The Burien City Council’s May 4, 2026, meeting was marked by pivotal policy shifts and a focus on regional accountability.
Topping the agenda was the council’s decisive move to repeal its original minimum wage ordinance, aiming to resolve a complex legal standoff in favor of a more recent voter-approved initiative.
Beyond labor debates, the session balanced local advocacy with infrastructure planning, featuring a proclamation for childcare providers and an update on the Port of Seattle’s upcoming environmental impact statement for airport expansion.
With inquiries into the future of local homeless services following the pending dissolution of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority and a call for a clear timeline on permanent city leadership, the meeting underscored a council grappling with both the immediate economic concerns of its residents and the long-term stability of the city.
Childcare Provider Proclamation
Councilmember Alex Andrade read a proclamation in recognition of the role childcare providers play in supporting working parents. The proclamation states that childcare capacity was significantly reduced during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many facilities were shuttered. Lack of childcare presents significant challenges for working parents, and an abundance of childcare slots helps these services to be more affordable.
A childcare provider named Diana accepted the proclamation, asking the council in turn to show their support for creating more childcare slots by supporting the increased capacity waiver. This waiver allows home-based childcare facilities to care for more than 12 children at a time.
Public Comments On Minimum Wage
Most public commenters spoke in favor of the council rescinding the minimum wage ordinance that was passed by a previous council. They said there should be no exceptions to who gets the increased minimum wage, regardless of age or ability, as some young people use their wages to support their families. One said that tips should not count toward meeting the minimum wage, especially in a “society getting very weary of tipping culture”. It was stated that the previous council encouraged poverty by allowing exceptions to the increased minimum wage it passed.
One speaker expressed support for keeping the previous council’s minimum wage ordinance. She said that while the city celebrates new small businesses opening up, the minimum wage that will take effect if the council’s ordinance is rescinded will hurt those small business owners. She also thought tips should be counted towards meeting the minimum wage.
Minimum Wage Ordinance Repealed
Burien has had two conflicting minimum wage ordinances on the books since council passed one and then, before it took effect, voters were asked to place another one on a special ballot, which was approved. There is ongoing litigation around which ordinance has legal precedence. However, with the aim of simplifying things and honoring the will and vote of the people, the council majority has chosen to repeal that original council ordinance.
Councilmember Alex Andrade, who along with Councilmembers Kevin Schilling and Linda Akey voted against repealing the ordinance, said that the initiative to the people was repeatedly misrepresented. Voters were asked to approve a higher minimum wage, without knowing that there was already a higher minimum wage on the books.
Airport Expansion Environment Impact Statement
Dave Kaplan, local government relations manager for the Port of Seattle, shared that the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be published May 22nd. They plan to schedule a council briefing on the environmental effects of the airport’s planned expansion for early June. In addition, there will be four in-person public meetings on the findings. One of those meetings will be held in Burien, on June 27th.
Long-Term Plan For City Manager Position
Councilmember Schilling asked that the council add a discussion of what is going on with the city regarding the city manager position. Recently, Burien’s city manager was placed on administrative leave and an interim city manager was selected. Schilling said there needs to be a conversation about the timeline, goals, and plans for a permanent city manager. He added that he doesn’t know why this discussion hasn’t already taken place, and that it should be done sooner rather than later. He got council support for putting this on a future meeting agenda.
Dissolution of KCRHA & Future of DESC, Mary’s Place
Councilmember Schilling also asked for more information on how the dissolution of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) will affect Burien establishments like DESC Bloomside and Mary’s Place. After the KCRHA was found to have an over $44 million deficit, with $13 million unaccounted for, the King County Council voted to begin a dissolution process of the organization. This dissolution will take between 90-120 days. It was agreed that the Burien City Council will seek a report from the county on this issue.
