Burien’s Mar. 23 City Council meeting served as a sharp reminder that local governance is as much about community culture as it is about policy.
The session balanced heavy-hitting social issues with administrative milestones, beginning with a poignant plea for digital civility and ending with the return of a high-stakes minimum wage debate.
From a compassionate crackdown on unlicensed food vendors to a push for long-overdue climate updates, the evening highlighted a city council working to keep pace with both the legislative needs and the personal safety of its residents.
With the council filling key seats on the Airport and Planning commissions and reigniting the minimum wage conversation, this week’s assembly underscored a city striving for progress amidst a climate of passionate public advocacy and evolving economic standards.
Councilmember Akey Calls Out Online Bullying
Councilmember Linda Akey said that the online activity of some Burien residents is toxic. She described people working to silence and intimidate those they disagree with, in some cases pushing people to close businesses or leave the city. In calling for an end of online bullying, Akey asked that people remember to be kind, compassionate, and respectful in their interactions. This follows a Mar. 9 public comment from one business owner who said she has experienced years of online harassment since speaking once at a council meeting regarding the impact to her business of a homeless camp.
Nuanced Crackdown Of Unlicensed Food Vendors
Deputy Mayor Hugo Garcia said there has been progress in county efforts to curb the proliferation of unlicensed food vendors, which is an ongoing issue in Burien. He described food trucks and in-home vendors deliberately avoiding permitting and inspections by the county, which is a food safety issue. According to Garcia, the Public Health – Seattle & King County is finding that in some cases, workers are hired under the table and are working under pressure from employers, so the crackdown aims to target the owners, rather than penalizing workers.
Public Comments: Do More For Climate Action
One commenter, co-chair of Burien People for Climate Action, requested that the council do more to encourage environmental sustainability along with climate action and awareness. She requested that there be an update from the city’s Sustainability Manager, which hasn’t happened since 2022. Another thing she mentioned that hasn’t happened since 2022 is a citywide litter cleanup in honor of Earth Day. She also thought the council could promote the adopt-a-drain program, as well as the residential energy efficiency program, which still has money left to encourage climate friendly transitions.
Airport & Planning Commission Appointments
The city had just one applicant for the Airport Committee, for one open seat. After the interview process, the council appointed Emily Inlow-Hood to this seat, with Councilmembers Linda Akey and Alex Andrade opposed. Inlow-Hood will serve for a three year term.
For the Planning Commission, there were five applicants interviewing for four available seats. The council selected Alex Hyman, Hayden Campbell, Jessica Ivey, and Michael Levkowitz, who all received four or more votes and will each serve for four years. All were strong, experienced candidates, with the non-selected applicant receiving three votes.
Minimum Wage Discussion Returns
Councilmember Sam Mendez received support for a future council discussion around Burien’s minimum wage. He wants a similar ordinance to the one passed recently by popular vote. He said he’d like to see a few revisions, including not tying Burien’s minimum wage to that of any other city.
Video
Watch the full, raw video of this meeting below:
