From local jail operations to neighborhood zoning controversies, the Burien City Council covered significant ground during its Sept. 28, 2026 meeting.
Councilmembers received an operational update on the SCORE jail, heard passionate public commentary on proposed zoning changes and immigrant protections, and unanimously voted to pursue federal grant funding for major infrastructure upgrades at the Moshier Community Art Center.
SCORE Update
The council heard a brief presentation on the South Correctional Entity (SCORE) jail, which has been operating since 2011. This facility provides jail services to six cities, including Burien. According to the presentation, service fees that the city pays to SCORE have been static for the last six years but will be increased “modestly” going forward, to keep up with expenses.
The costs of both medical care and insurance have skyrocketed for SCORE. Doctors are available to inmates five days a week, along with dental service and 24/7 nursing care. Drug overdose has been the main cause of both increased costs and increased inmate mortality in recent years. Councilmember Sam Mendez said that there have been 16 deaths at SCORE since they opened, with 12 of those just in the last three years.
SCORE is using technology to monitor vital signs and help alert staff of medical crises. Staff receive annual training on recognizing drug overdose and how to respond effectively. King County has the highest rate of overdose in the state, but it is a statewide problem. The jail has recently added a narcotics detection dog to the team, in addition to other tools aimed at keeping drugs out of the jail. According to the presentation, addiction and or mental health issues affect 70% of inmates at SCORE.
SCORE has no federal contracts and does not operate as an ICE detention center. They follow both state and national “best practices” regarding solitary confinement, with no inmates in true isolation. While they are solely a misdemeanor jail, they do still take in many violent offenders. It was mentioned that SCORE is the most progressive jail in Washington State.
Zoning Discussions
The council heard informational presentations on possible changes to the Comprehensive Plan that could impact zoning at Three Tree Point, as well as potential zoning code amendments to the North of NERA neighborhood that would change the neighborhood from residential to an “employment oriented” district.
Regarding Three Tree Point, city staff and the Planning Commission have opposing recommendations. The Commission recommends upzoning the area to higher density zoning, so that it is not seen as an exclusive neighborhood, while staff recommend reducing the zoning to R1, the minimum, as much of it is along the shoreline. According to the presentation, there could be only a minor difference over time between the two zoning types; individual lots would need to be assessed before permitting for any new development. With the proximity of the shoreline, these lots are generally as developed as they can be.
Speakers during Public Comments expressed opposition to changing the zoning in their North of NERA neighborhood. They said that the rezone is opposed by the majority of area residents, who have concerns for their community and their home values, as well as the tree canopy. They said that any rezone should remove “pay to cut” loopholes for future development, so that trees won’t be lost.
Immigrant Protections
Many public commenters asked the city to do everything it could to protect the safety of immigrants in Burien, including enacting an emergency moratorium on detention facilities. The recent B-Town Fiesta had a much lower turnout than previous years, with vendors, performers, and attendees not feeling safe to celebrate in light of the ramping up of anti-immigrant ICE arrests.
The council voted unanimously to support immigrants by strengthening the Sanctuary City resolution. Regarding a detention center moratorium, Interim City Manager Bob Larson told council that staff need additional time to look into recent developments with the moratoriums of other cities. He said that staff can put together a bill for the council to consider in time for the Oct. 12 meeting. This bill will likely also address the use of “mobile detention facilities”, something ICE is now utilizing as more cities enact moratoriums.
Grants Sought For Moshier
The council unanimously approved using a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to fund improvements at Moshier Community Art Center. Moshier is the highest revenue city Parks facility, hosting popular classes and workshops that always have a waiting list. The grant will help cover the costs of replacing the center’s 58 year old boiler with a new electric heating and cooling system. This will reduce the building’s carbon footprint as well as improve comfort for occupants. The total project is expected to cost $6.4 million, with much of the cost coming from various grants.
If funding is received, the center would need to close for three months. During this closure, other upgrades will be made to the building’s electrical system and windows. These improvements are aimed at keeping the building functioning and comfortable for another 20 years.
If other crucial grants are not received for the Moshier project, the council approved a Plan B for the CDBG money: paving paths at Town Square Park, which are currently gravel and require a lot of maintenance to be ADA accessible.
Study Session Canceled
The city council was meant to have a study session on Oct. 5, but Interim City Manager Bob Larson said there will be no need for this meeting so it has been canceled.
City Manager Search Continues
Interim City Manager Larson gave an update on the search for a new city manager. He said that so far there have been 20 applicants for the position. He expects there will be plenty of strong candidates by the deadline in two weeks.
