OUR PRIORITIES

The core service of any city is to keep its residents safe. We need to invest in our Police and Fire departments to make sure we have enough police and firefighters who are properly trained and properly equipped to provide the public safety levels we need to keep Burbank a first class city. While the population of Burbank has increased over the past 40 years, with call volume also increasing, we haven't seen the same level of growth in our public safety departments. As your Councilmember, I will fight to make sure we are investing in our public safety departments. The police need to be fully staffed to address the ongoing rise in crime, gang activity, and homelessness. I am fully supportive of our police department and believe they need more resources, not less. Enhancing emergency preparedness and response capabilities so our community feels safe and prepared. Continuing to invest in new technology and resources/programs for our first responders.

This is truly one of the most challenging issues facing our entire country, and there is no single solution that will solve homelessness. Having been a part of the city’s internal Homeless Committee, I am empathetic and compassionate toward those who find themselves in this unfortunate circumstance and want them to get the assistance they need to lead a safer and more fulfilling life. However, I also know firsthand that homelessness has negatively impacted many of our businesses and residents. I think Burbank has been reasonably effective in our approach thus far, and I am supportive of continuing those efforts, as well as: Continuing to expand the services and scope of Streets Plus. They have been effective in engaging with our homeless population and referring them to needed services. The service needs to be more available citywide with more 24/7 service. Pursuing the development of a homeless facility with wrap-around services on Front Street. Continuing to collaborate with non-profits like Home Again LA and Burbank Temporary Aid Center to help with needed resources and short-term and long-term housing options. Providing additional resources to the Burbank Mental Health Evaluation Team as well as the social worker that is shared between the Library and Parks and Recreation.

To address a state law requiring the city to create more housing, the City Council set a goal of creating 12,000 new housing units by 2035. The city has mostly been required to increase housing development because there was very little of it over the past 15 years. According to the state, Burbank hasn’t done its part to address the state's deficient housing needs. Because we have not met the state-required goal, the city is subject to several new state laws regarding housing, effectively taking local control away from Burbank. As a result, the city hasn’t had the ability to appropriately plan for housing development. Moving forward, I am supportive of the following: Addressing housing in all city-specific plans so it is appropriate and well thought out/planned. Researching any impacts or unintended consequences the state-required housing development has had on Burbank so we can go back to the state with facts to ask for reasonable modifications/exemptions to the laws. Creating a goal for how much affordable housing is needed/feasible as part of the 12,000 new units to be built in our community. To actually build the affordable housing, the city will need to continue working with non-profits like the Burbank Housing Corporation, as they can most effectively build it. Considering the needs of the special populations in our community, such as seniors and disabled individuals, and ensuring we have adequate and affordable units available.

Burbank is a leader in environmental sustainability, and I will work hard to ensure we are exploring all feasible options and remain committed to sustainability for the short and long term. Continue working to reduce the city’s carbon footprint. Find incentives to ensure public/private development optimizes environmentally sound practices and technologies that are both responsible and economically viable. Enhance public awareness and community engagement in environmental conservation efforts. Support the Sustainable Burbank Commission to ensure their environmental goals for our community are considered, supported and implemented. Continue working with our Chamber of Commerce/business community to ensure they understand all new laws relating to organics and plastics and include them in the City’s environmental programs so their voices can be heard and they remain on the forefront of these important issues.

The economic strength of our overall community is incredibly important. We are lucky to have a strong property tax and sales tax base. This strength allows us to provide outstanding and well-deserved services to our community. While our City has performed financially well over the past few years, it isn’t lost on me that the cost of living has become incredibly difficult for many of our community members. Thus, it is imperative that the City Council are good stewards of the money the City has been entrusted with from the community. It is imperative that our City budget be strong for the short and long term. I have the requisite experience and knowledge to keep our city budget on a positive trajectory to ensure: We maintain excellent city services and provide all departments with the tools and resources they need. We create short- and long-term strategic plans and investments to foster economic growth and stability. We have transparency and community understanding in all financial decisions made. We vigorously support our local economy to ensure their success and endurance. We need to actively help maintain our existing businesses and creatively recruit for new ones for a strong, diverse and attractive economy. We are disciplined to make the necessary decisions that will have a lasting impact on our community, rather than being short sighted and neglecting our responsibilities. All employees are paid a market rate and are cared for and invested in so they receive the proper training, education, and tools necessary to perform their jobs for our community. Continuing to invest in city services that support the cultural, educational, and mental and physical well-being of our community members, from children to seniors. We have exceptional employees who provide exceptional services. People come to Burbank because of our City services and that is something we should all be proud of and should work hard at maintaining.

The city has amazing facilities and infrastructure that have served Burbank well over the years. However, several facilities need upgrades, and the infrastructure requires long-term investment to ensure Burbank maintains a high standard. Facilities such as the Central Library, park buildings, McCambridge Pool, Starlight Bowl, city yard facility, and City Hall need to be upgraded to serve the needs of our employees and community today and in the future. We should continue focusing on improving our streets, sidewalks, and alleys, as well as our sewer, water, and electrical systems. Implement viable, environmentally sustainable practices in all infrastructure projects. Adopt industry maintenance principles and long-term capital improvement budgets to ensure the continuation of all city infrastructure.