City of Burien

Council discussed updates to the building code, human services funding, rental housing and business license fees, participation in StART, Ambaum corridor development moratorium, and more.

The City of Burien is partnering with Highline Public Schools and Comcast to connect up to 1,500 eligible Highline students in Burien with free internet for 12 months.

King County Wastemobile will be at Burien Fred Meyer from September 18–20.

The Burien City Council is hosting a special council meeting on September 14, 2020 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. on the topic of public safety. The meeting will be hosted on Zoom. Community members are invited to speak in small group roundtable discussions at the meeting.

The Highline Heritage Museum and City of Burien are launching a project to gather the history of the building known as Chelsea Park Elementary School/ Highline Community Center/ Burien Community Center/ and the Burien Annex.

Council approved an interlocal agreement to enhance Miller Creek, discussed a resolution to allocate funding for affordable housing, approved a contingency budget for the Burien Annex demolition project, discussed progress on climate action plan, and discussed process to engage the community in a conversation about public safety.

In compliance with the Washington State’s “Safe Start” plan, the following events are canceled or converted into virtual events through the rest of the year.

Council selected the 2019 Citizen of the Year, discussed the 2020 Census, approved moving forward with the sale of a City-owned parking lot, extended the outdoor dining program, approved changes to Comprehensive Plan docketing procedure, and discussed police services and a community safety public engagement process.

The City of Burien will be demolishing the Burien Community Center Annex, located at 425 SW 144th Street between August and October. The City of Burien selected Construction Group International (CGI) LLC through a competitive bid process to implement the demolition of the buildings. The projected cost of the project is $345,400. Funds are being transferred from other park capital projects and the City’s capital reserve fund to pay for the project.

The City of Burien is hosting an Affordable Housing Forum as part of the development of a Housing Action Plan.

Council discussed community safety and police reform, why wearing a mask is important to fighting the pandemic, crime rates in Burien compared to other south King County cities, code amendments for buildings in floodplains, and adjustments to 2019-2020 budget.

The City of Burien is distributing 16,000 free cloth face coverings (masks) to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Burien.

Council issued two proclamations and discussed policing in Burien, a new downtown housing development, and discussed work plans for the the parks, recreation and cultural services department and advisory boards.

As part of the City of Burien’s commitment to improving access to policymaking and government services to all Burien residents, the City of Burien is pleased to offer Spanish interpretation during every virtual City Council meeting.

The City of Burien is offering a free webinar on July 9, 2020 at noon on the topic of Burien’s tree code and urban forestry program.

The City of Burien has made grant funding available to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Grants will be made in amounts up to $5,000 and will be awarded to qualifying businesses. Funding is limited and applications will close July 13, 2020.

New penalties are now in effect for the possession and discharge of illegal fireworks in Burien. A new “social host” ordinance is also now in effect, which places responsibility for the discharge fireworks on to the property owner where discharge of fireworks occurs.

The City of Burien is an inclusive and welcoming city and we want to strongly declare that acts of hate or intimidation based on someone’s identity have no place in our community.

Council issued two proclamations, heard an update on measures King County Sheriff’s Office is taking to improve accountability, discussed funding for organizations providing relief for families economically affected by COVID-19, and discussed annexation of White Center and Top Hat neighborhoods.

On June 24, the Burien Planning Commission will discuss flood code updates, housing needs assessment, and future housing action plan.

This Friday, June 19, 2020, communities across the country will commemorate end of African American slavery in the U.S. during Juneteenth celebrations and actions. The City of Burien encourages our community to observe Juneteenth locally.

The Highline Heritage Museum and City of Burien are teaming up to document the stories of our community’s experience during COVID-19. The “Burien Pandemic Story Project” aims to document the stories, photos, and other artifacts of community member’s experiences during the pandemic.

On June 4, 2020, the City of Burien will host a panel discussion with local development professionals to discuss development issues in Burien. Panelists will discuss the general development climate and market in Burien, permitting and zoning issues, and how to increase affordability in new housing.

Council discussed the federal funding for COVID-19 response, Transportation Improvement Program, Enhanced Services Facilities, third-party delivery fees, Burien’s hazard mitigation plan, and more.

The City of Burien is announcing several new policies designed to help our business community during these uncertain economic times including an outdoor dining program and B&O tax referral.

Message from Burien Police Chief Theodore A. Boe on the death of George Floyd.

The City of Burien will be closing all public facilities and services for four days in 2020.

Council voted to demolish the Burien Annex, discussed preparations for the Fourth of July holiday, discussed capping restaurant delivery fees charged by third-party platforms, and discussed local and federal funding to help the Burien community mitigate impacts from COVID-19.

Troy Smithmeyer has been selected as the Burien Police Department’s next captain.

The Burien Community Center and Moshier Community Art Center are currently closed, but the City of Burien’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PaRCS) department continues to serve the community in a virtual format. Weekly virtual programs and virtual events are being added to the City of Burien website and Burien PaRCS Facebook page.

In compliance with the Washington State’s “Safe Start” plan, City of Burien and partners are postponing or canceling certain summer events in response to COVID-19 pandemic.

Council discussed business license code update, public safety, economic impacts of COVID-19, details of the state’s Safe Start plan, the plan for re-opening City facilities to the public, and a process for asking the community about their recreation, cultural arts, and social services needs in Burien.

A new business license system launches May 21, 2020. In order to have time to successfully launch the business licensing system, no new business licenses will be processed May 8–20.

Council discussed the future of the Burien Community Center Annex.

Council heard an update on COVID-19 response, discussed emergency budget reductions, approved the Comprehensive Plan Docket, appointed new members to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and discussed business license code updates.

April 22, 2020 is the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. While we cannot gather for an Earth Day neighborhood cleanup or tree planning, there are still many things we can do at home to celebrate.

The City of Burien is seeking artists to share their artwork with the community on signal boxes around Burien.

Everyone, even people who are young and healthy, is urged to stay home to slow the spread of COVID-19. If you must go out, stay at least six feet apart from others. This includes in our parks and at the beach. Staying home and avoiding all non-essential contact with others is the best way to stay healthy and keep others healthy.

Council discussed a number of issues related to COVID-19, including: issuing a proclamation denouncing stigma and bias related to the disease, financial impact to the City of Burien as well as Burien economy and residents, discussed the Comprehensive Plan Docket, and more.

The Burien City Council issued a proclamation denouncing stigma and bias related to COVID-19. The proclamation calls out the discrimination Asian community members have faced during the COVID-19 outbreak.

April 1, 2020 marks the 10th anniversary of the annexation of North Burien and Boulevard Park (southern North Highline) neighborhoods to the city of Burien.

With social distancing and stay home orders in effect, the City of Burien encourages you to celebrate Arbor Day right in your own back yard.

Council temporarily suspended the plastic bag ban, discussed emergency support for Burien community impacted by COVID-19, issued a proclamation honoring Arbor Day, and heard updates on the rental housing inspection program and sustainable climate action plan.

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.