Burien’s economic development team outlines childcare and market plans, stresses grant reliance

Chris Craig, Burien’s economic development manager, and colleague Lorraine Sachery presented the division’s priorities during the Jan. 26 special meeting, describing a small in‑house staff that leverages partners to support business attraction, workforce pathways and tourism.

Craig said the division includes three core staff positions and a half‑time administrative assistant shared with Human Services. He highlighted partnerships with organizations such as Discover Burien, the Seattle Southside Chamber and the Highline College Small Business Development Center and said the city uses marketing and a "shop local" directory to help businesses grow.

Sachery outlined targeted initiatives: a childcare business development initiative aiming to bring nine new family‑home childcare centers to Burien; storefront repair and small business grants distributed during ARPA recovery; and tourism efforts tied to SeaTac Airport and upcoming events such as the World Cup. Craig also described an application for federal funding for a year‑round international public market adjacent to Townsquare Park to create vendor space year‑round.

Both presenters stressed that many programs depend on competitive grants and regional partnerships. "We're always applying for grants, and we're always trying to make sure that we're providing our programs at a rate that people can afford and yet still make some revenue," Sachery said.

Council members asked about performance and follow‑up; staff said they would share grant lists and continue coordination with the council as projects progress. No formal council action was taken during the presentation.