25th Anniversary of Incorporation

City of Burien Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Incorporation
Posted on 01/23/2018

NEWS RELEASE

Burien, WA, February 23, 2018—On February 28, 2018, the City of Burien will celebrate its 25th anniversary of incorporation.

The idea to incorporate came from residents wanting to have a stronger voice in the destiny of their community. Concerns grew as Burien realized they needed a stronger voice and representation in matters concerning the expansion of Sea-Tac International Airport.

“Not only has Burien become a much desired, respected, and established city,” says Dr. Arun Jhaveri, Burien’s first mayor. “But also provides efficient and cost-effective public services to its more than 50,000 multi-culturally diverse residents, without increasing normal taxes, fees, or compromising its strong vision.”

On Monday, February 26, the community is invited to a reception honoring current and past civic leaders. The event, held at the Burien Community Center between 5:00 and 6:30 p.m., will feature remarks from Burien Mayor Jimmy Matta, Burien’s First Mayor Dr. Arun Jhaveri, and King County Executive Dow Constantine. Guests will also be invited to share their own recollections of Burien’s history in an open mic portion of the event.

“This year, our City Council is beginning a conversation about what the next twenty-five years will look like for our beloved community,” says Burien Mayor Jimmy Matta. “Our anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the legacy left by Burien’s earliest civic leaders, and inspire a new generation to be part of Burien’s future.”

The Monday event is the kickoff to a year-long celebration of our 25th anniversary. The City is partnering with local media and community organizations to incorporate the 25th anniversary theme in community events, on social media, and in special publications throughout the year. The community is invited to celebrate alongside the City by incorporating the 25th anniversary theme into their own events and programs. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Emily Inlow-Hood at [email protected].

CITY MILESTONES

1993

  • February 28, Incorporation Day.

1995

  • Groundbreaking and dedication of Lake
  • Burien Memorial Park.

1997

  • City assumes ownership of King County parks properties in Burien City’s first Comprehensive Plan adopted.

1998

  • Annexation of 2,500 residents of Manhattan & Woodside park areas Park Board & Arts Commission formed.

2000

  • Downtown Town Square Task Force begins meeting to plan a Town Square.
  • First annual outdoor concert series held at Lake Burien School Park.
    2001
  • Burien’s Skate Park opens.

2002

  • Work begins on SW 152nd Street improvement project.
  • Discover Burien launches.

2003

  • Broadcasting of Burien City Council meetings begins.

2004

  • City Council begins study of possible annexation of North Highline area.
  • Conceptual site plan for 20-acre Town Square development approved.

2005

  • Work completed on removal of south seawall and beach restoration at Seahurst Park.
  • Dedication ceremony held for Burien’s Eagle Landing Park.

2006

  • Dedication ceremony for Mathison Park, the first park development east of 1st Ave S.
  • Groundbreaking of Town Square Park.
  • City Hall moves to new temporary location on Ambaum Boulevard SW.

2007

  • Jacob Ambaum Park opens on Ambaum Boulevard SW.
  • Demolition of former Gottschalk store marks beginning of construction of Burien Town Square.

2008

  • City initiates new economic development initiative to build on the “cluster” of medical service providers in Burien.
  • City adopts biennial budget process.

2009

  • New City Hall and Library opens.
  • Town Square Park opens.
  • Radio Free Burien begins broadcasting.
  • Groundbreaking of South Correctional Entity Regional Jail (SCORE).
  • Burien Interim Art Space has year-long run.
  • Work completed on phase one of 1st Ave S. improvement project.

2010

  • Public Works maintenance crews brought in-house.
  • Community Center opens in newly remodeled former library.
  • Burien contracts to begin Burien Animal Care and Control.
  • Annexation of 14,000 Highline residents.
    2011
  • SCORE Regional Jail opens.
  • City Council develops, adopts Vision for Burien.
  • Metro/Sound Transit parking garage opens downtown.
  • City’s major arterials are resurfaced.
  • Work begins on phase two on 1st Ave S. improvement project.

2012

  • Community Animal Resource and Education Society (C.A.R.E.S.) opens in Burien.

2013

  • Phase two of 1st Ave S. improvement project completed.
  • Work begins on Seahurst Shoreline Restoration Project, north seawall removal.
  • Burien becomes a Safe Place City.
  • Arbor Day Foundation names Burien a 2012 Tree City USA.

2014

  • Seahurst Restoration Project concludes and receives Livable Communities Award for
  • “Overall Excellence in Protecting Natural Resource Area”.

2015

  • NERA Stormwater Facility and Miller Creek Greenway Project Phase One concludes.
  • King Country Metro Transit opens shuttle in Burien.
  • Ground breaks on Merrill Garden developments to complete Town Square.
  • Burien Magazine launches.

2017

  • City adopts immigration status ordinance.
  • Cold storage facility opens in NERA.
  • Town Square complete with construction of Maverick Apartments and Merrill Garden complex.

2018

  • City celebrates its 25th anniversary of incorporation.

About the City of Burien

The City of Burien is a vibrant and creative community, where the residents embrace diversity, celebrate arts and culture, promote vitality, and treasure the environment.