Cities
The November 17th Burien City Council meeting was marked by continued public concern and council discussion over recent ICE enforcement activity in the city, alongside a full slate of legislative and budget items—many of which were advanced to the consent agenda with split votes.
Attendance & Opening
The meeting began with only four councilmembers present in person: Hugo Garcia, Linda Akey, Sarah Moore, and Alex Andrade. Mayor Schilling was absent, and Councilmembers Matta and Mora joined later via Zoom. Deputy Mayor Moore presided in the Mayor’s absence. The meeting was split across four separate video recordings due to technical issues.
Council & City Manager Reports
Multiple councilmembers—Garcia, Matta, and Andrade—reported meeting with the city manager and King County councilmembers to discuss ICE-related community concerns. Garcia also proposed reaffirming Burien’s sanctuary city status and sought funding partnerships for “Know Your Rights” workshops and family separation response training. Matta echoed concerns about ICE activity and immigrant support, while noting Burien’s budget deficit but arguing that helping vulnerable residents remains a priority.
Moore reported attending regional discussions on rising utility rates. The city manager highlighted the ADA transportation plan update event, community events, utility tax relief applications now available online, and community civics training efforts. Reports from two councilmembers were not recorded due to video issues.
Public Comment
Of fourteen public speakers, the majority called for proactive ICE restrictions and reaffirmation of sanctuary protections, including requiring agents to identify themselves, banning masks, regulating use of city property, and limiting cooperation with federal enforcement. Some speakers accused the council of moving too slowly despite recent meetings on the topic. Other comments touched on tree removal at Mathison Park and zoning concerns.
Budget & Legislative Items
A public hearing on mid-biennium budget adjustments drew one speaker who urged prioritizing public safety, balanced budgeting, and infrastructure above other programs. The mid-biennium update was moved to the consent agenda, 5-1, with Mora opposed.
Several major items were introduced and advanced:
- Legislative Agenda (2026) — Passed unanimously, with additions addressing airport noise and environmental impact.
- Single-Use Bag Tax Alignment (Ord. 885) — Implements state-mandated 12¢ plastic/8¢ paper bag fees, increasing through 2028; unanimously moved to consent.
- Co-Living Housing Code (Ord. 881) — Required under HB 1998 to allow communal “sleeping unit” housing near transit. Approved for consent 4-2 (Matta, Mora opposed), with questions about parking, age limits, and timing.
- Critical Areas Ordinance (Ord. 878) — Wetlands buffer updates advanced 4-2 (Matta, Mora opposed).
- B&O Tax Updates (Ord. 877) — Moved to consent 5-1 (Mora opposed).
- Right-of-Way Permit Table (Res. 526) — Approved 5-1 (Mora opposed).
Link to Agenda and Agenda Packet.
Link to Videos.
Members Discussion