The Burien City Council’s regular meeting on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024 covered topics ranging from local arts and culture to regional infrastructure.
Key discussions included plans to reduce commuter traffic, the allocation of arts grants, and potential land donations.
Additionally, the council addressed impacts of the looming expansion of Sea-Tac Airport.
Local zoning regulations were updated to better accommodate temporary homeless encampments hosted by religious organizations.
Commuter Trip Reduction Presentation
Council heard a presentation on Commuter Trip Reductions (CTR) from Public Works Director Rob Steitzer. The CTR program helps companies with greater than 100 employees to meet mandated reductions in commuter traffic. The law now requires employers to have a four year plan to help reduce commuter congestion and pollution. CTR utilizes incentives, such as Orca cards and free bike lights, to encourage alternative transportation.
Arts & Culture Grants Presentation
The Arts Commission had 12 applications for funding in 2025, totaling $79,250 in asks. They had just over half that amount in funds to grant, and the following organizations were selected. Recipients were chosen based on their ability to bring arts to the most people in an equitable manner. The grants often go toward funding scholarships or free performances in the community. Specific info on what these recipients offer the community can be found here.
The Highline Heritage Museum will receive $20,000, with another $2,000 for the Burien Arts Association’s 7 Stories program at the Museum. Burien Actors Theatre will receive $5,500, and the Hi-Liners $4,000. Momentum Dance Ensemble and Northwest Associated Arts were each allotted $3,000. Northwest Symphony Orchestra will receive $8,000, and Sound Ensemble $1,500. Encanto Arts will get $2,000, the Orchestra of Flight $750, and the Highline Community Symphonic Band will receive $1,000.
Seahurst Land Donation
A private donor is planning to donate 0.6244 acres of forested land adjacent to Seahurst Park to the city. The land has no structures, is steep, and tree-covered. The city would be unlikely to develop it in any way, though there is the potential for a trail to be established on the land. The assessed value of the land is $10,000.
Federal Way Crime Reduction
Councilmember Linda Akey reported on a recent presentation by Mayor Jim Ferrell of Federal Way. According to Mayor Ferrell’s crime data, the city has increased illegal drug arrests by 402%. Congruent with these increased drug arrests, murder has dropped by 50%, and several other categories of crime are down significantly including robbery, motor vehicle theft, and residential & commercial burglary. See Federal Way’s crime report here.
Airport Expansion: Deadline Imminent
Councilmembers Sarah Moore and Linda Akey both reminded the community that the opportunity to give feedback on the expansion of Sea-Tac Airport is closing this Friday, Dec. 13. Until then, comments on the project can be submitted by the public at this link.
Councilmember Moore said the region would see a 48% increase in airport traffic over time, and voiced concerns about the health dangers of ultrafine particles (UFPs) emitted by airplanes. She also mentioned the damage to property values and reduction in tax revenue that will likely result from an airport expansion, and said that a full Environmental Impact Statement is needed on this project. She implored anyone who lives, works, or plays near the airport to tell the Port how this expansion will impact them.
Interim Zoning Regulations Passed
The new zoning regulations relate to religious organizations hosting homeless camps on their properties. While the law gives religious institutions the right to host the homeless if they choose, the city maintains the responsibility to protect public health and safety. The new zoning regulations are meant to regulate these temporary encampments in the interest of public safety, while complying with state law.
The regulations will require that institutions acquire a temporary use permit to host the unhoused, and may waive the application fees for this permit. They require a code of conduct, some level of cleanliness, and proper sanitation. In addition, camps on an individual property may only be present for six months of each calendar year, but have no maximum size. Churches have the right to host sex offenders if they choose. This Interim zoning ordinance passed with six votes, with Councilmember Hugo Garcia abstaining.
If the King County Sheriff / Burien Detachment followed Federal Ways drug enforcement policies the positive affect in Burien would be immediate, no more daily open drug use on the sidewalk outside the DESC. When I have called and spoke to the staff about the crowds outside I get a canned response about how they can’t control who mingles with residents or sleeps outside even though it’s because of the DESC it happens in the first place. So much for being a good neighbor when your drug policies just create a supply and demand that needs fulfilling.
Just take a look into the DESC buildings in Seattle… they do not work nor is the one in Burien. They are (a shell organization) who thinks their doing great things for the homeless but instead the homeless use them as drug/theft distribution headquarter. The buildings are not enforced by laws/security, so while they are enabling the destructive homeless lifestyle.. they do not hold each resident accountable or create a better life for these people. (Which is what an addict has to have to change) Its very disappointing…. Also whoever voted for the Burien DESC building to be built in the dead center of town was completely out of touch with reality. ( There may be a few stories of success but the majority of residents are abusing the system once again due to no oversight.)
Does anyone know why the people doing drugs around this building are not being arrested
It would make the DESC model and it’s political backers look bad if clients and moochers were in handcuffs for breaking the law, can’t have that PR nightmare.