My Burbank City Council Goals for 2021

At 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 27th, the Burbank City Council will be meeting to set our City Council and community goals for 2021. As I head into this important meeting with my colleagues, I’d like to take this opportunity to share my complete list with you!

Please note that Burbank’s immediate needs to address the COVID-19 pandemic are not lost upon me. However, the steps that we need to take are not necessarily found in a single or stand-alone goal. Rather, the steps that we need to take to recover from this unprecedented public health and economic crisis is a common thread among my goals listed below.

Economic Development & Recovery

Burbank Economic Recovery Taskforce

Growth and Retention of Small Businesses

Urgency Ordinances to Protect Stakeholders

 Advocate for Grant Funding, Tax Breaks & Loan Programs

Housing Stability & Growth

Eviction Protection & Rent Relief

Adding Affordable Housing Options (RHNA allocation)

Reducing the costs & barriers to new housing construction

Other Relief for Residents (e.g., Relaxed Parking Ticketing)

New Home Buyer Program

Strengthened Police Accountability & Community Relations

Expanded Burbank Police Commission with Regular Meetings

Re-evaluate the Powers and Responsibilities of the Police Commission

Continued Commitment to Hiring Diversity

Increased Community Relations Events (e.g., townhalls)

Commitment to a Sustainable Future

BWP Roadmap to 100% Renewable Energy by 2030

Update our Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan (GGRP) to meet State Targets

Explore a Sustainability Coordinator Structure

Implement a Drought Prevention Plan/Taskforce

Increased investments in Solar Energy & Storage

Implement a 21st Century Transportation Plan

Regional Mass Transit Connectivity (Rail/Bus)

Chandler Bike Path Extension

Investments in Bike Lanes (Complete Streets Plan)

Equity-Based Transportation System

Pedestrian Safeguards (sidewalks & scramble crosswalks)

Improved Homelessness Services

Supportive Services for Homeless Families

Revisit the future of the BGC Site

Improved Partnerships with Non-Profits

Explore options for interim housing

Take advantage of funding through FEMA/Project Roomkey

Cultivating Diversity & Equity in our Community

Prioritizing Diversification of our Boards & Commissions

Commission on the Status of Women and/or Women’s Rights

DEI Commission or Staff Member

Formal Recognition of Cesar Chavez Day – Jess Talamantes

Ensure Workforce Protections

Comparative Analysis: Minimum Wage in LA County vs. State of CA

PPE & Hero Pay for Frontline Workers

Utilize Project Labor Agreements for Development Projects

Right to Return for COVID-19 Effected Employees

Making Community Investments

New Central Library

Increased Public Arts Projects

Preservation of Magnolia Park & Small Businesses

Citizens’ Ethics Commission

Investing in Wildfire Preparation & Resiliency

Prioritize Defensible Space Zones and Clearances

BWP Equipment Upgrades

Recruitment & Retention of Burbank Firefighters

Community Disaster Preparedness