FOLLOWUP City of Burien confirms Ordinance 861 did not pass at May 19 council meeting

Ordinance No. 861, designed to regulate religious organizations hosting the homeless in Burien, failed to pass during the City Council meeting on May 19, 2025, with a vote tally of 3-2-2. Councilmembers Alex Andrade and Jimmy Matta supported the revised motion, which altered staffing requirements from "required" to "encouraged. " However, confusion arose regarding the ordinance's adoption, prompting clarification from Communications Manager Devin Chicras. The ordinance aimed to align local rules with RCW 35A.

21. 360, facilitating shelters for unhoused individuals. Subsequent motions to amend the ordinance and introduce new guidelines for temporary encampments were also rejected. The matter is set to be revisited at the council's next meeting on June 2, where draft minutes will be approved. The failure to pass the ordinance reflects ongoing challenges in addressing homelessness in the region.

City officials will continue to seek solutions as discussions progress.