There will be four public meetings in White Center and Burien this month to hear comments about the proposed annexation of the North Highline Unincorporated Area to Burien or to Seattle.

receive input about future annexation of the area. Each drop-in open house will offer information about the reasons for annexation and how the process works, a chance to talk with staff members from the county and city governments, and opportunities for residents to weigh in on whether the community should be annexed to a neighboring city or cities.

"Annexation to a city will bring North Highline the programs and services that this community deserves," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "The main question that faces North Highline residents is what services and government structure do you want. Burien and Seattle are both wonderful places to live. But, we need help from the residents to determine which city is the best fit for the neighborhoods in North Highline."

Unlike previous annexation forums, the open houses will focus primarily on listening to residents' goals and concerns with regard to joining a city. Stations will present different annexation scenarios that residents will be asked to comment on orally or in writing. The open houses also provide the opportunity to interact with community groups that are committed to creating a better future for North Highline, either through their services and programs or through promoting a position on annexation.

King County Executive Ron Sims, Burien Mayor Joan McGilton and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels launched a cooperative effort in March to work with North Highline residents to establish an annexation plan. Rather than establish a resident advisory group, the elected officials opted to host a series of community meetings prior to making a recommendation to encourage as many residents as possible to participate in decision making. Their goal is to find a governance solution for the entire North Highline area by the end of 2006 that will lead to annexation by 2009. This could mean dividing the area, with some neighborhoods joining Seattle and others Burien through city-initiated elections or petitions, or having the whole community join just one of the cities.

North Highline is one of the largest unincorporated urban areas in King County, with 12,000 households and a population of 32,500.

The meeting schedule is in On The Go under Public Meetings.