City of Burien Response to King Countys Letter Refusing to Provide Sheriffs Service

The City of Burien is finalizing a lease with Burien CARES to operate a dog park on a city-owned lot currently occupied by an unsanctioned encampment, a decision that has sparked controversy following a letter from King County's General Counsel. The letter challenges Burien's authority to manage the property and raises concerns about police services for potential lessees. Burien's leadership contends that the letter misrepresents the city’s policies regarding homelessness and fails to acknowledge King County's shared responsibilities. The city has been proactive in seeking shelter and housing solutions for the unhoused, dedicating a significant portion of its budget to these efforts compared to other King County jurisdictions. Despite these efforts, Burien has struggled to secure adequate support from King County and its designated housing agency.

The city argues that the lack of shelter space is a systemic issue exacerbated by inadequate funding and regional disparities in resources. As the situation develops, Burien is considering whether to formally respond to the county's concerns, reaffirming its commitment to addressing homelessness. This ongoing dialogue highlights the complexities of local governance and the challenges faced by municipalities in managing social issues.