Chip Davis has been appointed Burien’s Community Development director, replacing Scott Greenberg who left for a similar position on Mercer Island.


Davis has been a planner with the city since 2002. Previously, he worked as a consultant for communications companies developing cell phone tower sites in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and upstate New York. He also worked as a Spokane Transit Authority planner for 15 years..

Davis has a bachelor's degree in planning from the University of Washington and conducted graduate work at Eastern Washington University.

At the April 15 Burien City Council meeting, Davis said he is “very energized by the future.

“Based on pre-application meetings, we haven’t seen this level of development in several years.”

Navos Mental Health Solutions CEO David Johnson filled lawmakers in on one of the big new construction projects in Burien.

After merging with Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center and Seattle Children’s Home, Navos has decided to consolidate some programs at the Dykeman campus on Lake Burien.

Johnson said Navos will build a “Center for Excellence for children and families” at the Burien site.

A centerpiece will be “Independence Bridge,” which features housing and programs for youth 18-25 transitioning out of foster care. There will be about 25 housing units.

He said the Dykeman campus at Southwest 152nd Street and 10th Avenue Southwest is near transit facilities so the clients can get to jobs.

But the tree-lined campus on Lake Burien will also create a “sanctuary” or “oasis” feel for the youth transitioning into independence.

“It is a delight to work with this campus,” Johnson noted.

Johnson said construction on Independence Bridge would begin this summer. Other construction could begin early next year.

“Burien is one of the best places in the nation to do business,” Johnson declared. “Doing business in Burien is a joy.”