After more than a year of meeting over Zoom, we are looking forward to seeing you again at City Council meetings. Meetings will look a little different in the short term. Read more from our city clerk on the new hybrid approach to public meetings that will be announced this fall.
Burien businesses are vital to Burien’s success. We also need safe neighborhoods, healthy workers, thriving community-based organizations, successful schools, a vibrant arts and cultural scene, and opportunities for all to reach their full potential. As councilmembers, we strive to look at the holistic impact of the decisions we make. When community voices their interests, we can be better policymakers.
During the last six months, we have made progress on helping Burien make it through the pandemic by approving economic aid to businesses and community members, establishing policies to protect renters from eviction, and supporting the development of more housing in Burien. We approved three major investments in public safety that complement our existing partnerships. Significant progress has been made on Burien’s first climate action plan, and we support the many city and community-led projects that are making Burien more climate-resilient. We are also making strides toward better recognition of the many different communities that make up Burien by acknowledging a more inclusive list of cultural heritage months and other important observances. Burien joined cities, states, and the federal government in the creation of Juneteenth as a city holiday. We also supported the raising of the Pride banner on a city flagpole for the first time in Burien’s history.
Representing a city of more than 52,000 means that sometimes policies or decisions will not be popular for everyone. But as long as we can hear from all voices, we can help forge a path that leads to a better Burien.
Burien City Council
As the City's governing body, Burien's seven elected City Councilmembers establish City policies and laws, adopt an annual budget, approve appropriations, contract for services, and grant franchises. City Councilmembers serve staggered four-year terms; roughly half the Council is up for election every two years. All Councilmembers are "at-large" meaning that they serve the City as a whole as opposed to a specific district.
The City Council chooses a Mayor and Deputy Mayor from among its members at the first meeting of the new year following an election. The Mayor presides at Council meetings and represents the City at ceremonial functions and inter-governmental meetings. The Deputy Mayor presides in the Mayor's absence.
