Citizen of the Year, and issued a short-term moratorium on permitting of Enhanced Services Facilities in Burien.

Council appointed four people to the Burien Airport Committee, signed letters of support for state legislative bills calling for the siting of a second commercial aviation facility in western Washington, and discussed economic development on SW 153rd St.

Come to an open house to learn about updates to the City’s code for temporary signs such as A-boards, banners, campaign signs, etc.

Come to a workshop to help establish a vision for Burien’s mixed use, regional urban center with housing, employment, transportation options, and services.

The community is invited to share their vision of how safe, quality, habitable, and affordable housing looks like in Burien, and how potential tenant protections could affect both renters and landlords in Burien.

Council discussed several resolutions regarding impacts of Burien’s proximity to Sea-Tac Airport, issued a proclamation against human trafficking, and received an update on an upcoming discussion of tenant protection policies.

NEWS RELEASE: King County District Court and the City of Burien are collaborating to implement a “community court” in Burien. Scheduled to launch February 25, 2019, the alternative, problem-solving court will differ from traditional courts by seeking to identify and address the underlying challenges of court participants that may contribute to further criminal activity.

Council debated the election of a new deputy mayor and discussed issues related to Sea-Tac International Airport. Council also adopted an ordinance to restrict the use and sale of single-use plastic bags.