Burien voters will choose between Sam Mendez and Marie Barbon in the Nov. 4, 2025 general election for City Council Position 3, and below are their answers to our Candidate Q&As.

Ballots began arriving last week for the upcoming election, and voters are reminded that ballot boxes will close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday night, Nov. 4.

Mendez, a Burien father and community advocate, highlights affordable housing, safer streets, and responsive government as priorities. Mendez helped pass Burien’s voter-approved minimum wage initiative and opposes the council’s legal fight against it. His endorsements include the King County Democrats, 33rd District Democrats, and State Sen. Tina Orwall.

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Barbon, a pediatric nurse and 16-year Burien resident, serves as chair of the city’s Human Services Commission, and emphasizes public safety, housing, and services. She says she wants to bring ‘compassionate, common-sense leadership’ to City Hall. Barbon opposes new taxes, calling instead for business growth to strengthen Burien’s economy.

To help inform voters ahead of the primary, South King Media invited each candidate to respond to a standardized set of 11 questions covering topics such as public safety, housing, homelessness, economic development, climate policy, and their vision for Burien’s future.

NOTEPhotos and links are from the King County Elections website. We do not correct punctuation, grammar, or fact check candidate statements. Answers are posted the same order as on ballots.

Sam Mendez vs Marie Barbon

1. Why are you runing for Burien City Council? What are your top three reasons and issues you want to address?

Sam Mendez:

Mendez: I’m running for Burien City Council because I care deeply about this community and believe we deserve a government that works for all of us. My priorities are clear: affordable housing, safe streets for people walking and biking, and transparent, accountable leadership.

Mendez: Burien’s diversity—racial, cultural, and economic—is one of its greatest strengths. I want to make sure that people from all walks of life can afford to live, work, and thrive here.

Mendez: I envision a city council that makes it easy for people to participate. That means holding meetings after 5pm, welcoming all public commenters equally, and making decisions openly and with clear explanations, not closed-door sessions. I’m running to help lead a government that listens and acts with integrity.


Marie Barbon:

Barbon: I am running for Burien City Council to fight for affordability, public safety, and sustainable growth. She knows that many Burien residents, especially low-income families and seniors are being priced out. Rather than raising taxes, she believes in growing the city’s resources by supporting local businesses and attracting economic development. Also, be a voice of reason at City Hall, someone who listens, leads with empathy, and never backs down when her community is at stake.

Barbon: Strengthen Public Safety
Burien is facing real public safety challenges, from rising crime to the devastating impact of active addiction. Barbon is committed to tackling these issues with compassion and effectiveness, not political theater. That starts with: 

  • Investing in community policing builds trust between officers and residents, so neighborhoods feel safer and more connected.
  • Expanding co-response and outreach teams, particularly with proven organizations like The More We Love, which work directly with individuals in crisis to de-escalate situations and connect people to services and treatment they need.
  • Prioritizing funding for active addiction treatment with wrap-around services so those struggling with addiction can access help before the situation becomes fatal.
  • Focusing on real, result-driven solutions rather than performative policies that don’t improve conditions for Burien families.

Barbon: Support Small Businesses & Economic Growth
A healthy local economy means more jobs, more community investment, and a stronger Burien. Barbon will:

  • Cut red tape by streamlining the city’s permit and licensing processes, making it easier and faster for local entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses.
  • Support existing small businesses by reducing unnecessary regulations and offering targeted assistance to help them thrive.
  • Attract new businesses to diversify the economy, bring in more shoppers, and grow the city’s tax base allowing Burien to fund essential services without raising taxes on families and seniors.

Barbon: Expand Affordable Housing
Many Burien residents, especially low-income families, seniors, and young adults are being priced out of the community. Barbon will work to address this by:

  • Expanding access to affordable housing, not through tax increases, but by being strategic and fiscally responsible with existing resources.
  • Auditing city programs to identify and eliminate spending on items that aren’t delivering results, then redirecting those funds to prevent homelessness and support services.
  • Encouraging responsible development balances affordability, sustainability, and maintains the character of our neighborhoods.

2. Minimum Wage and Small Business: Burien recently passed a minimum wage initiative, while voters approved another. What are your thoughts on this and which version do you think should be enforced? Also, what are your thoughts on the lawsuit/countersuit over the initiative that was passed in February?

Sam Mendez:

Mendez: I’m proud to have worked closely with the Transit Riders Union (TRU) to help advance the public initiative that raised Burien’s minimum wage. In 2023, I met with TRU and then-Deputy Mayor Kevin Schilling in the hopes of seeing the council pass a strong wage ordinance. Instead, they rushed through a weaker version—vague, confusing, and estimated to cover only half of Burien’s workers.

Mendez: Voters responded clearly: they passed the stronger initiative by a 57–43% margin. But instead of honoring that result, the city chose to sue TRU. That’s unnecessary, divisive, and a waste of public money. If elected and the lawsuit is still active, I’ll move to end it immediately.

Mendez: The voter-approved initiative is also far clearer. Large employers must pay $21.10, medium employers $19.10, with a six-year phase-in for smaller businesses. It’s a reasonable plan that aligns Burien with neighboring cities and avoids confusion, especially over franchise classification. It’s the right move for workers, businesses, and our economy.


Marie Barbon:

Barbon: The recent developments surrounding Burien’s minimum wage initiatives reflect broader trends in labor rights and economic justice, particularly in cities aiming to address income inequality. 

Barbon: In my opinion, while both initiatives have their merits, the version that best supports balancing small business needs and worker needs should be enforced. The community has expressed concerns with small businesses closing and our city should be a place where one can work, play and live.

3. Affordable Housing and Homelessness: What specific strategies do you support for increasing affordable housing and addressing homelessness in Burien? What is your stance on the recently proposed ordinance regarding homeless encampments at churches/religious organizations?

Sam Mendez:

Mendez: I fully support the evidence-based Housing First model. Sobriety or other preconditions should never stand in the way of stable housing. The solution to homelessness is housing, paired with supportive services and policies that increase supply and access.

Mendez: Burien’s updated 2024 Comprehensive Plan is an opportunity to build more affordable housing, and I supported zoning changes aligned with state mandates. Our proximity to Seattle puts us at risk for gentrification and displacement, so we must build mixed-use, walkable neighborhoods that support economic diversity, housing stability, and public health.

Mendez: I also support allowing religious institutions to host encampments without burdensome restrictions. As a practicing Christian and member of Lake Burien Presbyterian, I believe it’s part of our faith to help those in need. The recent ordinance—defeated in a 3-2-2 vote—would have imposed harmful time limits and restrictions on these efforts. I support Deputy Mayor Sarah Moore’s call for greater flexibility on this issue.

Mendez: Burien’s current camping ban is both inhumane and ineffective. The city spent thousands on signage that offers no guidance to unhoused residents, just exclusion. And rejecting a $1 million grant and 35 Pallet shelters from King County was a missed opportunity we can’t afford, especially with a looming budget shortfall. If elected, I’ll prioritize partnership with King County and our neighbors, not litigation and blame. We must act urgently with compassion and results, and treat those affected with dignity.


Marie Barbon:

Barbon: A combination of strategies is essential to effectively tackle the unhoused crisis and increase affordable housing in Burien, focusing on policy reform, community engagement, and financial resources. In summary, addressing affordable housing and homelessness in Burien calls for comprehensive strategies that integrate financial, political, and community-driven approaches. Ongoing dialogues about local policies, such as the proposed ordinance concerning homeless encampments, must prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations while ensuring public safety and support systems are in place. For specific details relevant to Burien’s proposals, local government sources and community forums may provide further insights.

4. Public Safety and Policing: How would you approach public safety concerns in Burien, including police funding, alternative response programs, and community trust?

Sam Mendez:

Mendez: Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home and community, and that includes safety from crime, violence, and injustice. We can support victims, reduce harm, and treat all people with dignity and respect. That’s the kind of public safety I believe in.

Mendez: I support co-responder programs and trauma-informed approaches, and I want police focused on violent crime, not issues better addressed through mental health and community care. That’s why I’m open to a CARES-style model to provide non-police crisis response.

Mendez: I support Burien’s community policing efforts and believe we need to do more to build trust, especially in communities that have historically experienced over-policing. Our contract with the King County Sheriff’s Office limits some options, but we can still improve transparency by collecting and sharing better public safety data, including on addiction and mental health response.

Mendez: I also believe in prevention. That means supporting youth programs, after-school engagement, and access to trusted role models. Addressing housing, hunger, and homelessness upstream helps prevent harm before it happens.

Mendez: I support the public safety levy in principle, particularly to protect co-responder services, but I have real concerns about affordability. A $474 annual increase for the median homeowner is significant. If we’re going to ask residents for more, we need to make sure the measure is clear, targeted, and delivers on what people are promised.


Marie Barbon:

Barbon: To effectively approach public safety concerns in Burien, it’s crucial to enhance police funding, implement alternative response programs, and foster community trust through active participation and collaboration. By combining enhanced funding for law enforcement, increasing alternative response strategies like the co-response teams, and committing them to community engagement, Burien can effectively address public safety concerns while fostering an environment of trust and collaboration. This multifaceted approach prioritizes the well-being of residents and seeks to create a safer community for all.

5. Airport Impacts: Burien continues to experience environmental and quality-of-life impacts from Sea-Tac Airport. Noise pollution, air quality, and land-use conflicts remain major concerns, particularly for residents in North Burien. What is your stand on this issue?

Sam Mendez:

Mendez: I oppose the planned expansion of Sea-Tac Airport. Burien residents, especially those in North Burien already face serious health impacts from air and noise pollution. Expanding flight traffic will only make that worse.

Mendez: Long-term, the state must identify and develop a second major airport for the Puget Sound region. We can’t keep concentrating the environmental burden on the same communities. In the meantime, I’ll work with the Port of Seattle, the legislature, and our federal partners to push for real mitigation: better windows and air filtration in homes and schools, more green space and tree canopy, and other efforts to improve quality of life.

Mendez: No resident should have to sacrifice their health and peace of mind just because of where they live. This is an equity issue, and we need to treat it like one.


Marie Barbon:

Barbon: The ongoing environmental and quality-of-life impacts from Sea-Tac Airport, including noise pollution, air quality concerns, and land-use conflicts, significantly affect Burien residents, particularly those in north Burien. 

Barbon: The quality-of-life and environmental challenges that Burien faces due to Sea-Tac Airport operations are significant and merit serious attention and action. The city must continue its advocacy for improved federal and state policies, and residents must remain engaged in the discourse on sustainable development and public health protections in the face of continued airport expansion. Addressing these concerns is crucial for ensuring that communities can thrive without compromising their health or living standards.

6. Downtown Revitalization and Economic Development: What is your vision for revitalizing Burien’s downtown core and attracting new businesses, jobs, and community spaces?

Sam Mendez:

Mendez: I don’t believe Burien’s downtown core needs revitalization; it’s already a vibrant, walkable neighborhood where people can live, shop, and dine. My goal is to build on that success by supporting mixed-use zoning throughout the city, so every neighborhood has the opportunity to thrive.

Mendez: When more people can afford to live in Burien, more customers support our local businesses. I’d love to see a hotel in our city, and I believe we should make better use of city-owned land for public enjoyment, housing, and sustainable revenue.

Mendez: Burien’s small businesses, especially our diverse restaurants and shops, give this city its unique character. I’ll work closely with the Business and Economic Development Partnership and Discover Burien to attract new businesses, create jobs, and grow a local economy that works for everyone—including the workers who power it.


Marie Barbon:

Barbon: Revitalizing Burien’s downtown core involves creating a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment through strategic mixed-use development, community engagement, and the attraction of new businesses, while enhancing public spaces. Further improvements to 153rd Street would be highly beneficial to the community. 

Barbon: By focusing on these strategies, Burien can revitalize its downtown core, attract new businesses, create jobs, and foster community spaces that reflect the unique character and desires of its residents. The comprehensive approach should ensure that growth is sustainable, inclusive, and responsive to the community’s evolving needs.

7. Public Transit and Traffic: How can the city improve public transit options, address traffic congestion, ensure safe streets for all users, including pedestrians and cyclists?

Sam Mendez:

Mendez: Safer streets for pedestrians and cyclists is a top priority of mine. We need to make walking and biking more viable and less dangerous in Burien. That means prioritizing default walk signals where possible, investing in traffic calming measures like speed bumps or lower speed limits, and expanding bike lanes where the budget allows. Speeding is a serious safety issue, and we must take steps to address it, especially in areas with high pedestrian activity.

Mendez: The more we make it safe and convenient for people to get around without a car, the more we ease congestion and improve quality of life. That’s why I also support denser, mixed-use neighborhoods, so people can walk to the store or a local restaurant instead of driving.

Mendez: When it comes to public transit, I’m committed to working with King County Metro to ensure every available program and service is being used in Burien. Strong partnerships with other governments are key to building a truly connected, accessible city.


Marie Barbon:

Barbon: To effectively improve public transit, reduce traffic congestion, and promote safer streets for all users, I support the development of the previously proposed city trolley by a Burien resident as a promising solution to ongoing traffic challenges. I will advocate for strengthened partnerships with King County Metro, Sound Transit, and neighboring municipalities to enhance cross-jurisdictional transit connectivity. Additionally, I will prioritize upgrades to pedestrian infrastructure in areas with high foot traffic and collision history. This includes installing mid-block crossings, additional sidewalks especially near school and parks, ADA compliant ramps, and enhanced lighting to significantly reduce pedestrian risk and improve walkability citywide.

8. Environment and Climate Resilience: What steps (if any) should Burien take to address climate change, protect green spaces, and improve urban tree canopy in light of funding challenges?

Sam Mendez:

Mendez: The City of Burien must treat climate change like the urgent threat it is. Our Climate Action Plan (CAP), adopted in 2021, hasn’t been reviewed in years and it’s time to change that. The CAP shows that nearly half of Burien’s emissions come from transportation, so we need to take meaningful steps to reduce car dependence and build a more sustainable city.

Mendez: Even on a tight budget, we can make real progress. That includes integrating EV infrastructure into city planning, upzoning to support energy-efficient buildings, and creating walkable neighborhoods where people don’t need a car to get around. Expanding our tree canopy is another smart investment because it cools our neighborhoods during heat waves, improves air quality, and enhances livability.

Mendez: Affordable housing, transit, and public safety are all connected to climate resilience. A council that prioritizes these issues holistically can make a real difference. We don’t need to wait for a perfect budget year—we need to lead with urgency and creativity.


Marie Barbon:

Barbon: To effectively address climate change, I support expanding bike lanes, pedestrian infrastructure, and transit access as high impact strategies to reduce transportation emissions. I also advocate for energy efficiency upgrades in city-owned facilities, phased in and supported by state or federal grant funding. Moreover, collaboration with regional partners such as King County, Puget Sound Energy, and nonprofit organizations like Forterra will be essential to leveraging shared resources and technical expertise.

Barbon: To protect and enhance Burien’s green spaces, I support expanding the Green Burien Partnership and introducing incentives for developers to preserve and plant trees. I further endorse robust enforcement of existing tree protection regulations and call for active engagement with private property owners and new developments to promote tree planting and the removal of invasive vegetation.

9. DEI & Sanctuary City Status: What is your stand on Burien’s policies that protect the needs of its diverse population? Also, the city voted to become a “Sanctuary City” in 2017. What are your thoughts on this?

Sam Mendez:

Mendez: One of Burien’s greatest strengths is its racial, ethnic, and economic diversity. I fully support the city’s status as a Sanctuary City and our policies that prevent local agencies from collecting immigration status or cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. These policies keep families safe and communities whole.

Mendez: I’m horrified by what the Trump administration is doing to immigrant communities—including many in Burien—regardless of documentation status. It’s inhumane, dystopian, and un-American. This issue is deeply personal to me: my wife came to the U.S. as a child refugee, and both my mother and grandfather were immigrants. One of my proudest moments as an attorney was representing an asylum seeker through the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. He won his case and still lives in Washington today, but too many others are being detained in terrifying and unjust ways.

Mendez: I support exploring every legal avenue to protect our residents. Recently Councilmember Hugo Garcia suggested an ordinance that would require federal agents to identify themselves. If that can pass legal muster, I fully support it. Cities like Burien must be brave enough to stand up for human rights and due process, especially when it’s hard.


Marie Barbon:

Barbon: Burien aims to be an equitable community where individuals from diverse backgrounds can thrive through policies outlined in their Comprehensive Plan. While Burien’s policies reflect a commitment to its diverse population, effective implementation and ongoing community engagement are crucial. Addressing the forecasted growth and ensuring that services reach all populations equitably requires sustained effort and adaptability in policy execution. Burien’s Comprehensive Plan outlines a multifaceted approach to supporting its diverse population through thoughtful, inclusive policy development. The ongoing engagement with community members remains vital to meet evolving needs effectively, ensuring that Burien not only envisions but actively creates a community where everyone thrives.

Barbon: As a person from an immigrant family, we must consider the balance between providing safety for all residents and meeting federal requirements, especially in a politically charged environment. Engaging in dialogue within the community about these complex issues is crucial for shaping an inclusive and effective approach to immigration and public safety.

10. Transparency and Community Engagement: What new approaches would you take to increase transparency and improve communication between City Hall and the public?

Sam Mendez:

Mendez: Government transparency and accountability are core priorities of my campaign. Burien deserves a city government that listens to the people, responds to their concerns, and makes decisions out in the open, not behind closed doors.

Mendez: A recent example: when voters passed a stronger minimum wage by a clear margin, the council chose to sue over the initiative. That decision happened in executive session, with no public input. That’s unacceptable.

Mendez: We should be encouraging—not restricting—public comment. City Council meetings should be held in the evenings when working people can attend. We should eliminate categories that give different weight to commenters based on whether they’re residents, business owners, or otherwise. If you want to speak, you should be welcomed.

Mendez: And we must recognize that public comment alone isn’t enough. Many working families don’t have the time or flexibility to speak at a meeting, but their voices still matter. I’m committed to finding new ways to engage those residents directly, through proactive outreach and accessible communication. A truly open government meets people where they are.


Marie Barbon:

Barbon: As someone who has personally experienced the uncertainty that comes from not knowing what is happening within the city, I recognize that, even when issues are posted publicly, they can easily go unnoticed. This often leaves residents feeling uninformed and blindsided by developments that directly impact their lives.  I am committed to fostering a direct and personalized approach to community communication, one that proactively shares news, updates, and invitations to civic engagement in order to empower residents and encourage their active participation in local affairs such as volunteer neighborhood ambassadors or installing public notice boards in each neighborhood.

11. Budget Priorities and Tough Choices: Given ongoing budget constraints, what would be your top funding priorities, and what tradeoffs would you consider balancing essential services with new initiatives?

Sam Mendez:

Mendez: My top priority is keeping essential city services funded: parks and public programs, road maintenance, co-responder services, and trauma-informed law enforcement. Burien is facing a serious budget shortfall next year, and we can’t afford to waste money or miss out on resources.

Mendez: For example, the city rejected a $1 million grant and 35 Pallet shelters from King County. We could’ve used those funds to address homelessness. Instead, we spent thousands putting up signs about the city’s camping ban—signs that do nothing to help people or solve the problem. That’s not responsible budgeting.

Mendez: I’m committed to preserving proven services and reviewing contracts to ensure we’re getting value for every dollar. In general, I’ll prioritize maintaining what works over launching expensive new initiatives we can’t afford—no matter how appealing they are.

Mendez: I’d love to see a city with robust EV infrastructure, more sidewalks, and a greener future, but we need to be honest about what’s financially possible. Regardless of the budget outlook, we can build a smarter, more responsive government, one that plans for the future while meeting people’s needs today. That’s why I’m running.


Marie Barbon:

Barbon: Considering ongoing budget constraints in the City of Burien, the top funding priorities should focus on maintaining essential services, enhancing public safety, and investing in community development initiatives, while also considering trade-offs between immediate needs and long-term sustainability. Addressing Burien’s budget constraints requires careful examination of funding priorities that can sustain essential services while also allowing for new initiatives. Engaging the community in discussions around trade-offs and potential revenue solutions will help balance short-term needs with long-term growth and stability. A strategic approach alongside transparent communications will foster trust as the city navigates these financial challenges.

NEXT UP: Position No. 5 Candidates.

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1 Comment

  1. I tend to agree with some of each’s positions with these exceptions: The zoning went too far and the MFTE has not shown it was effective elsewhere. The State did not require this. Burien is not a Tier 1 city, but a Tier 2. If Burien ever actually becomes a Tier 1, revise the zoning then, not now. One of the guideliness for upzoning was to mininze displacement. All this will do is displace many homeowner’s who will see their property taxes go up next year, long before anything is built. Barbon is no better on this one.

    Barbon also says she is for things that reduce congestion, yet supports mid-block crossings, which increases congestion. It’s cheaper than pedestrian bridges, but bridges are nevertheless the only realistic solution. The city trolley idea is a non-starter.

    So it’s a toss-up for my vote. Both need to do better.

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