Story & Photos by Maureen Hoffmann

On Tuesday evening, Jan. 29, 54 people arrived at Navos’ Revelle Hall for lively discussions about “Strong Visions for Burien”, led by Irene Danysh of Community Visions Network.

Folks split up into a half dozen small groups to express their vision and priorities for Burien. We then gathered in one large circle to hear the ideas of each group. Mayor Jimmy Matta spoke about his hopes and plans for our community, and encouraged citizens to contact him directly.

Comments and suggestions were wide-ranging, and included:

  • Youth engagement
  • Community unity
  • Neighborhood building
  • Airport monitoring
  • Traffic calming
  • Public safety
  • Easier ADU regulations (Accessory dwelling units)
  • Listen to both new and long-term residents
  • …and many other topics, suggestions

Participants then split up into small groups again to brainstorm about events and activities that are feasible to pull off by summer’s end.

Attendees included: Mayor Jimmy Matta, Deputy Mayor Austin Bell, City Councilmembers Bob Edgar and Krystal Marx, City Manager Brian Wilson, Communications Officer Emily Inflow-Hood, Parks & Rec Representative Casey Stanley, former Councilmember Debi Wagner… and 46 Burien residents from neighborhoods scattered throughout the city.

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