Burien council introduces budget amendment to accept $1.3 million in external public-works and grant funds

The Burien City Council on April 6 voted to introduce an ordinance (8-94) that would amend the 2025–26 biennial budget to recognize roughly $1.3 million in external funding for public-works programs and related operating grants.

Public Works staff outlined the package: a Sandy Williams grant and other street-capital funds (about $660,000 for project development and $448,000 for utility coordination on SW 148th Street) plus $223,000 in solid-waste grants for recycling/collection events and a $50,000 sustainability food-initiative grant. Finance Director Casey Headley also noted an unanticipated $290,000 in increased utility-tax revenue offset by $72,500 in audit-related professional services.

Public Works Director Rod and Director Headley said the street grants will support planning and utility coordination prior to paving and that solid-waste grants have previously produced high turnout at collection events. Council member Linda Akey moved to place the item on the consent agenda for the next meeting; the introduction passed unanimously after brief discussion and timeline questions about a signal project expected to go live in late June.

Why it matters: The amendment formalizes capacity to accept and spend grant dollars for capital and operating activities, enabling near-term construction and community events without waiting for a future budget cycle.

What’s next: The ordinance was introduced for council consideration and will be returned on the consent calendar for final adoption at the next regular meeting.