Business Assistance

We believe being responsive to the needs of our business community is the most critical economic development function we serve. From the more than 250 businesses we visit annually, to our rapid business response times, to our walk-up Counter Engagement Program at Burien City Hall, economic development makes Burien businesses our priority. 

CONTACT US

Chris Craig

Economic Development Manager

Ph: (206) 241-4647

Business Expansion

If your business is experiencing growth which requires building renovations or additional building space, congratulations! Our team can provide information to help you in your planning. The City of Burien has been active in removing barriers to investment by businesses and property owners. This has included an exemption from parking provision requirements for existing buildings in the downtown that want to renovate, add additional stories to the building height, change their use until November 2020, and new fire suppression options that provide greater flexibility and which may greatly reduce costs. Please contact us with your building expansion ideas!  

Site Location Assistance

Growing your business can often mean finding more space. Whether you are outgrowing your current location or you would like to newly locate to Burien, we are here to help you determine the best option for your growing business’s needs. Businesses opening their first location will find Burien to be a supportive partner, and businesses relocating from Seattle have found our real estate prices lower, our permitting times faster (much faster), and our staff more accessible.

Among the many ways we can assist you with site selection, the City can:

Navigating City Regulations and Permitting

The City aims to make navigating government as simple as possible. Still, sometimes government codes and regulations may need additional explanation; our economic development staff are here to assist you and be your advocate inside city hall.

Burien City Hall exterior

Public Safety and Cleanliness

Maintaining the cleanliness and safety of our streets has been a major point of emphasis for the City and the business community as Burien has grown. This emphasis extends to all corners of the city, and includes many programs that help to attain the comfortable, main-street feel that our community enjoys. Programs include:

Graffiti Removal Program

The City offers a graffiti-removal program for commercial properties absolutely free of charge. Once notified of the graffiti, the City’s contractor will send a crew to the site and match the paint as close as possible to the building color. Removal may consist of pressure washing prior to repainting if needed. Go to Code Compliance to learn more about the Graffiti Removal program.

Clean and Safe Streets Litter Pick-up

The City contracts with Discover Burien to fund pickup of garbage and litter in the downtown area. Several times a week, the Team Clean Sweep services their routes to ensure that our streets are clean and inviting. Feel free to wave to them in their bright yellow jackets when you see them around town!

Dumpster Lock Program

Recology CleanScapes provides locks for commercial containers upon request. Each lock comes with two keys for customer use. On your scheduled collection day, Recology CleanScapes will unlock and relock the container. Alternatively, a private lock may be used. On collection day, you will need to unlock the container prior to service. To join, contact Recology at 206-767-3322 or [email protected] 

City of Burien Police Consultation

The Burien Police Department offers free public safety consultations to businesses that would like advice on how best to make their building, equipment, customers and employees as safe as possible. Please contact economic development staff at 206-436-5579 to set up a consultation.

Workforce Assistance

Burien’s skilled workforce spans a wide range of sectors and experience. Our education and workforce development partners give your business the resources you need to access this skilled talent.

If you are looking to tap into our existing workforce, we can give you tools to attract them. If your business is looking for continuing education or training resources for employees, we have convenient options available. Give us a call so we can give you the tools to recruit the talented employees that make your business a success.

Proactive Business Visits

“You wouldn’t get this type of service in a larger city.” This is a refrain we hear often when visiting businesses through our Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program. Throughout the year, economic development staff visit businesses of all sizes, types and in all areas of the community to talk directly with business owners about how the City can best help their business succeed. Our goal is to be responsive to emerging issues in the local market, address any opportunities and/or impediments that a business may encounter, and build strong lasting relationships with our businesses. If you would like to meet with us and see how we can help, please contact Economic Development Manager Chris Craig. 

Rapid Response Time

When a business calls, we answer. Although Burien operates with a lean number of staff, our economic development staff aim to respond to inquiries from Burien businesses within a day, if not immediately. In Burien, you aren’t just a business identification number, you are a valued member of our community.

Counter engagement program

The City has enacted a Counter Engagement Program to assist new and existing businesses when they visit City Hall. Whether you are applying for licensing, seeking permits, or asking about the City more generally, we want to make sure your visit with City staff is clear, productive, and meets your expectations. Please ask to talk with an economic development staff member so we can learn more about your business and understand what we can do to help you succeed. 

Regional Connections

Burien understands the importance of leveraging regional partnerships and expertise to add resources to our economic development toolbox for businesses. Whether you are looking to grow your professional network, talk with a business consultant for free about your company operations, or access educational opportunities, we have partners that are ready to assist. Give us a call to find how we can connect you to these resources.

Our partners include:

Additional Services

Updated July 13, 2022