Conflict between City and County Sheriff over Homeless Encampments Enforcement

The King County, Washington sheriff has instructed deputies not to enforce a City of Burien order outlawing homeless encampments until the constitutionality of the order is resolved, sparking a potential conflict between the city and the sheriff's office. Burien Mayor Kevin Schilling is examining the inter-local agreement between the city and county sheriff’s office and considering establishing a city-run police department if the agreement was broken. The mayor and sheriff have clashed over prioritizing treatment over tents and public safety over politics in addressing homelessness, as the city grapples with increasing homelessness and related challenges.