The Burien City Council met on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, to navigate a session marked by strategic shifts in regional partnerships and an emotional departure from the dais.
Highlighting the evening was a unanimous decision to boycott the upcoming “Day on the Hill” in Olympia, a bold protest against the Port of Seattle’s lack of true collaboration.
Councilmember Linda Akey announced her upcoming resignation due to a family relocation, sparking gratitude from the community for her service on the council.
Beyond these shifts in leadership and advocacy, the council considered updates to the city’s sanctuary policy, reviewed significant regional affordable housing investments through SKHHP, and looked ahead to the community-driven Empty Bowls fundraiser.
StART Action
Burien’s representatives on the Sea-Tac Airport Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) shared with the council that they recommend Burien members not show up at the 2026 “Day On The Hill” in Olympia. Participation at this forum along with the Port, it was argued, would bolster the idea that StART is a collaboration between area cities and the Port – when, in fact, city representatives barely have a voice in the proceedings. It is believed that the Port uses StART to signal cooperation, when in fact the Port is driving all decisions.
Along with the abstention, the city will send a letter signed by all councilmembers, explaining their reason for not attending and asking for more of a voice as the airport has a major impact on surrounding cities. It was shared that members from Des Moines are also going to recommend absence from the “Day on the Hill,” but it is unknown if other cities will join in the action. Every city in StART objected to the Sustainable Airport Master Plan, and were not given a chance to speak about their objections.
Councilmember Linda Akey said the Port must listen to Burien’s needs. She reminded everyone that there will inevitably be a huge increase in airport traffic with the coming expansion. She thinks Burien should take a new direction in dealing with the Port. The council was united in agreement.
Councilmember Akey Gives Notice
Councilmember Akey also tearfully shared that she will need to move out of Burien, as her husband starts a new job in another region. Once their condo sells, she said, she will need to give up her seat on the council and follow her husband to their new locale. Several Public Commenters expressed gratitude to her for the time she has served the city.
Sanctuary Policy Discussion
Councilmember Sam Mendez shared his concerns with recent ICE activities, both in Burien and throughout the country. He said he would like to update Burien’s Sanctuary City policy, in order to better protect residents. During Public Comments, some speakers supported and some opposed this idea. One speaker said residents should be made aware of what protections are in place. Another said they support all law enforcement and whatever it takes to keep the city safe.
Empty Bowls Event
Burien’s annual Empty Bowls event will take place at the Burien Community Center this Friday, Jan. 30, with both lunch (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.) and dinner (4–8 p.m.) options. Tickets cost $20 for adults, and $10 for children. Local artisans have crafted over 1,000 unique bowls for the fundraiser, with proceeds going to the White Center & Highline Area Food Banks. See link above for details and ticket info.
South King Housing & Homelessness Partners
Claire Goodwin, Executive Manager of South King Housing & Homelessness Partners (SKHHP) shared 2025 housing projects with the council. SKHHP is a coordinated coalition of 11 South King County cities that pools resources in order to fund the preservation and construction of affordable housing in the region. To date, SKHHP has chosen two Burien projects to fund. This year, however, the three chosen projects are in surrounding cities.
The African Diaspora Cultural Anchor Village, in SeaTac, will receive $1.2 in SKHHP funding. This is a new construction of 129-units, multifamily rental homes for those earning 30% to 60% area median income (AMI). The project will have 55 units set aside for those with children, and 13 for those with disability.
The Saint Stephen Housing Association’s Steele House, in Renton, includes six 3-bedroom rental townhouses, serving families making below 50% AMI and exiting homelessness. This project will receive $1.82 million in SKHHP funds.
The Mental Health Housing Foundation’s Steel Lake, in Federal Way, will receive $922,000. Steel Lake is a new, 20-unit multi-family rental development for those earning 30-50% AMI with severe and persistent mental illness. The council unanimously approved these allocations, although Councilmember Sam Mendez expressed concern at the cost of these projects, which is between $600,000 and $900,000 per-unit.
Video
Below is full, raw video of this meeting:
It would be wise of Burien to remove any mention of “Sanctuary City” from any and all policies, it’s purely theatrical and lacks any legal standing. Using it as some so-called belief and stance will only serve as a beacon to bring enforcement down upon the City as a lesson in who’s got the real power, and it’s not Burien.