I believe city government has the power to be transformational. As an entity that is small enough to build deep connections and identify needs, we are also just large enough to enact meaningful change.
Like funding the Weld Seattle program for previously incarcerated and justice-involved individuals, which transitions more than 60 percent of its participants into gainful, permanent employment in defiance of the statistics that would predict prolonged unemployment or reincarceration.
Or, like partnering with Latino Civic Alliance to bring summer internships to support City departments and gain valuable job skills. We’re excited to have been able to bring one of those interns back to the City as an employee.
These programs have also added to our City’s limited capacity, supplementing staff labor and cutting down some challenging workloads. But we have so much more to do.
We’re looking into offering a ballot measure that would help sustain and expand our services and programs and better meet the needs of the community. We look forward to sharing more about that in the months to come.
Lastly, I’m proud of the work our staff has completed in partnership with the Burien community in developing several important plans that will help shape our city for years to come, including the Burien 2044 Comprehensive Plan.
Adolfo Bailon
Burien City Manager
