City of Burien to focus on downtown development while considering $15 minimum wage

By Jack Mayne / Feb 25, 2020

The Burien City Council study session on Monday night (Feb. 24) saw discussion of a the city focusing its downtown redevelopment on a targeted approach on SW 152 Street and considered the possibility of a $15 an hour minimum wage.

Currently only adjacent SeaTac and Seattle have such minimum wages.

Councilmembers told city staff, as well as Councilmembers, to discus the feasibility of such a minimum wage with local businesses.

Councilmember Kevin Schilling said he has noticed an increase of trash in the downtown area and favors the plan Craig outlined. Councilmember Cydney Moore moved to direct the city manager “to work with the BEDP” to “try to identify the pros and cons of establishing a $15 minimum wage in the city. The need for a living wage in our city is pretty dire” and the poverty level in the city is “well above the state average.”

The motion to study the potential of a minimum wage was approved unanimously by the Council.

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