The Burien City Council convened on Monday, June 16, 2025, for a meeting that covered critical local issues, including infrastructure developments with heated public debates.
Among the key discussions, attendees received an update on the SR 509 extension and learned about a proposed increase to vehicle license fees.
However, the meeting was largely dominated by impassioned public comments regarding controversial zoning changes, and a presentation on a new public safety levy lid lift, both of which are poised to have substantial impacts on the future of Burien.
State Route 509 Expressway Briefing
The council heard a presentation on SR 509. As part of the Gateway Program, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is extending 509 to connect with I-5. The first segment of the extension will be open later this month. WSDOT is currently constructing an interchange and noise walls at South 160th Street. The walls will be done by the end of summer, but the interchange will be under construction for another year.
This summer, the 509 extension will be free to drive. However, starting sometime in September there will be tolls to use that stretch of highway. The toll revenue will fund building and maintenance of the road. Toll rates will vary by time of day, but are likely to be $1.20 to $2.40 per trip. There will be a low-income discount, and trucks will pay a higher rate based on number of axles. WSDOT recommends getting a Good To Go pass, which will provide the lowest rates on tolls.
WSDOT is trying to get the word out to everyone about these changes. To this end, they had a table at the Strawberry Festival, where they engaged with around 900 people. When asked about the impacts of heavier use on the highway to area residents once the project is complete, presenters said the traffic increase will be modest, and it may even be reduced on local roadways.
Vehicle License Fee Increase
The city has received a portion of vehicle license fees since 2009, when they started collecting $10 per vehicle. In 2017, that fee doubled. Now, the council is looking at doubling it again, to $40. If this happens, the city could generate $1.45 million in revenue. This money will be used to maintain streets, sidewalks, and ADA ramps. This presentation was informational only. The council will vote on a draft ordinance at the June 30th meeting.
City Manager’s Report
City Manager Adolfo Bailon shared that the city is waiting on needed parts for repair of the Town Square fountain, but it should be up and running for the first week of July. However, Bailon did stress that this is only a target date, and if more issues arise there could be further delays.
The next Coffee Chat with the city manager will be on Thursday June 26. It will take place in Council Chambers starting at 5 p.m. The chat’s focus will be on Public Works.
Zoning Changes Lead To Public Outcry
Forty five people signed up to speak during public comments, and most expressed deep concerns with proposed zoning changes. They said planners aren’t listening to residents, and are basing decisions on inaccurate information. They said essential services like stormwater, sewer, and electricity are already at capacity, and increasing density will only compound the issue. They argued for the city pushing back against the state on these mandates. They also mentioned that city planners have gone far beyond what the state requires, zoning for more density than needed for a city of Burien’s size. They also expressed concerns about losing Burien’s tree canopy and biodiversity.
On the other side, there were a few voices who supported passing the zoning changes. They said this is necessary to increase the supply of housing, both affordable and market rate. They also argued that increasing density is the best way to increase housing without adding to urban sprawl. They thought the changes will make Burien more vibrant and exciting.
During the presentation on the proposed zoning changes, it was mentioned that every new building will be reviewed to make sure it follows fire, setback, and building codes. In addition, developers will be responsible for making sure their projects are fully serviced by essential utilities, and they will not go forward without those provisions. It was also mentioned that Burien’s tree code is now one of the strongest in the region, and it will continue to be maintained. The council has until June 30 to pass this bill, which will unlock grant funds–some of which have already been spent.
Public Safety Levy Lid Lift
The ballot language for the Public Safety Levy is in, though it has not been finalized. Here is the draft version:
“To fund public safety, Burien City Council passed Ordinance 874. To fund public safety services in Burien, including police staffing and co-response programs, as well as safer streets and sidewalks, this measure increases the City of Burien’s regular property tax levy not to exceed $0.95/$1,000, for a maximum rate not to exceed $1.90/$1,000 for 2026; and sets the limit factor for the City’s total regular property tax levy for 2027-2031 to 6%. Exemptions apply to seniors, veterans, and others as described in RCW 84.36.“
It was explained that revenue from the ballot measure, if it passes, would only be used to fund public safety. The popular police co-response teams have been funded by grants that are expiring. The public safety levy would keep the current co-response teams, and add more teams to the program. In addition, it would pay for the police services through King County Sheriff, and increase the total officers in Burien by two per year for six years. Pedestrian safety would be improved as well, with added street lighting and sidewalk infrastructure.
Median homes would expect to see an increase of $39 per month in increased property tax. It was explained that the current budget taps into the city’s reserve funds just to maintain the status quo. Without passing this levy, city services will need to be drastically cut. The council will address the language that will go on the ballot further at the June 30th meeting.
Video
Below is full, raw video of the council meeting:
No one questioned or discussed displacement issues in the R2 upzones, especially along the Ambaum corridor, which their own map indicates has a high level of risk. One public commenter correctly pointed out upzoned R2 properties will be re-assessed and taxed accordingly. I would add that will be the case whether they develop their lot or not. Many people live in the upzoned areas in the Ambaum corridor and other areas have fixed incomes. This is who will not benefit and in fact may suffer. No mitigation or relief was discussed for that.
In addition, no discussion of how the MFTE would impact R2 middle housing zones. It allows for 6 units and with a height of 75ft, not 35ft. Big difference for most of those neighborhoods too. The example of what a 7200 sq ft lot would look like with a 3 unit stacked building was a lot taller than 35 ft.
Planners and building inspectors should also have a check and balance on their decisions by allowing public review of their preliminary decisions to allow any variances before they can issue site and construction permits. As they are unelected, this is important. Not doing this was a big reason Ballard became over dense with cheaply built housing that was not affordable and made things more congested.
Just because someone says they mean well, does not mean they will act accordingly. I agree that Burien should not upzone most R2’s for medium density with MFTE exemptions like a Tier 1 city it may never actually be. MFTE never got a lot of affordable units built in Seattle, and I don’t see much difference in the outcome here.
Should make LAW, ANYTHING financed by “Grants” should NOT move forward.
And now for the punch line…… this zoning HAS ALREADY HAPPENED. Not one City Council Member informed the public prior to the hour and half long comment period that their comments were in vain…… because the council members themselves didn’t know the zoning cake was baked by the planning department. After the public comment period the council went into a working session. The council members were told that this was approved by them in the final 2024 session and cant be changed for 2 YEARS !
Council Members expressed their surprise. Really ? So what is the truth ?
1) Do we have a City Council who doesn’t understand their role in one of the most important regulatory updates that will impact the city for decades ?
2) Do we have a Council who understands the process but lies to their constituents ?
3) Do we have a rogue City Planning Committee and Planning Department who are knowingly misinforming the City Council to pass their activist agenda?
Which is it? In the real world (outside of government) people would be fired this level of fiduciary irresponsibility and collusion. The planning committee should be dismissed. The Planning Director should be fired. And we need a new slate of City Council Members who can understand and manage the complexity of this process.