On Nov. 9, 2026, the Burien City Council convened to address several key municipal items, including a presentation on the proposed 2027–2028 biennial budget and the approval of a 1% property tax levy increase.
Additionally, the Council authorized the creation of a new Transportation Commission, adopted a modified rezone for the North of NERA neighborhood, and requested an upcoming detailed presentation on police expenditures.
Budget Presentation
Finance Director Casey Headley presented the proposed 2027-2028 biennial budget. She said that despite years of reducing expenditures as much as possible, the city is forced to use its financial reserves. For 2027, $407,000 will be used from the reserve fund to balance the budget. In 2028, $1.3 million will be needed from the reserve fund.
ARPA funds have dried up, leaving a great reduction in grants available. Property taxes can only be raised by 1% per year, unless the public votes to increase it more. Inflation in the area is at 4.5%, so a primary revenue source is quickly falling behind rising costs.
The city is evaluating empty staff positions to see if those duties can be shifted, rather than automatically filling vacancies. Starting in 2027, Burien will be passing credit card fees onto users rather than covering the cost. Changes to the employee health plan will reduce costs. Beautification efforts throughout the city will be reduced or eliminated. Finally, staff could be furloughed for six days in 2027.
Property Tax Levy Approved
The council voted 6–0 (with Councilmember Alex Andrade temporarily absent) to pass a 1% increase in property tax rates. For an average home worth $690,000, owners will pay $569 to the city. Mayor Sarah Moore said that our tax structure leaves much to be desired. She knows it’s hard, and hates to ask more from a burdened population. However, the council has a fiscal responsibility to the city, and so must support the levy.
Transportation Commission
The Council voted unanimously to approve a new Transportation Commission. This commission will be made up of five members of the public, who will guide transportation efforts throughout the city. Councilmembers stressed that they hope to see applicants to the commission from all areas of Burien, because that hyperlocal knowledge will be invaluable in discussions.
The group will explore ways to improve mobility, safer walks to schools, traffic calming efforts, and sidewalk and bike lane connectivity. They hope to have the Transportation Commission up and running by the first quarter of 2027.
North Of NERA Rezone
After many meetings and discussions, including lots of feedback from the public, the council adopted a modified rezone of the North of NERA neighborhood. The modifications help to protect home value and neighborhood feel, while allowing for more business development. Councilmember Rocco DeVito asked that wording on the rezone be changed from “Industrial” to “Community Business”, which received full council support. This change will come back to the council after it goes through the Planning Commission.
One public commenter thanked the council for their responsiveness in listening to neighbors’ concerns regarding this rezone.
Police Budget Discussion Ahead
Councilmember DeVito asked for a presentation on the police budget, which makes up nearly half of city expenditures. Deputy Mayor Hugo Garcia added that he was particularly interested in learning specifics about how much the police are spending on overtime. In a previous meeting, Garcia suggested that if the department hired more officers, they would save money by paying less in overtime. This presentation and discussion will come to a future meeting.
