At its April 7, 2025 meeting, the Burien City Council included heartfelt goodbyes, strategic updates, and celebratory plans.
City Manager Adolfo Bailon delivered an emotional tribute to outgoing City Clerk Heather Dumlao, recognizing her invaluable service.
The council also received a comprehensive update on the allocation and impact of the city’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, highlighting investments in public safety, human services, infrastructure, and economic development.
Rounding out the evening, the council voted to reschedule its upcoming May 5 meeting to accommodate the city’s Cinco de Mayo celebration in Town Square.
City Manager Report: City Clerk Is Moving On
City Manager Adolfo Bailon gave a touching and emotional farewell to outgoing City Clerk Heather Dumlao, who has worked for the city since February, 2020, and full-time as City Clerk since May, 2022. Bailon said Dumlao has been the best city clerk he’s ever worked with. Bailon was happy for her but clearly sad to see her go. Several councilmembers also expressed their appreciation for her invaluable contributions to city governance.
ARPA Projects Update
Council heard presentations from several city departments on where American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds have been used over the last couple of years. The allocation of funds was made by council decision back in September of 2022, after extensive study of where they would be most effective.
The city was given nearly $10.8 million in rescue plan dollars. They allocated $2.9 million for Human Services, $2.7 million for enhancing public safety, and $2.1 million for a maintenance facility. $1.7 million was for economic development, $825,000 for information technology upgrades, and $400,000 for upgrading neighborhoods from septic to sewer. $150,000 was spent on consultation services to determine how best to spend the windfall.
The public safety funds included:
- Hiring a storefront resource officer
- Neighborhood care outreach
- King County Fire District co-response team
The neighborhood outreach funds will be spent by the end of this year, but both the storefront resource officer and co-response team are funded through the end of 2026.
The city’s data protection and cyber-security have been strengthened, in order to protect against cyberattacks and ransomware. In addition, physical security has been improved at City Hall, with enhanced surveillance technology. The meeting room got an upgrade as well, enabling hybrid council meetings.
Small business grants were allotted to many local businesses, and those funds have been used up. However, there are still ongoing grants available for storefront repair. These grants aim to help businesses with things like broken windows, vandalism, and other property crime. There is roughly $100,000 of the original $200,000 allotted for repair grants.
Some economic development allocations are still in the works, including tourism-specific attractions like a new city gateway monument, murals, and an airport shuttle program. Regarding the new gateway monument sign, it is located on the corner of SW 148th Street and 1st Ave S. It is on private property, so a design is currently being drafted that will need approval by the owners before the rebuild begins. In addition, $50,000 was allocated for a new healthy food store in Boulevard Park.
Cinco De Mayo Meeting Moved
Burien City Council voted to move the May 5 council meeting to May 12, to make space for the Cinco de Mayo Party. The festivities will include live music, food vendors, dancing, and a taco-eating contest. It will take place in Town Square, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
