Burien, Washington Development News
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July 13, 2026 City Council Meeting
Published: Jul 13, 2026
Federal Funding Update: International Market Project Receives Support, Concerns Raised Over Grant Administration Changes
Jake Johnston provided an update on federal policy and funding, noting that the city's delegation continues to actively support Burian's priorities. For the international market project, which previously received $850,000, both Senator Cantwell and Congresswoman Jayapal requested the full $2.71 million. The House appropriations bill included $500,000, but the Senate outcome is still pending. Johnston also discussed the ongoing federal legislative gridlock, the progress on appropriations bills, and the bipartisan infrastructure bill. He detailed the city's successes and hold-serves on transportation bill priorities, including securing competitive access for medium-sized cities and maintaining climate funding. A significant concern raised was the Trump administration's proposal to change federal fund administration by removing civil servants from grant decision-making and empowering political appointees, a move that has drawn strong opposition from various entities and is being prepared for legal challenge.
City Council Considers Ordinance to Facilitate Residential Conversions of Existing Buildings
Liz and Natasha presented Ordinance 895, regarding the residential conversion of existing buildings. This ordinance is a statewide mandate required by House Bill 1757, effective June 30th, designed to increase housing stock by making it easier to convert commercial buildings to residential use. The bill exempts these conversions from new parking requirements, special land use permits (like design review), SEPA, and transportation concurrency studies, though transportation impact fees can still be assessed. It also allows exemptions from current energy codes and specific elevator size requirements for Gurney transport. Projects cannot be denied for non-conformances, such as height restrictions, unless along designated pedestrian-oriented streets for ground-level uses. Proposed amendments affect zoning (Title 19) and building codes (Title 15), with the Planning Commission recommending approval after removing a clarifying statement regarding the retention of existing off-street parking for remaining uses.
Resident Supports Data Center Moratorium, Citing Need for Planning and Protection of Residential Areas
Karen Sincula, a Burian resident, spoke in support of a data center moratorium, viewing it as a smart and responsible action that allows the city to complete important related projects with reduced legal risk. She specifically mentioned the CTAC Airport Master Plan and the North of Neo rezone as relevant projects. Sincula expressed concern that current zoning proposals in residential areas might not adequately protect neighborhoods like Cedarhurst from data center development, and believes the moratorium would provide time for careful consideration of zoning changes.
Councilmember Andrade Supports Building Conversion Ordinance; Seeks Rationale for Elevator Size Exemption
Councilmember Andrade supported Ordinance 895, commending city staff for keeping Burien aligned with new state requirements. She inquired about the exemption for elevators not needing to comply with Gurney size, seeking rationale. Staff explained that while they did not write the provision, the state likely intended to reduce significant cost increases and challenges in retrofitting existing buildings for larger elevators.
Council Members Support Residential Conversion Ordinance, Inquire About Vacancy Data
Deputy Mayor Garcia supported Ordinance 895, comparing it to conversion projects in Baltimore and Seattle. He believes this amendment could provide an easier route for Burian to meet its housing needs, emphasizing that these conversions are for all market-rate housing needs, not just affordable housing. Councilmember Mendez also supported the ordinance and appreciated the Planning Department's work. He inquired about the city's data on commercial vacancy rates and residential rental vacancy rates, seeking information on the context for these conversions. Staff noted they do not currently hold rental rate data but would check with the Economic Development Department.
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