Burien’s top administrative job is getting a temporary new nameplate. On April 20, the Burien City Council voted to appoint Bob Larson as interim city manager, with his first day on the job set for Tuesday, April 28.
The decision follows a tense stretch at City Hall that saw City Manager Adolfo Bailon placed on paid administrative leave after an April 13 executive session. In the immediate aftermath, the city tapped Public Works Director Rod Steitzer to serve briefly as acting city manager while councilmembers weighed longer term options. The leave and the circumstances around the special meeting were first reported by The Highline Journal, and local coverage of the April 20 meeting is available from B-Town Blog.
Who Is Bob Larson
Larson is a veteran municipal manager with decades of experience in Washington and Minnesota, and he has developed a reputation for stepping into city halls during times of transition. Public records list long tenures as city administrator in Snoqualmie and Gig Harbor, along with more recent interim stints in communities such as Newcastle and North Bend. His background and past leadership roles are outlined in a City of Newcastle announcement.
What Is Next For City Hall
Larson is slated to begin work on April 28, and according to local reporting his contract terms will be finalized by the interim city attorney. Councilmembers also raised short term budget concerns about overlapping payroll while Bailon remains on paid leave, an issue highlighted by B-Town Blog. The appointment and start date were shared publicly by the City of Burien on X.
Residents and staff can expect to see Larson settling into City Hall during the week of April 28 as the council returns to regular business. Upcoming meetings are expected to clarify whether his interim designation will stretch into a longer engagement or if Burien will launch a broader search for a permanent city manager.
