On Thursday afternoon, June 30, 2022, the Burien City Council held a special meeting where they approved a proposed Employment Contract with new City Manager Adolfo Bailon.

Council voted 6-0 in favor of the contract. Jimmy Matta had an excused absence.

If accepted, Bailon will earn an annual base salary of $215,000. In comparison, SeaTac City Manager Carl Cole earns $214,260 per year, and Des Moines City Manager Michael Matthias earns $255,137. Washington Governor Jay Inslee earns $171,898 per year.

He will also receive full medical, dental, and vision benefits, a $6,000 per year vehicle allowance, moving and relocation expenses from Los Angeles, and a Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement plan.

Increases in compensation will be dependent upon Bailon’s annual performance evaluation by the council.

Bailon’s anticipated start date is Aug. 8, 2022.

He will be the first person of color and first Latino to serve as city manager for the City of Burien.

The City of Burien conducted a national search, receiving more than 50 applications from a diverse set of candidates. The City Council sought community feedback on what both the community and City staff wanted to see in the new city manager. Community and staff also had the opportunity to meet the candidates in an open house and hear them interviewed in public meetings. City staff and community provided their feedback on the candidates through an online survey.

Bailon most recently served as Town Manager for the Town of Randolph, VT. He also served as a director of the Mayor’s Center for City Services for the City of Providence, RI and served as a senior field representative for United States Senator Barbara Boxer between 2004-2012. He is a member of the International City/County Manager Association.

“I am honored to be chosen as Burien’s next city manager,” said Bailon. “Burien is a dynamic city with an engaged and active community, and dedicated and hard-working city staff. I will work very hard to be an integral part of the team that brings greater prosperity to Burien.”

“We want to thank everyone who participated in the extensive process to find the right candidate for city manager,” said Mayor Sofia Aragon. “Mr. Bailon brings the right mix of experience and leadership style to lead Burien through upcoming challenges. The Burien City Council is looking forward to working with staff and the community to integrate him into the work of the city and support him in being successful.”

Read the proposed City Manager Employment Agreement here.

Watch video of the special meeting here.

Read our previous coverage on Burien’s City Manager search here.

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