Updated December 28, 2022: Do you or someone you know want to serve your community and help shape local laws and policy? Do you have expertise to share? Consider applying for one of the 25 open positions on a Burien advisory board, commission, or committee! Applications are due January 27, 2023 at 5 p.m. En español.
Advisory boards are an essential way for local governments to engage the community in the democratic process. Advisory boards study issues important to the community they serve, take in public testimony, perform independent research, and review staff reports and recommendations. The advisory board members discuss, analyze, develop, and forward recommendations to the City Council. Board members volunteer their time to help plan the future of their communities.
Burien has five advisory boards and commissions and one Council committee. Members are appointed by City Council and serve four-year terms. Advisory board meetings are open to the public. Planning Commission meetings are broadcast online and on Channel 21 (Comcast) or Channel 8027 (CenturyLink).
This spring, the Council will be selecting new board members for open positions. Congratulations to all the incoming board members and thank you for your service!
Arts Commission
The Arts Commission’s role is to advise and make recommendations to the City Council regarding artistic activities within the City. The Arts Commission reviews applications for Arts and Culture Grants and public art projects. Council reviews their recommendations and provides final approval. View current Arts Commission board members at burienwa.gov/artscommission.
In 2019, the Arts Commission started plans for the second signal box public art project, hosted an artist meet and greet event at the Highline Heritage Museum, reviewed 2020 Arts and Culture Grant applications, and provided recommendations to Council on grant allocations.
Meetings: When: 6:30 – 8 p.m. • Fourth Tuesday of the month (No meeting in July & December)
Where: Burien Community Center, 14700 6th Ave SW, Burien, WA
Business and Economic Development Partnership
The Business and Economic Development Partnership (BEDP)’s role is to advise and make recommendations to the City Council regarding economic development in Burien. View current BEDP members at burienwa.gov/bedp.
In 2019, the BEDP provided recommendations to Council on an implementation plan for aesthetic improvements to 153rd Street to occur in 2020, identified several industry sectors to focus targeted business attraction efforts in the coming year, held business roundtable discussions to facilitate feedback on various Council priorities, and started study and discussion of strategies for encouraging economic development in the Boulevard Park commercial core.
Meetings: When: 7:30 – 9 a.m. • Second & Fourth Fridays (Meeting dates can change; please check the calendar.)
Where: Burien City Hall, 400 SW 152nd St, Third Floor, Miller Creek Conference Room
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board’s role is to advise and make recommendations to the City Council regarding recreational programming and the acquisition, promotion, improvement, maintenance, and use of City parks. View current Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members at burienwa.gov/parksrecboard.
In 2019, the Parks and Recreation Board contributed more than 70 volunteer hours supporting free community events and reviewed the City’s adopt-a-park program.
Meetings: When: 6:30 – 8 p.m. • Third Wednesday of each month
Where: Burien Community Center, 14700 6th Ave SW
Planning Commission
The purpose of the Planning Commission is to provide guidance and direction to the City Council on Burien’s future growth through review, analysis, and recommendations regarding the City’s Comprehensive Plan and related land use documents. View current Planning Commission members at burienwa.gov/planningcommission.
In 2019, the Planning Commission provided recommendations to Council on revisions to regulations for accessory dwelling units, the Burien Urban Center Plan, updates to the temporary sign code, revisions to the zoning code that would encourage multifamily development in multifamily zones, and a pilot program for affordable housing demonstration projects. They also started a discussion about how to provide for different housing types such as townhomes, duplexes, or triplexes in single-family zones.
Meetings: When: 7:00 p.m. • Second and fourth Wednesdays of the month
Where: Burien City Hall, 400 SW 152nd St, Council Chambers
Human Services Commission
The Human Services Commission advises Council on issues related to human services. View current Human Services Commission members at burienwa.gov/humanservicescommission.
- Identify and assess the human services needs in the city
- Recommend priorities and approaches to address human services needs within the city
- Review human services funding requests submitted to the City and make funding allocation recommendations
- Review performance of human services agencies and programs that are funded by the City
Meetings: When: 6:30 – 8 p.m. • Second Wednesday of the month
Where: Burien City Hall, 400 SW 152nd St, Third Floor, Miller Creek Conference Room
Burien Airport Committee
The Burien Airport Committee provides guidance to Council on topics related to the airport, including:
- Positive and negative impacts of the airport to the Burien community
- Land use issues and interlocal agreements
- Mitigation of airport impacts
- Recommendations on ways to protect residents from negative impacts, and ways for residents and businesses to take advantage of positive airport impacts
In 2019, the Burien Airport Committee provided recommendations to Council which resulted in the adoption of three resolutions and various letters to state, federal, and Port of Seattle representatives related to airport growth, safety, noise, and health impacts. They recommended suspension of Burien’s participation in the Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) until revisions can be made to make StART more collaborative and productive. The Burien Airport Committee also provided helpful information in support of the City’s lawsuit with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the Categorical Exclusion to the 250-degree turboprops turns over Burien, and to other studies occurring. View current Burien Airport Committee members at burienwa.gov/airportcommittee.
Meetings: When: 6:00 p.m. • Third Tuesday of the month
Where: Burien Community Center, 14700 6th Ave SW, Burien, WA 98166
