The City of Burien’s Economic Development staff recently completed a citywide survey of local businesses. Last conducted in 2018, the current survey included additional questions and more intentional outreach to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned businesses, which resulted in higher response rates and richer information.
The City of Burien received 255 surveys, similar to the last survey conducted in 2018. Survey questions were developed in partnership with the Business and Economic Development Partnership (BEDP).
The survey results were presented during the May 1, 2023 City Council meeting.
- Watch video of Burien City Council presentation on survey results
- Download and read presentation (PDF)
Survey themes
The top five challenges facing businesses are:
- Crime
- Homelessness
- Marketing and attracting customers
- Staffing
- Rising costs and economic uncertainty
Respondents shared that the City of Burien government can improve its job by:
- Improving public safety
- Addressing homelessness
- Provide better communication, transparency, and public involvement in decision-making
In addition to learning how the COVID pandemic affected businesses, providing feedback on how to enhance public safety and economic development, businesses shared that the top advantages Burien has to offer as a place to do business is:
- Central location and accessibility
- Strong sense of community
- Affordability
- Diversity
- Growing community
Next steps
We appreciate everyone who took the time to complete the survey and share your thoughts! City staff will follow up with businesses that may need assistance.
Three roundtable events to further explore questions and themes in the survey are being scheduled. The survey results will also be used to design programs and services and to inform development of the City’s economic development action plan.
