Burien Elects New Mayor and Deputy Mayor: Financial Troubles Loom Ahead

The first meeting of the city council took place on Jan. 12, 2025, with the newly elected and re-elected Burien City Council members, who were sworn into office on Dec. 8, 2025. As a result, the first Council meeting of 2026 (Agenda Here) focused on electing a new mayor (two-year term) and a new deputy mayor (one-year term).

Councilmember Akey suggested the process for nominating and electing these positions, and the Council voted to follow her recommendations. Sarah Moore was elected Mayor, and Hugo Garcia was elected Deputy Mayor.

Some members of the audience expressed disappointment that Kevin Schilling was not re-elected as mayor. During his tenure, Council meetings were generally more structured, following a period that included contentious sessions, reports of inappropriate conduct among Councilmembers, and meetings that extended for long periods amid disruptive public comment from both out-of-city activists and other commenters.

Also notable at the meeting was the return of Burien City Attorney Garmon Newsom II, who resumed attending Council meetings after a several-month unexplained absence.

Chris Smith, Emergency Management Coordinator, gave a presentation on his new position, which he has been developing over the past seven months to better prepare Burien residents for emergencies. His efforts include plans to revive the Burien radio station for emergency announcements and to train Block Watch captains as key neighborhood connectors during emergencies.

Smith also discussed the city’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). A COOP is a formal strategy that ensures essential government functions can continue during and after a disruption. It outlines critical processes, personnel, resources, and procedures needed to maintain services and quickly restore full operations. An Emergency Management Coordination Committee (EMCC) has been formed, several city handbooks have been developed, and a strategic plan for 2025–2029 has been written.

During public comment, one woman spoke about trees in Matheson Park and a meeting with the Port, suggesting the city provide residents with advance notice as soon as the Port communicates any tree-cutting plans so residents can respond appropriately.

Two women addressed the inappropriate language and vulgar outburst made by a new Councilmember at the Dec. 10, 2025 Planning Commission meeting. One speaker stated that the Council should censure him for his behavior and for what she described as a disingenuous apology. The other speaker argued that he should recuse himself from any further work or votes on the 2026 amendment to the 2044 Comprehensive Plan and the 2025 Housing Zoning Plan due to a violation of the Appearance of Fairness Doctrine.

During her report, Councilmember Akey stated that Councilmembers must be respectful to city residents.

Another speaker suggested changing Council meeting times, altering the amount of time allowed for out-of-city commenters, and no longer prioritizing Burien residents and businesses during public comment. This would again allow a process that has historically been unsuccessful and consumed a significant amount of meeting time. Mayor Moore stated that she would give this issue further consideration.

Several other commenters raised ongoing concerns about resident safety.

The Council agreed that too much time has been spent on proclamations and that they should be better targeted and tied to relevant community events. All Councilmembers agreed this topic would be discussed in greater detail at the upcoming Council retreat.

A grim financial report for the city was also discussed, including mention of potentially implementing a new public safety sales tax following the failure of the recent Public Safety Levy. The new city council is faced with some difficult decisions on how to allocate the city's funds, especially since 42% of their current budget is allotted to the police contract. Burien City Council Budget Agenda Materials

Public Works announced that the city was awarded $2.5 million in Transportation Improvement Grants.

A special Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 26, from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to introduce all city departments to the new Council members.