The City of Burien has filed a lawsuit against King County and the King County Sheriff's Office, alleging non-compliance with Burien Municipal Code 9. 85. 150. This legal action stems from claims that King County has breached the Interlocal Agreement's dispute resolution process, effectively sidelining the authority of Burien's elected officials. The lawsuit raises critical questions regarding local governance and the enforcement of laws, particularly those impacting public safety and homelessness.

According to Burien, the refusal to comply has prevented the City Manager from effectively directing the contract police, which is a violation of the established agreement. The case has been filed in Snohomish County Superior Court, indicating the seriousness of the matter. This legal confrontation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by local governments in coordinating with county-level authorities. Burien's commitment to protecting its residents and businesses is at stake, as the city seeks to ensure proper enforcement of municipal codes. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for future interlocal agreements and the governance dynamics between Burien and King County.