We are extremely lucky to live where we do, but the current economic system is not working, and people are struggling to make ends meet, let alone invest back in their community. Many of our neighbors are rent burdened. When rent is predictable and under 30% of a person’s income, there is a much higher likelihood of them eating and shopping locally. Unfortunately, that is not the reality for many, but we can make that a reality through a rent stabilization ordinance so that people can plan their lives with a sense of security rather than taking on the unknowns.

I will pass a rent stabilization ordinance with a rent cap of 3% or 60% of CPI, whichever is lower. Rent stabilization prevents homelessness by preventing sudden deregulated rent hikes that tenants can’t afford. I also want to explore public housing options.

These actions would benefit all Burbank residents as neighbors would be able to make lasting connections and put down roots without excessive turnover. It would also help reduce declining enrollment in BUSD schools, which would give our schools more funding.

I believe that we should, as part of the Burbank community, protect all of our neighbors, regardless of immigration status.

To that point, we need stronger restrictions on ICE’s presence in Burbank. ICE should never have been allowed to stage on Burbank City property or intercept people being released from Burbank jail. We also know that the data from Flock mass surveillance cameras has been used by ICE. I am in favor of shutting down Flock and all ALPR mass surveillance.

(see Law Enforcement for more details on ALPRs)

We need to reduce car dependency.

That’s why I’m excited about Metro’s NoHo to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit project, which will bring more people to Burbank to participate in the local economy. It will hit important job centers, like the movie studios, as well as expand the public transit options available to Burbank residents.

As someone that frequently bikes to work, I am also eager for the Chandler Bikeway extension to the downtown Metrolink station. Cyclists and pedestrians in Burbank need improved infrastructure, including protected bike lanes and citywide interconnectivity, including a capital bike infrastructure plan, to allow them to move safely around the city. By building more bike paths and connecting them to one another, we make our city safer, greener, and friendlier to all.

I will also review our existing bus services with an eye toward service improvements and the potential for electrification.

Not only are costs rising, but it can be difficult to find a good job. In every industry, I support the right of workers to unionize. When approving any new development, city council should build up local jobs and union employment by mandating community benefit agreements. And I support raising the minimum wage in Burbank, because everyone should be able to make enough to get by.

As someone that works in the film industry, I am eager to make it easier to film in Burbank. We need to explore permitting options that work for all budget levels. We can also facilitate basecamps and crew parking at no cost on city property. I would also like to form a Burbank Production Task Force, partnering with studios and labor to keep production local. Lastly, I oppose entertainment corporate mergers, like what is happening with Warner Bros. In the silent era, companies like United Artists were formed so creatives could control their own interests, and I support similar efforts today.

An essential part of Burbank’s character is our small, independent local businesses, and we need to make sure they thrive. The city should continue and expand events in Magnolia Park, as well as explore making San Fernando a pedestrian-only street downtown on regular occasions.

I know from experience that raising a family in Burbank is an incredible opportunity.

We need to support what Burbank educators, artists, and civil servants are already working towards by investing more in public arts programs and our parks and green spaces. Our youth need third spaces to grow and thrive, and we are ready to provide that.

To attract more families to Burbank (and thereby increasing enrollment in BUSD schools) I want to invest in extended childcare, after-school programs, and extracurriculars to further center the family experience. Every member of a family should be able to thrive within our community.

I also support efforts to increase school funding at the state and local level by closing corporate loopholes and passing new tax legislation. 

Global warming is an existential threat, and should be considered a top priority by any office holder.

In Burbank, we need to expand our community garden programs and support our farmers market. It is important to source food locally to reduce greenhouse emissions.

I am also concerned about the use of AI and the data centers needed to power it. I support a moratorium and ban on data centers being built anywhere within the city, and restrictions on the use of AI by city departments.

As a city, we can also build out bicycle infrastructure and improve our public transit.

(see Transportation for more details on reducing car dependency)

We should ensure our law enforcement professionals utilize safe and innovative methods, like strong mental health units, without relying on invasive and data-hungry mass surveillance technologies.

This includes developing an ordinance governing the use of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs), particularly those made by Flock Safety, which collect and retain far more data than they do solve crimes. These technologies have been proven nationally to have been leveraged by the Department of Homeland Security and ICE to persecute our most vulnerable community members. 

ALPRs have a history of poor security practices such as data breaches and being used for unofficial reasons by individuals with access, oftentimes without consent from the communities being surveilled.

I also believe we should audit and review military-grade equipment in Burbank Police Department. Together, we can better protect each other and decrease the need for military-grade equipment in our community, investing instead in programs scientifically proven to prevent crime rather than prosecuting once the crime has occurred.