About Me

Hello, Neighbors-

My name is Nolan Southerland (he/him) and I am running for Burbank City Council. I am a father, husband, 15-year proud union member of IATSE Local 700, and community organizer who has called Burbank home for over a decade. I feel deeply connected to this town.

I love the things that make Burbank unique–our rich film history, our eclectic small businesses, our charming community events, our renowned Halloween displays, our diverse food scene, and a beautiful bike path that is the envy of the valley. Most of all, I love the people I’ve met here. Burbank is where my family put down roots. I want our community to flourish so many more families can do the same.

I have always been civically engaged, but it was in 2020 that I became activated. As the cost of living continued to climb and the entertainment industry was crumbling in town, I became overwhelmed by the frustrating feeling that I couldn’t do anything to help my family and neighbors. I began, as so many did, to focus locally, trying to learn more about how decisions were made in Burbank and the San Fernando Valley. I joined the Democratic Socialists of America, learning how to be a better organizer, and began working with the Burbank Tenants Union to advocate for policies that would increase affordability for those living in Burbank.

This proved to be a training ground for me. When ICE began its assault on Los Angeles in June 2025, I immediately took action to protect my immigrant friends and neighbors. I began volunteering for weekly community watches at local Home Depots. I organized Know Your Rights workshops and spurred the effort to bring that same information to Burbank businesses, going from workplace to workplace informing people of their rights if immigration shows up. I built whistle kits and distributed them to Burbank businesses and activists. I continue to do this work to this day.

This work was never done with a greater goal in mind. I wanted to protect my neighbors, empower this community, and make Burbank a stronger, safer city for all its residents. Imagine my surprise when, after years of focusing on grassroots work, I was approached by people from that same community asking me to run for Burbank City Council. They described their frustration with typical politicians who are disconnected from the working class and back down from the most crucial fights. I share these frustrations. For me, taking a seat on the Burbank City Council is the best way I can continue serving my community.

I am the candidate who will fight directly for the people. I didn’t come from the political establishment, and don’t aspire to be a career politician. Instead, I am a person who has been out doing the work alongside the people of Burbank. I want to carry that work, that focus, with me to office. Fighting to make Burbank more affordable and safer for all its residents got me started years ago, and it’s what keeps me going today.

As a city council member, I will understand that I am first and foremost beholden to the people of Burbank. When problems arise, I will listen to the people who are most affected. When special interest groups try to buy my vote, I will reject it. The people of Burbank deserve someone who will fight hard for them, not just for deals that are “good enough.” My community has asked me to run for office and I am honored to step up to the fight for them and for you.