HANDLES
• 1 Torque Fitness XTWHK-102 TANK WEIGHT HORN KIT (2 PIECES - PAIR) • 1 M-F Athletic & 3210-50 PB Extreme Jam-Ball 50 lb
• 1 M-F Athletic & 3210-60 PB Extreme Jam-Ball 60 lb
• 1 M-F Athletic & 3210-70 PB Extreme Jam-Ball 70 lb
• 1 M-F Athletic & 3210-80 PB Extreme Jam-Ball 80 lb
• 1 M-F Athletic & 3210-90 PB Extreme Jam-Ball 90 lb
• 1 M-F Athletic & 3210-100 PB Extreme Jam-Ball 100 lb 184.00 184.00 • 2 Fitness Produ ... FPD-OB86-PCMB- 7' Ceramic Olympic Bar - 6 Needle Bearing
• 8 Fitness Produ ... FPD-RBP-10 Rubber Bumper Plates 10lb • 8 Fitness Produ ... FPD-RBP-25 Rubber Bumper Plates 25Ib • 16 Fitness Produ ... FPD-RBP-45 Rubber Bumper Plates 45Ib • 1 Escape Fitne ... RACKS RACKS
• 1 Misc. Items Raptor Belt Squat RPL-38
• 1 Precor USA DBR408 - BP/BLK Discovery Series Olympic Flat Bench (Black Pearl
• 2 Fitness Produ ... FPD-ABMAT Ab Mat
• 1 Fitness Produ ... FPD-LKC-985 Stackable Soft Plyo Box Set (6", 12", 18", 24") • 1 Fitness Produ ... FPD-PB-40 Hand Grip (Pair)
• 1 Core Health & TD-PLM PORTABLE LEGEND LANDMINE
• 2 Fitness Produ ... FPD-SB.25 Strength Bands - 2 - 5Ibs Orange 1/4" • 2 Fitness Produ ... FPD-LKC-941-13 5 - 35Ibs Red 0.5'' • 2 Fitness Produ ... FPD-LKC-941-21 10 - 50lbs Purple 0.8" • 2 Fitness Produ ... FPD-LKC-941-32 25 - 80lbs Yellow 1.25'"' • 2 Fitness Produ ... FPD-LKC-941-45 Power Band - 1.75" Blue • 2 Fitness Produ ... FPD-LKC-941-64 60- 150lbs Light Green 2.5" • 1 Fitness Produ ... FPD-KR-30-KBR Kettle Bell Rack
• 1 Fitness Produ ... FPD-KG16 Kettlebell, 16kg, black cast iron w/ COLOR BAND • 1 Fitness Produ ... FPD-KG20 Kettlebell, 20kg, black cast iron w/ COLOR BAND • 1 Fitness Produ ... FPD-KG24 Kettlebell, 24kg, black cast iron w/ COLOR BAND • 1 Fitness Produ ... FPD-KG28 Kettlebell, 28kg, black cast iron w/ COLOR BAND • 1 Fitness Produ ... FPD-KG32 Kettlebell, 32kg, black cast iron w/ COLOR BAND • 1 Fitness Produ ... FPD-KG36 Kettlebell, 36kg, black cast iron w/ COLOR BAND • 2 Misc. Items Sandbags {Large) 50-125 lbs. (Not Filled) 1 Blue, 1 Black • 2 Misc. Items Sandbag Filler Bags (Large)
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1 STAFF REPORT
DA
TE: January 27, 2026
T
O: Justin Hess, City Manager
F
ROM: Patrick Prescott, Community Development Director
VIA: Fred Ramirez, Assistant Community Development Director, Planning David Kriske, Assistant Community Development Director, Transportation
Scott Plambaeck, Planning Manager
BY: Amanda Landry, Principal Planner
Greg Mirza-Avakyan, Senior Planner
Marcos Fuentes, Senior Transportation Planner
SUBJ
ECT: Discussion of Senate Bill 79 (SB 79) and its Potential Impacts on the City of Burbank
RECO
MMENDATION
1. Direct staff to pursue clean-up language for SB 79 via the legislative process and coordination with applicable State representatives.
2. Direct staff to continue to pursue discussions with the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) regarding the official SB 79 eligibility maps and with Metro regarding potential impacts to the North Hollywood to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit Corridor Project (BRT).
3. Direct the Community Development Department (CDD) staff to revise/update the housing development process to ensure timely and efficient processing of housing development applications, consistent with SB 79.
EXE
CUTIVE SUMMARY
Senate Bill 79 (SB 79) is a recently enacted state law (Attachment 1) that was signed by the Governor on October 10, 2025 and takes effect on July 1, 2026. SB 79 is intended to facilitate transit -oriented housing development by establishing new development standards near qualifying transit facilities and is expected to have broad implications for local land use planning. S taff anticipates that SB 79 may present significant challenges
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
Reports to Council
Item #1
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2 related to development intensity, utilities, infrastructure, capacity and environmental review, and may introduce additional complexity to ongoing planning efforts. These newly imposed impacts will result in significant environmental concerns that need to be analyzed and considered under the California Envir onmental Quality Act (CEQA) wherever it applies. SB 79, as with any newly introduced state- imposed mandates to local planning efforts, introduces a potential new layer of complexity to the Specific Plan s currently in development.
This report provides an overview of SB 79, its current and potential future applicability in Burbank, possible implications on City planning efforts, and staff’s recommended next steps. As the law has generated significant discussion and has a likely potential for future amendment, the analysis in this report is speculative and based on assumptions which may later be proven false or change. Staff will return to the Council with additional analysis as the law’s meaning is clarified but recommends at this time that the City Council direct staff to continue to pursue legislative clarification and engage with SCAG and Metro about SB 79’s application.
BACKGROUND
Broadly, SB 79 facilitates transit- oriented development by allowing a housing development within a specified radius of an existing or proposed major transit -oriented development (TOD) stop, on a qualifying site zoned for residential, mixed, or commercial development. In addition, SB 79 also creates two “Tiers” of transit stops, depending on the level of and type of transit service, and prescribes minimum densities and heights to each.
Transit Oriented Development Stop Definition
SB 79 defines two tiers of TOD stops:
• Tier 1 : Within an urban transit county ( meaning a county with more than 15 passenger rail stations ) served by heavy rail transit or very high frequency commuter rail.
• Tier 2: (excluding Tier 1) Within an urban transit county served by light rail transit, high-frequency commuter rail, or by Bus Rapid Transit (as defined in Public Resources Code Section 21060.2).
Possible TOD Exclusions
SB 79 includes limited disqualifying criteria that are only applicable in certain circumstances including within Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones ( VHFHSZ). The map in Attachment 2 identifies relevant excluded areas in Burbank.
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3 Other Relevant Qualifying Criteria
To qualify for SB 79, a project must:
• Be in a county with at least 16 passenger rail stations; • Be sited on a property where residential, mixed, or commercial uses are allowed; • Be within one-half mile of a TOD Stop;
• Include at least five residential units to meet the Housing Accountability Act (HAA) definition of a "housing development project" (Gov. Code Section 65589.5) including other relevant qualifying square footage or affordability requirements; • Meet a minimum density of 30 d welling units per acre (du /ac) or comply with the minimum density set by applicable local zoning, whichever is greater; • Limit the average total floor space for units to 1,750 net habitable square feet; • Comply with state law regarding the demolition of protected housing units; and • Comply with local demolition/anti -displacement ordinances and inclusionary zoning, provided such requirements do not preclude SB 79’s standards.
SB 79 Limitations
SB 79 also establishes several limitations:
• May not include any hotel or similar uses.
• SB 79 projects cannot require the demolition of rent -controlled or price-controlled housing if there are (or were) more than two units on the project site and the units (i) have been occupied within the past seven years or (ii) were demolished within seven years before a development application is submitted. • Projects must comply with anti -displacement requirements under the Housing Crisis Act of 2019 (Gov. Code § 66300.6), and any and all local implementation program, and anti-displacement standards.
• Projects near airports must meet additional requirements regarding height, noise, and safety standards.
• Projects exceeding 85 feet in height must meet prevailing wage requirements, and additional "skilled and trained workforce" requirements may apply. • Ministerial vs. Discretionary – SB 79 allows applicant s to submit housing development applications through the City’s local (typically discretionary) entitlement process, or through the SB 35/SB 423 State-streamlined ministerial approval process (requires all workforce requirements of SB 35/SB 423 regardless of height).
Other Relevant Provisions of SB 79
SB 79 mandates that eligible housing developments be permitted up to the maximum height, density and floor area ratios prescribed by the bill. Housing projects are eligible for increased density, height and floor area if they are within one-half mile of a qualifying transit stop, with additional benefits for projects within one- quarter mile. Additional 277
4 benefits arise with the quality and frequency of service. Base height and density allowances are summarized in the table below:
“Adjacent” means within 200 feet of any pedestrian access point to a TOD stop.
• Projects that qualify for SB 79’s increased density may use the “ base density” to receive a density bonus, waiver or concession under State Density Bonus Law (SDBL). SB 79 projects that qualify for one or more additional incentives and concessions under SDBL, depending on the income level of affordable housing provided. However, unlike regular SDBL projects, local governments are not required to grant SDBL waivers or concessions to exceed SB 79's height limits.
• A project meeting the requirements of SB 79, as well as applicable local standards that do not alone or in concert prevent achieving SB 79's standards, is deemed consistent with local standards, policies, plans and ordinances applicable to the project for purposes of the HAA, notwithstanding any contrary local standards.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, a local government that denies a SB 79 project located in defined "high-resource"1 areas would be presumed in violation of the HAA and liable for penalties pursuant to the HAA.
• Although SB 79 does not itself create a specific CEQA-exempt ministerial approval process, such projects may qualify for streamlining under SB 35 with lower affordability obligations. Where SB 79 projects do not qualify for SB 35's CEQA - exempt process, other CEQA exemptions may apply.
1 A “High-resource area” means an area designated as highest resource or high resource on the most recently adopted version of the opportunity area maps published by the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee and the Department of Housing and Community Development.
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5 SB 79 Application Processing
Developers electing to utilize SB 79 for a housing development project at a qualifying location have the option to use a local entitlement process or choose the streamlined ministerial review process established in SB 35/SB 423. In Burbank, the local entitlement process would include, at a minimum, Development Review (DR), and depending on the overall scope of the project, may also require an Administrative Use Permit (AUP). DR is administrative level discretionary review, by CDD Director (Director) and includes public notification and a community meeting. Through DR, a project is reviewed for consistency with all applicable objective development standards, and conditions of approval may be imposed to ensure compliance with said standards.
An AUP is a discretionary review, with the Director serving as the review authority. The process includes public notification, and if appealed, a public hearing before the Planning Commission. Through the AUP process, a project is reviewed for consistency with all applicable objective development standards and for its ability to satisfy established “findings”, necessary for approval. Conditions of approval may be imposed to ensure compliance with applicable objective development standards or all that required findings can be made.
The SB 35/SB 423 process provides a state-mandated streamlined ministerial review of housing projects , which meet specified eligibility criteria, including, but not limited to , environmental screening, affordability requirements, and workforce programs that include, among other things, the requirement to pay prevailing wage to construction workers. The SB 35/SB 423 process includes an initial step of submitting a Notice of Intent to submit an application, and consultations with California Native American Tribes. Like the DR process , the Director serves as the approving authority. There is less public oversight, and projects must be approved if consistent with applicable objective development standards. A developer chooses which application to submit based upon many factors.
SB 79 vs Other State Mandated Streamlined Ministerial Reviews While SB 79 shares some common features, with other existing State land use laws intended to facilitate the development of housing, such as SB 35/ SB 423 and AB 2011, there are some significant differences. A comparison is included in Attachment 3.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Beginning January 1, 2027, a local government that denies a qualifying SB 79 housing development project located in a “high-resource area” shall be presumed to be in violation of the HAA and immediately liable for penalties pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (k) of Section 65589.5 of the Government Code, unless the local government demonstrates, pursuant to the standards in subdivisions (j) and (o) of Section 65589.5, that it has a health, life, or safety reason for denying the project. 279
6 A City that fails to approve housing development projects, or process applications timely, in accordance with the state housing laws, are also subject to the following penalties:
• De-certification of the 2021-2029 Housing Element
• Builders remedy
• City-wide development restrictions
• Legal challenges
Related Ongoing Legislative Actions – SB 677
In January 2025, Senator Wiener introduced SB 677 as a “clean- up” bill for SB 79.
Proposed amendments do not appear to significantly modify the impacts of SB 79 on the City. However, staff is collaborating with Emanuels Jones and Associates to craft specific feedback to the state legislators regarding additional amendments, such as clarification on site eligibility, differentiation between residential and non-residential FAR , and additional definitions specifically related to the BRT
DISCUSSION
In discussions with the neighboring jurisdictions of Glendale and Pasadena on the impacts of SB 79, staff believe the current version of the law could result in significant impacts to the City’s land use planning, infrastructure, and the Metro BRT project as detailed below.
Location of TOD Stops in Burbank
Staff has evaluated transit facilities within the City using the law’s definitions, service thresholds, and operational criteria for qualifying Tier 1 and Tier 2 TOD stops and determined that there are no Tier 1 stops in Burbank and that there are currently present or have the potential to be present within the City three transit stops that do or would qualify as SB 79 Tier 2 TOD stops (Attachment 4):
1. The Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station
2, which meets the statutory threshold
for high-frequency commuter rail service (a rail link operating at least 48 trains per day in both directions; and
2. The future BRT stops 3 at Glenoaks Boulevard and Alameda Avenue, which are planned to operate with dedicated transit lanes and peak -period service frequencies consistent with Tier 2 requirements.
Two additional future BRT stops – at the Hollywood Way / Olive Avenue intersection and the San Fernando Blvd / Olive Avenue intersection – may qualify as SB 79 Tier 2 TOD
2 Increased train frequency serving the Station could upgrade this Tier 2 stop to a Tier 1 TOD stop, subject to timing, funding, and implementation.
3 Note that all BRT stops were planned and evaluated in the absence of SB 79, which presents new information and a substantial change to the BRT project along with potential significant and unavoidable impact on infrastructure anticipated with its invitation to housing development growth.
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7 stops but remain contingent on future action ( designation of full time bus lanes) as well as interpretation of current SB 79 language, for BRT service, and likely require additional environmental review to consider SB 79’s impacts.
All other existing City Metrolink stations, bus stops and proposed BRT stops likely do not meet the required service thresholds or operate in conditions that satisfy the statute’s TOD stop definitions. However, SB 79 provides that transit facilities may qualify as TOD stops if they are in existence by July 1, 2026, or are identified in an applicable Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP). In this context, Metrolink’s SCORE Program plans to increase service on the Antelope Valley and Ventura County lines to 30- minute headways by 2028. If these increased service goals are met, two additional Tier 2 TOD stops could be established around the Burbank Airport South and North Metrolink Stations.
SB 79 requires SCAG, as the region’s designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), to prepare and publish the official regional map identifying all qualifying TOD stops and their respective tier classifications. The City’s analysis and identification of qualifying TOD stops presented above reflects staff’s current interpretation of SB 79 based on available statutory definitions, service data, and planned transit improvements, and is subject to refinement upon publication of SCAG’s official mapping. C ity staff will need to coordinate with SCAG staff to ensure a consistent understanding of SB 79’s TOD definitions, service criteria, and applicability within the City, particularly in relation to the BRT project, which requires a detailed understanding of the project’s design to determine whether a BRT stop qualifies. A draft map depicting land use and zoning conditions within half- and quarter-mile around the TOD stops are included as Attachment 5.
Potential Impacts and Implications of SB 79 in TOD Areas Qualifying TOD stops establish a half -mile radius within which eligible residential, commercial, and mixed- use sites could allow development projects subject to the statute’s zoning standards and development incentives. Within a half mile of Burbank’s qualifying Tier 2 TOD stops, specifically the Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station and the Glenoaks Boulevard/Alameda Avenue BRT stops, there are just under 3,000 parcels. Of these, 1,304 parcels are within a quarter mile of a Tier 2 TOD stop, and 124 parcels are directly adjacent to pedestrian access points serving a Tier 2 TOD stop. Of the residentially zoned parcels within these TOD areas, fewer than 300 parcels are zoned exclusively for single-family residential use, with an average parcel size of approximately 7,000 square feet. Many of the remaining parcels are zoned Industrial. Most Industrially zoned sites do not allow housing by-right; therefore, any housing project in these zones would require a state- mandated approval process under SB 35/SB 423, which requires prevailing wage and other workforce standards that significantly increase cost. In addition, the existing General Plan allowable density in some industrially zoned areas near TOD stops is already higher (87 units/acre) than the half mile required density under SB 79 (80 281
8 units/acre). Under SB 79, only a few parcels east of the 5 would see a marginal increase in density under SB 79.
If the two additional BRT stops at Hollywood Way / Olive Avenue and San Fernando Boulevard / Olive Avenue were to qualify as TOD stops, the number of affected parcels would increase primarily in the Media District, within a half mile of the westbound stop at Hollywood Way / Olive Avenue, and in the Hillside area, within a half-mile of the BRT stop at San Fernando Boulevard/Olive Avenue.
BRT Project and SB 79
As discussed, several potential SB 79 Tier 2 sites rely on the design and construction of the BRT project, Metro’s planned east–west transit corridor extending approximately 18 miles between the North Hollywood B Line / G Line Metro Station and the A Line in Pasadena, passing through the cities of Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena.
BRT is high-capacity bus transit that offers fewer stops and speed improvements over a traditional route. Unlike many regional transit projects operating in dedicated right of way, the project uses local street right of way for operations and stations.
Metro’s proposed project alignment generally runs along Olive Avenue between the Burbank Media District and Downtown Burbank before continuing east to Glendale and Pasadena via Glenoaks Blvd. The BRT plan includes six stations in Burbank. To achieve higher speeds and capacities, BRT can operate in dedicated bus lanes as well as mixed- flow with regular traffic; in Burbank, Metro’s proposed route is to operate in both configurations. BRT is currently in the design phase, with construction activities estimated to begin sometime in 2026, with the entire BRT set to be operational in late 2027.
In the context of SB 79, BRT is a bus service within an urban transit county, that operates in full- time dedicated bus lanes or within a separate right -of-way dedicated to public transportation and provides peak-period service at intervals of 15 minutes or less during the morning and afternoon commute periods. As such, staff’s understanding is that some of the BRT stops planned for Burbank could qualify as SB 79 TOD Tier 2 stops, and depending on whether the stops are served by dedicated bus lanes or mixed flow operations. One stop at Glenoaks Boulevard / Alameda Avenue intersection would qualify as a TOD stop because it is served by dedicated bus lanes. However, two other stops – at the intersections of Hollywood Way / Olive Avenue and San Fernando Boulevard / Olive Avenue – may qualify as TOD stops because bus lanes terminate at or near the stations but don’t provide full bus lane service. Three additional stops in Burbank would not qualify as TOD stops because the bus would operate in mixed-flow lanes. The final determination of whether a transit stop in Los Angeles County is considered a TOD stop is made by SCAG.
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9 Given that the planned BRT project may introduce previously unconsidered qualifying TOD stops within the City of Burbank based primarily on whether bus lanes are constructed or not, and because, unlike a rail transit stop, bus lanes are easily designated and removed based on the ongoing operation of a street, the City should actively engage with SCAG, Metro, and its state legislative delegation to seek further clarity on how BRT will be applied in Burbank based on the fact that bus lanes are planned to be implemented sporadically in Burbank and not across the entire BRT project. The City may even wish to consider lobbying for legislation to clarify and potentially remove BRT’s that operate on city streets in painted bus lanes from consideration as qualifying SB 79 transit corridor s altogether, since the purpose of the legislation is to increase housing density along dedicated transit corridors that are presumed to remain fixed in place, rather than on corridors whose operational characteristics and transit advantages could be compromised through simple striping changes to city roadways in the future.
Further, SB 79– driven development potential associated with the BRT alignment is a substantial change to the circumstances under which the BRT is being undertaken, and new information which was not known and could not have been known at the time the Final Environmental Impact Report was certified as complete. As such, this new development potential was not evaluated by Metro as part of its Environmental Impact Report for the project, cumulative impacts related to increased residential development, particularly with respect to transportation operations, utilities, public services, and other City infrastructure, were not previously analyzed and may create significant adverse impacts on City systems. As a Responsible Agency under CEQA, the City is required to predicate further project approvals in City rights of way on additional environmental review to incorporate the land use changes presented by SB 79 should it apply.
Metro is aware of the potential impacts that the application of SB 79 will would create on the BRT project, including the need for a subsequent environmental review pursuant to CEQA, discussed below. Staff will continue to engage Metro on this issue.
Impact on Current Land Use Planning Projects
In addition to potential BRT impacts, SB 79 may affect current and future City land use planning efforts, including the ongoing Specific Plans.
Media District Specific Plan (MDSP) Update
The MDSP is nearing completion and includes a set of objective development standards that promote contextual design, streamline the development of housing and encourage transit-oriented development. The MDSP land use strategy focuses most residential and non-residential development away from lower scaled neighborhood and in areas where there is, or may be, transit opportunities. This general strategy is consistent with the purpose and intent of SB 79, albeit with lower maximum density and intensity. In addition to establishing objective development standards and facilitating the development of 283
10 housing and a robust economy, the MDSP will allow the City to respond to new transit opportunities, like the BRT, however it is not reliant or contingent on it, and is intended to facilitate opportunities for development that are consistent with the community’s vision for the area. SB 79 does not change the community’s vision, nor undermine the work done to date. An important feature of the MDSP is the inclusion of policies and implementation actions that would incentivize the use of the local regulations and process, over the use of a state option, such as a streamlined ministerial review or SB 79, which may have conditions associated with them that make projects financially or practically infeasible from a developer’s perspective.
Downtown TOD Specific Plan (DTODSP) Project
The DTODSP Project is currently in process and will provide a framework for introducing new housing at all levels of affordability, outline strategies for improving the bicycle and pedestrian networks, and develop objective standards for future development in Downtown Burbank. The DTODSP land use strategy focuses new residential and non- residential development in the downtown core, to the east of the Burbank Downtown Metrolink Station, either maintaining the existing 87 du/acre residential development potential or proposing a 110 du/acre residential development potential on key sites, such as within the Burbank Town Center or along the First Street corridor. This general strategy is consistent with the purpose and intent of SB 79. In addition to establishing objective development standards and facilitating the development of housing and a robust economy, the DTODSP will allow the City to respond to new transit opportunities, like the BRT, however it is not reliant or contingent on it, and is intended to facilitate opportunities for development that are consistent with the community’s vision for the area. With respect to the potential for developers to utilize SB 79, an important feature of the DTODSP Update is the inclusion of policies and implementation actions that would incentivize the use of the local regulations and process, over the use of a state option, such as a streamlined ministerial review or SB 79, which may have conditions associated with them that make projects financially or practically infeasible from a developers perspective.
Golden State Specific Plan (GSSP)
The Golden State Specific Plan (GSSP) is currently in progress and is intended to provide a comprehensive policy and regulatory framework for future development and mobility improvements in one of the City’s employment and transit-oriented areas. Consistent with the Burbank2035 General Plan, the GSSP focuses growth in proximity to major transit assets, including two Metrolink stations, the Hollywood -Burbank Airport, and a potential High-Speed Rail station, while limiting changes to established residential neighborhoods and accounting for airport -related land use constraints. The GSSP includes a proposed land use strategy and objective development standards that facilitate housing at a range of affordability levels, support a balanced mix of residential, comm ercial, and industrial uses, and promote connectivity for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. This overall approach is consistent with the purpose and intent of SB 79, though calibrated to reflect 284
11 local conditions, infrastructure capacity, and community vision. Like other City specific plans, the GSSP is anticipated to include policies and implementation actions that incentivize development under the City’s local regulatory framework, rather than reliance on state-level options such as SB 79, which may impose conditions that could limit project feasibility or constrain the City’s ability to ensure development aligns with community objectives and long-term planning goals.
CEQA Considerations
The environmental review undertaken for the BRT project did not consider any changes to local zoning or land uses such as may be applied to certain stops under SB 79. If aspects of the BRT lane configuration and station placements trigger dramatic increases in residential densities and building heights, worsening potentially significant adverse impacts to utility systems, infrastructure, and services, subsequent environmental review will be necessary. SB 79’s relevance to the BRT would be a substantial change to the circumstances under which it is undertaken.
Environmental reports for the BRT were circulated in 2020 and approved in 2022 but were limited to analyzing the operation of a bus rapid transit service and stations within existing City roadways. No environmental impacts were assessed related to SB 79 eligible development containing supercharged residential densities within one-half mile of a TOD stop that could be developed starting July 2026. As such, the enactment and potential application of SB 79 to the BRT is a substantial change to the circumstances under which the BRT is being undertaken, and new information, which was not known and could not have been known at the time the environmental impact report was certified as complete.
Aside from the BRT, CDD and CAO staff are also evaluating but have not determined whether the application of SB 79 in specific plan areas needs further CEQA analysis.
Possible Land Use Planning Alternatives
Based upon the current understanding of the law and its local application, staff believes the following options are available in response to SB 79:
Maintain Status Quo and Continue to Pursue Legislative Clarification This option does not require an ordinance to rezone affected areas, though properties zoned for residential, mixed, or commercial use falling within half - and quarter-mile of a Tier 1 or Tier 2 TOD stop will automatically be eligible to use SB 79’s state- mandated height and density. The City will not be able to exempt any properties beyond the limitations set by SB 79 criteria (see “SB 79 Limitations” above). Staff can anticipate which properties may be SB 79 eligible, and SB 79 could result in the addition of a significant number of potential units within the affected areas.
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12 This option maintains ongoing land use planning efforts and enables the City to effectively respond to housing development projects submitted under SB 79 by utilizing existing City regulations and objective development standards. This will allow the City t o immediately respond to housing development project applications submitted on day one (July 1, 2026) using current staffing and tools. SB 79 adds to the myriad state housing law review timelines, and this option will help the City avoid the significant associated consequences of failing to meet those deadlines. This option would be enhanced by more direct coordination between staff reviewing housing development projects. Under this option, staff will continue to pursue legislative responses to local concer ns. Staff has a list of comprehensive amendments or clarifications necessary to address local concerns and is currently working with California Public Policy Group to communicate these concerns to the appropriate representatives. This option is the least disruptive to the City’s current ongoing efforts to complete Specific Plans in a timely fashion.
Adopt an “Alternative Plan”
SB 79 specifies that local governments may implement an alternative plan adopted through the Housing Element (HE), a program to implement the HE, a Specific Plan, Zoning Overlay or Ordinance to address its provisions. Requirements for such alternative plans are listed in Attachment 6.
The Alternative Plan option allows for an extended exemption (until the following housing element cycle which would begin in 2029) of certain properties from SB 79 eligibility; however, the criteria for exemption are quite narrow. Single-Family zoning would still need to be upzoned to at least 50% of the SB 79 density, unless located in the VHFSZ . An advantage of this option is that it can temporarily minimize the added SB 79 density in low-density and single-family neighborhoods; however, that density must redistributed to other parts of the SB 79 coverage area, which may require difficult Council decisions.
Furthermore, this option requires permanent rezoning of the properties in question, which may present challenges if the state law on this matter changes again. Lastly, this option requires the City to restart the analysis of the proposed densities in the Specific Plan areas, an effort that will delay the expected adoption of the Specific Plans by at least six- months, if not longer, at an unknown cost.
Adopt a “Simple” Local Ordinance
A simple local ordinance with fewer exemptions than the Alternative Plan is an option if a community does not have existing objective standards for residential and mixed- use development in nonresidential zones, and extensive pedestrian infrastructure, including near transit stops. As such, this option is not beneficial to Burbank at this time, as the City has these features.
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13 Adopt a “Delayed Effectuation” Local Ordinance
Local governments may choose to adopt a delayed effectuation ordinance, which must be adopted prior to the effective day (July 1, 2026) separate from, but can be parallel to, a “simple” local ordinance. This option allows delaying effectuation of SB 79 for certain areas (areas with existing high density, low resource communities, and specific sites within sensitive areas – VHFHSZ) until 2030 (one year after 7th revision to HE). This option requires up-front analysis to see if currently Burbank’s allowable density in areas can qualify for delayed effectuation (R -1 zones in high- resource areas will be difficult to exempt). This option limit s how much density can be shifted around and requires modeling to analyze local development potential versus SB 79 with very narrow criteria to make sites ineligible for SB 79. An Alternative Plan would then need to be adopted to make these exemptions permanent . To utilize this option, a city must submit a draft ordinance to HCD 14 days prior to adoption and again within 60 days of enactment, for a 90-day review, and subsequently amend the ordinance pursuant to HCD’s findings.
This option has limited benefit to Burbank . Under staff’s current interpretation of SB 79, those parcels within the City within a VHFHSZ or in a Flood Risk Area are currently already ineligible for SB 79 as they fall outside TOD stop radi us. Other parts of the C ity typically considered sensitive to development, such as R -1 zones, cannot be exempted and may only be downzoned to 50% of the allowable capacity under SB 79. Finally, the administrative effort to conduct the density analysis before the effective date of July 1, 2026, would be considerable and staff resources would be diverted from other critical ongoing planning efforts.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Throughout 2025, the Council heard from several members of the public about SB 79 who consistently emphasized concerns about the City being forced to facilitate incompatible density and developments in close proximity to lower scaled residential neighborhoods. The City monitored SB 79 throughout the legislative process and issued numerous opposition letters (Attachment 7).
If the Council directs staff to proceed with any of the options listed above that involve the development of an ordinance, such efforts will include community outreach consistent with the City’s past practices . The extent of the outreach would depend on Council ’s requested timelines for directed actions.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This staff report provides information about the local implications of SB 79 and has no potential for resulting in a direct or indirect physical change to the environment and falls outside the definition of a “project” under the CEQA and is therefore not subject to CEQA pursuant to Section 15378 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.
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14 FISCAL IMPACT
The total fiscal impact of future implementation of SB 79 to the City ’s General Fund is currently unknown. SB 79 projects can be reviewed through the DR and/or AUP process or via a streamlined ministerial review under the provisions of SB 35, which will not impact the General Fund as the City has already established application fees for DR, AUPs and streamlined ministerial applications.
However, there will be some impact to the General Fund if Council directs staff to pursue the development of an Alternative Plan, a local ordinance, or pursue other further actions.
The approximate costs associated with these options are unknown but likely to exceed $750,000 based on recent costs associated with similar recent expedited land use planning or legal costs.
Indirect costs associated with pursuing the above options include re-prioritization staff, delays to ongoing planning efforts , and impacts to core planning services due to the shifting of staff to SB 79 related services. Delays in completion of the Specific Plans could result in the loss of associated grant funding.
CONCLUSION
SB 79 becomes effective on July 1, 2026. Although the law contains many uncertainties, the City must be prepared to implement in a way that benefits the community. S taff recommends that Council direct staff to pursue policy clarifications to SB 79, lobby the legislature for a clean-up bill to clarify SB 79’s applicability to BRT, and if necessary, solicit further environmental review as outlined above, and have CDD staff facilitate the review of housing development projects to ensure the City is able to respond to future housing development applications submitted pursuant to SB 79 or other streamlined ministerial reviews within State-mandated deadlines.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – Complete Text of SB 79
Attachment 2 – SB 79 Exclusion Areas (Fire Severity Zone Map) Attachment 3 – Comparison between SB 79 and Streamlined Ministerial Reviews Attachment 4 – TOD Stop Land Use Analysis
Attachment 5 – TOD Stop Zoning Analysis
Attachment 6 – Requirements for an “Alternative Plan”
Attachment 7 – City of Burbank Opposition Letters
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Senate Bill No. 79
CHAPTER 512
An act to add Chapter 4.1.5 (commencing with Section 65912.155) to Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code, relating to land use. [Approved by Governor October 10, 2025. Filed with Secretary of State October 10, 2025.]
legislative counsel’s digest
SB 79, Wiener. Housing development: transit-oriented development. (1) Existing law, the Planning and Zoning Law, requires each county and city to adopt a comprehensi
ve, long-term general plan for the physical
development of the county or city, and specified land outside its boundaries, that contains certain mandatory elements, including a housing element.
Existing law requires that the housing element consist of an identification and analysis of existing and projected housing needs and a statement of goals, policies, quantified objectives, financial resources, and scheduled programs for the preservation, improvement, and development of housing, as specified. Existing law requires that the housing element include, among other things, an assessment of housing needs and an inventory of resources and constraints that are relevant to the meeting of these needs, including an inventory of land suitable for residential development, as provided. Existing law, for the 4th and subsequent revisions of the housing element, requires the Department of Housing and Community Development to determine the existing and projected need for housing for each region, as specified, and requires the appropriate council of local governments, or the department for cities and counties without a council of governments, to adopt a final regional housing need plan that allocates a share of the regional housing need to each locality in the region. Existing law requires the inventory of land to be used to identify sites throughout the community that can be developed for housing within the planning period and that are sufficient to provide for the jurisdiction’s share of the regional housing need. Existing law requires each local government to revise its housing element in accordance with a specified schedule.
Existing law, the Housing Accountability Act, among other things, requires a local agency that proposes to disapprove a housing development project, as defined, or to impose a condition that the project be developed at a lower density to base its decision on written findings supported by a preponderance of the evidence that specified conditions exist if that project complies with applicable, objective general plan, zoning, and subdivision standards and criteria in effect at the time that the application was deemed complete. The act authorizes the applicant, a person who would be eligible to apply for residency in the housing development project or emergency 84 STATE OF CALIFORNIA
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shelter, or a housing organization to bring an action to enforce the act’s provisions, as provided, and provides for penalties if the court finds that the local agency is in violation of specified provisions of the act.
This bill would require that a housing development project, as defined, within a specified distance of a transit-oriented development (TOD) stop, as defined, be an allowed use as a transit-oriented housing development on any site zoned for residential, mixed, or commercial development, if the development complies with applicable requirements, as specified. Among these requirements, the bill would require a project to include at least 5 dwelling units and establish requirements concerning height limits, density, and residential floor area ratio in accordance with a development’s proximity to specified tiers of TOD stops, as provided. The bill would require that, for the purposes of the Housing Accountability Act, a proposed development consistent with the applicable standards of these provisions as well as applicable local objective general plan and zoning standards be deemed consistent, compliant, and in conformity with prescribed requirements, as specified. The bill would provide that a local government that denies a project meeting the requirements of these provisions located in a high-resource area, as defined, would be presumed in violation of the Housing Accountability Act, as specified, and immediately liable for penalties, beginning on January 1, 2027, as provided. These provisions would not apply to a local agency until July 1, 2026, except as specified, or within unincorporated areas of counties until the 7th regional housing needs allocation cycle. The bill would specify that a development proposed pursuant to these provisions is eligible for streamlined, ministerial approval pursuant to specified law, except that the bill would exempt a project under these provisions from specified requirements, and would specify that the project is required to comply with certain affordability requirements, under that law.
This bill would require a proposed development to comply with specified demolition and antidisplacement standards; to not be located on sites where the development would require demolition of housing, or that was previously used for housing, that is subject to rent or price controls; to include housing for lower income households, as specified; be consistent with specified height, noise, safety, and fire standards; and meet specified labor standards, as provided. The bill would also authorize a transit agency’s board of directors to adopt agency TOD zoning standards for district-owned real property located in a TOD zone, which establish minimum zoning requirements for an agency TOD project, as specified.
Prior to one year following the adoption of the 7th revision of the housing element, this bill would not apply the provisions relating to a housing development project to specified sites for which a local government has adopted an ordinance indicating the site’s exclusion, as specified, including a site that is covered by a local TOD alternative plan, as defined, adopted by a local government. For the 7th and subsequent revisions of the housing element, the bill would authorize a local government to include a local TOD alternative plan in its housing element or adopt an alternative plan by 84 —
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ordinance, as specified. The bill would exempt a jurisdiction that has adopted a compliant local TOD alternative plan from the provisions relating to a housing development, as specified.
This bill would require the Department of Housing and Community Development to oversee compliance with the bill’s provisions and would require the department to promulgate standards on how to allow for capacity pursuant to these provisions to be counted in the inventory of land included within a county’s or city’s housing element, as specified. The bill would authorize each metropolitan planning organization to create a map of designated TOD stops and zones within its region by tier in accordance with these standards, which would have a rebuttable presumption of validity.
The bill would authorize a local government to enact an ordinance to make its zoning code consistent with these provisions, as provided. The bill would require the local government to submit a draft of this ordinance to the department for review, at least 14 days prior to adoption of the ordinance.
The bill would require the local government to submit a copy of this ordinance to the department within 60 days of enactment and would require the department to review the ordinance for compliance, as specified. If at any time the department finds an ordinance is out of compliance, and the local government does not take specified steps to address compliance, the bill would require the department to notify the local government in writing and authorize the department to notify the Attorney General, as provided.
This bill would define various terms for its purposes and make related findings and declarations.
This bill would include findings that changes proposed by this bill address a matter of statewide concern rather than a municipal affair and, therefore, apply to all cities, including charter cities.
By increasing the duties of local officials, and by expanding the crime of perjury by requiring the certification of certain information related to labor standards, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. (2)
This bill would provide that its provisions are severable. (3) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for specified reasons.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1.
Chapter 4.1.5 (commencing with Section 65912.155) is
added to Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code, to read:
Chapter 4.1.5. Transit-Oriented Development
65912.155. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
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(a) California faces a housing shortage both acute and chronic, particularly in areas with access to robust public transit infrastructure. (b) Creating ownership opportunities can be an effective long-term strategy for building wealth and can create a path to financial security. (c) Building more homes near transit access reduces housing and transportation costs for California families, and promotes environmental sustainability, economic growth, and reduced traffic congestion. (d) Public transit systems require sustainable funding to provide reliable service, especially in areas experiencing increased density and ridership.
The state does not invest in public transit service to the same degree as it does in roads, and the state funds a smaller proportion of the state’s major transit agencies’ operations costs than other states with comparable systems.
Transit systems in other countries derive significant revenue from transit-oriented development at and near their stations. 65912.156. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:
(a)
“Adjacent” means within 200 feet of any pedestrian access point to a transit-oriented development stop.
(b) “Commuter rail” means a public rail transit service not meeting the standards for heavy rail or light rail, excluding California High-Speed Rail and Amtrak Long Distance Service.
(c)
“Department” means the Department of Housing and Community Development.
(d) “Heavy rail transit” means a public electric railway line with the capacity for a heavy volume of traffic using high-speed and rapid acceleration passenger rail cars operating singly or in multicar trains on fixed rails, separate rights-of-way from which all other vehicular and foot traffic are excluded, and high platform loading. “Heavy rail transit” does not include California High-Speed Rail.
(e)
“High-frequency commuter rail” means a commuter rail service operating a total of at least 48 trains per day across both directions, not including temporary service changes of less than one month or unplanned disruptions, and not meeting the standard for very high frequency commuter rail, at any point in the past three years.
(f)
“High-resource area” means an area designated as highest resource or high resource on the most recently adopted version of the opportunity area maps published by the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee and the department.
(g)
“Housing development project” has the same meaning as defined in Section 65589.5, but does not include a project of which any portion is designated for use as a hotel, motel, bed and breakfast inn, or other transient lodging. For the purposes of this subdivision, the term “other transient lodging” does not include either of the following:
(1)
A residential hotel, as defined in Section 50519 of the Health and Safety Code.
(2) After the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, a resident’s use or marketing of a unit as short-term lodging, as defined in Section 17568.8 of the Business and Professions Code, in a manner consistent with local law. 84 —
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(h) “Light rail transit” includes streetcar, trolley, and tramway service. “Light rail transit” does not include airport people movers. (i) “Net habitable square footage” means the finished and heated floor area fully enclosed by the inside surface of walls, windows, doors, and partitions, and having a headroom of at least six and one-half feet, including working, living, eating, cooking, sleeping, stair, hall, service, and storage areas, but excluding garages, carports, parking spaces, cellars, half-stories, and unfinished attics and basements.
(j)
“Low-resource area” means an area designated as low resource on the most recently adopted version of the opportunity area maps published by the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee and the department. (k)
“Rail transit” has the same meaning as defined in Section 99602 of the Public Utilities Code.
(l) “Residential floor area ratio” means the ratio of net habitable square footage dedicated to residential use to the area of the lot. (m) “Transit-oriented development zone” means the area within one-half mile of a transit-oriented development stop.
(n) “Tier 1 transit-oriented development stop” means a transit-oriented development stop within an urban transit county served by heavy rail transit or very high frequency commuter rail.
(o)
“Tier 2 transit-oriented development stop” means a transit-oriented development stop within an urban transit county, excluding a Tier 1 transit-oriented development stop, served by light rail transit, by high-frequency commuter rail, or by bus service meeting the standards of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 21060.2 of the Public Resources Code.
(p)
“Transit-oriented development stop” means a major transit stop, as defined by Section 21064.3 of the Public Resources Code, and also including stops on a route for which a preferred alternative has been selected or which are identified in a regional transportation improvement program, that is served by heavy rail transit, very high frequency commuter rail, high frequency commuter rail, light rail transit, or bus service within an urban transit county meeting the standards of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 21060.2 of the Public Resources Code. When a new transit route or extension is planned that was not identified in the applicable regional transportation plan on or before January 1, 2026, those stops shall not be eligible as transit-oriented development stops unless they would be eligible as Tier 1 transit-oriented development stops. If a county becomes an urban transit county subsequent to July 1, 2026, then bus service in that county shall remain ineligible for designation of a transit-oriented development stop.
(q)
“Urban transit county” means a county with more than 15 passenger rail stations.
(r) “Very high frequency commuter rail” means a commuter rail service with a total of at least 72 trains per day across both directions, not including temporary service changes of less than one month or unplanned disruptions, at any point in the past three years.
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65912.157. (a) A housing development project shall be an allowed use as a transit-oriented housing development on any site zoned for residential, mixed, or commercial development within one-half or one-quarter mile of a transit-oriented development stop, if the development complies with the applicable of all of the following requirements:
(1)
A transit-oriented housing development project allowed under this chapter shall include at least five dwelling units and meet the greater of the following:
(A)
A minimum density of at least 30 dwelling units per acre. (B) The minimum density required under local zoning, if applicable. (2) The average total area of floor space for the proposed units in the transit-oriented housing development project shall not exceed 1,750 net habitable square feet.
(3) For a transit-oriented housing development project within one-quarter mile of a Tier 1 transit-oriented development stop, all of the following apply:
(A)
A local government shall not impose any height limit less than 75 feet.
(B) A local government shall not impose any maximum density of less than 120 dwelling units per acre.
(C) A local government shall not enforce any other local development standard or combination of standards that would physically preclude achieving a residential floor area ratio of up to 3.5.
(D)
A development that achieves a minimum density of 90 dwelling units per acre and that otherwise meets the eligibility requirements of Section 65915, including, but not limited to, affordability requirements, shall be eligible for additional concessions pursuant to Section 65915, as specified in subdivision (d).
(4)
For a transit-oriented housing development project further than one-quarter mile but within one-half mile of a Tier 1 transit-oriented development stop, and within a city with a population of at least 35,000, all of the following apply:
(A)
A local government shall not impose any height limit less than 65 feet.
(B) A local government shall not impose any maximum density standard of less than 100 dwelling units per acre.
(C) A local government shall not enforce any other local development standard or combination of standards that would physically preclude achieving a residential floor area ratio of up to 3.
(D)
A development that achieves a minimum density of 75 dwelling units per acre and that otherwise meets the eligibility requirements of Section 65915, including, but not limited to, affordability requirements, shall be eligible for additional concessions pursuant to Section 65915, as specified in subdivision (d).
(5) For a transit-oriented housing development project within one-quarter mile of a Tier 2 transit-oriented development stop, all of the following apply:
(A)
A local government shall not impose any height limit less than 65 feet.
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(B) A local government shall not impose any maximum density standard of less than 100 dwelling units per acre.
(C) A local government shall not enforce any other local development standard or combination of standards that would physically preclude achieving a residential floor area ratio of up to 3.
(D) A development that achieves a minimum density of 75 dwelling units per acre and that otherwise meets the eligibility requirements of Section 65915, including, but not limited to, affordability requirements, shall be eligible for additional concessions pursuant to Section 65915, as specified in subdivision (d).
(6)
For a transit-oriented housing development project further than one-quarter mile but within one-half mile of a Tier 2 transit-oriented development stop, and within a city with a population of at least 35,000, all of the following apply:
(A)
A local government shall not impose any height limit less than 55 feet.
(B) A local government shall not impose any maximum density standard of less than 80 dwelling units per acre.
(C) A local government shall not enforce any other local development standard or combination of standards that would physically preclude achieving a residential floor area ratio of up to 2.5.
(D)
A development that achieves a minimum density of 60 dwelling units per acre and that otherwise meets the eligibility requirements of Section 65915, including, but not limited to, affordability requirements, shall be eligible for additional concession pursuant to Section 65915, as specified in subdivision (d).
(b) For purposes of this chapter, the distance of a transit-oriented housing development project from a transit-oriented development stop shall be measured in a straight line from the nearest edge of the parcel containing the proposed project to a pedestrian access point for the transit-oriented development stop.
(c)
A local government may still enact and enforce standards, including an inclusionary zoning requirement that do not, alone or in concert, prevent achieving the applicable development standards of subdivision (a). A local government shall not adopt any requirement, including, but not limited to, increased fees or inclusionary zoning requirements, that applies to a project solely or partially on the basis that the project is seeking approval as a transit-oriented housing development, except as necessary for the requirements of this chapter.
(d)
A transit-oriented housing development project under this section shall be eligible for a density bonus, incentives or concessions, waivers or reductions of development standards, and parking ratios pursuant to Section 65915 or a local density bonus program, using the density allowed under this section as the base density. If a development proposes a height under this section in excess of the local height limit, then a local government shall not be required to grant a waiver, incentive, or concession pursuant to Section 65915 for additional height beyond that specified in this section, except as 84 Ch.
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provided in subparagraph (D) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 65915. A development shall be eligible for the following additional concessions, if it meets the applicable density threshold specified for its location:
(1)
For a development providing housing for extremely low income households, three additional concessions.
(2) For a development providing housing for very low income households, two additional concessions.
(3) For a development providing housing for low-income households, one additional concession.
(e) Notwithstanding any other law, a transit-oriented housing development project that meets any of the eligibility criteria under subdivision (a) and is immediately adjacent to a transit-oriented development stop shall be eligible for an adjacency intensifier to increase the height limit by an additional 20 feet, the maximum density standard by an additional 40 dwelling units per acre, and the residential floor area ratio by 1 prior to the application of Section 65915.
(f)
A development proposed pursuant to this section shall comply with Section 66300.6, including any local requirements or processes implementing the provisions of Section 66300.6. This subdivision shall apply to any city or county.
(g)
A development proposed pursuant to this section shall comply with any applicable local demolition and antidisplacement standards established through a local ordinance.
(h)
A development proposed pursuant to this section shall not be located on either of the following:
(1) A site containing more than two units where the development would require the demolition of housing that is subject to any form of rent or price control through a public entity’s valid exercise of its police power that has been occupied by tenants within the past seven years.
(2)
A site that was previously used for more than two units of housing that were demolished within seven years before the development proponent submits an application under this section and any of the units were subject to any form of rent or price control through a public entity’s valid exercise of its police power.
(i) A development proposed pursuant to this section shall include housing for lower income households by complying with one of the following requirements:
(1)
(A) Any of the following:
(i) At least 7 percent of the total units, as defined in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (9) of subdivision (o) of Section 65915, are dedicated to extremely low income households, as defined in Section 50106 of the Health and Safety Code.
(ii)
At least 10 percent of the total units, as defined in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (9) of subdivision (o) of Section 65915, are dedicated to very low income households, as defined in Section 50105 of the Health and Safety Code.
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(iii) At least 13 percent of the total units, as defined in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (9) of subdivision (o) of Section 65915, are dedicated to lower income households, as defined in Section 50079.5 of the Health and Safety Code.
(B)
This paragraph shall not apply to any development of 10 units or less.
(C) All units dedicated to extremely low income, very low income, and low-income households pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall meet both of the following:
(i)
The units shall have an affordable housing cost, as defined in Section 50052.5 of the Health and Safety Code, or an affordable rent, as defined in Section 50053 of the Health and Safety Code.
(ii)
The development proponent shall agree to, and the local agency shall ensure, the continued affordability of all affordable rental units included pursuant to this section for 55 years and all affordable ownership units included pursuant to this section for a period of 45 years. (2)
If a local inclusionary housing requirement mandates a higher percentage of affordable units or a deeper level of affordability than that described in paragraph (1), then the local inclusionary housing requirement mandate shall apply in place of the requirements in paragraph (1). (j)
A development proposed pursuant to this chapter shall be consistent with the height, noise, and safety standards of an adopted airport land use compatibility plan or Department of Defense Air Installation Compatible Use Zones developed pursuant to Section 21675 of the Public Utilities Code, and of otherwise applicable objective fire safety standards established pursuant to the California Building Code, the California Fire Code, the California, Wildland-Urban Interface Code, the Health and Safety Code, the Public Resources Code, or Chapter 6.8 (commencing with Section 51175) of Part 1 of Division 1 of Title 5 of this code.
(k)
Any transit-oriented housing development pursuant to this section shall meet the labor standards of subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), (D), (F), and (G) of paragraph (8) of subdivision (a) of Section 65913.4 for any building over 85 feet in height, which shall be applicable to the building. (l) For purposes of subdivision (j) of Section 65589.5, a proposed housing development project that is consistent with the applicable standards from this chapter, as well as applicable local objective general plan and zoning standards that do not alone or in concert prevent achieving those standards, and as modified by any incentive, concession, or waiver under Section 65915, shall be deemed consistent, compliant, and in conformity with an applicable plan, program, policy, ordinance, standard, requirement, or other similar provision. This subdivision shall not require a ministerial approval process or modify the requirements of Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code.
(m)
Beginning on January 1, 2027, a local government that denies a housing development project meeting the requirements of this section that is located in a high-resource area shall be presumed to be in violation of the Housing Accountability Act (Section 65589.5) and immediately liable for 84 Ch.
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penalties pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (k) of Section 65589.5, unless the local government demonstrates, pursuant to the standards in subdivisions (j) and (o) of Section 65589.5, that it has a health, life, or safety reason for denying the project. (n) This section shall not apply to a local agency until July 1, 2026, unless the local agency adopts an ordinance or local transit-oriented development alternative plan deemed compliant by the department before July 1, 2026.
It shall not apply within an unincorporated area of a county until the 7th regional housing needs allocation cycle.
65912.158. (a) For the purposes of this section, “agency transit-oriented development project” means a housing development project or mixed use residential project that meets all of the following requirements:
(1)
A minimum of 50 percent of the total square footage of the project is dedicated to residential purposes.
(2) A minimum of 20 percent of the total number of units shall be restricted for the affordable lower income households and shall be subject to a recorded affordability restriction for at least 55 years in the case of rental units and 45 years in the case of owner occupied units, unless a local ordinance or the terms of federal, state, or local tax credit, or other project financing requires a longer period of affordability.
(3)
The average total floor area of floor space for the proposed units in the housing development project shall not exceed 1,750 net habitable square feet.
(4)
The parcel or parcels on which the project is located is an infill site, as defined in Section 21061.3 of the Public Resources Code. (5) The transit-oriented development parcels on which the transit-oriented development project would be located was not acquired through eminent domain on or after July 1, 2025.
(6)
The parcels on which the transit-oriented development project would be located are owned by the agency and either:
(A) The parcels are adjacent to a transit-oriented development stop for which the agency operates service, or form a contiguous area adjacent to such a transit-oriented development stop.
(B)
At least 75 percent of the project area is located within one-half mile of a transit-oriented development stop for which the agency operates service or plans to provide service and was owned by the agency on or before January 1, 2026.
(b)
(1) A transit agency’s board of directors may adopt by resolution agency transit-oriented development zoning standards for district-owned real property located in a transit-oriented development zone. These standards shall establish minimum local zoning requirements for height, density, residential floor area ratio, and allowed uses, that shall apply to an agency transit-oriented development project, that shall be consistent with Section 65912.157.
(2)
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for height, density, and residential floor area ratio, and a list of approved residential, retail, and commercial uses.
(3) The agency transit-oriented development zoning standards adopted by the board of directors shall not adopt a lowest permissible maximum standard for density or residential floor area ratio below the level permitted under Section 65912.157, and shall not prohibit residential use. (4)
The agency transit-oriented development zoning standards shall not establish density standards that exceed 200 percent of the maximum density established in Section 65912.157.
(c)
The adoption of, and amendments to, the agency transit-oriented development zoning standards shall comply with all of the following:
(1) The transit agency shall hold a public hearing to receive public comment on the proposed agency transit-oriented development zoning standards or proposed changes to the agency transit-oriented development zoning standards. The transit agency shall conduct direct outreach to relevant local governments and to communities of concern around each station.
Before or during the scoping meeting, the transit agency shall consult with each local government in which the station is located, as well as any relevant infrastructure agencies. The consultation required pursuant to this section shall include all of the following:
(A)
A review of the housing needs of the jurisdiction.
(B) A review of the transit-oriented development approved and built in the past year in the jurisdiction.
(C) A review of any transit-oriented development projects proposed by the transit agency in the jurisdiction for the past year. (D) A discussion of any obstacles to development of any project proposed by the transit agency.
(2) Not less than 30 days before a public hearing of the board to consider the agency transit-oriented development zoning standards, the transit agency shall provide public notice and make the draft standards available to the public.
(3)
The board shall adopt or reject any proposed agency transit-oriented development zoning standards at a publicly noticed meeting of the board not less than 30 days following the original public hearing. (d)
Objective standards adopted pursuant to paragraph (b) shall not preempt or otherwise displace local discretionary standards that apply to hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, or other transient lodging use, including short-term lodging, as defined in Section 17568.8 of the Business and Professions Code. For the purposes of this subdivision, the term “other transient lodging” does not include a residential hotel, as defined in Section 50519 of the Health and Safety Code.
(e)
Where local zoning is inconsistent with the agency transit-oriented development zoning standards for a station, the local jurisdiction may adopt a local zoning ordinance that conforms to the transit-oriented development zoning standards.
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(f) (1) A local government shall not be required to approve any height limit in excess of the standard for development adjacent to the transit-oriented development stop under Section 65912.157. (2) The transit agency shall make a finding as to whether the local zoning ordinance conforms to the agency transit-oriented development zoning standards. Local zoning shall remain in place unless the transit agency determines that it does not conform to the agency transit-oriented development zoning standards. If, according to the transit agency’s finding, the local zoning ordinance does not conform to the agency transit-oriented development zoning standards after two years of the date that the agency transit-oriented development zoning standards are adopted by the board for that station, the agency transit-oriented development zoning standards shall become the local zoning for any district-owned parcels that are eligible under this section, except for any height limit in excess of the standard for development adjacent to the transit-oriented development stop under Section 65912.157. For each station, a local jurisdiction may update zoning for transit agency-owned land to comply with agency transit-oriented development zoning standards until the time that the transit agency enters into an exclusive negotiating agreement with a developer for an agency transit-oriented development project.
(g)
(1) The transit agency’s approval of agency transit-oriented development zoning standards shall be subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code). The district shall serve as the lead agency for California Environmental Quality Act review for transit-oriented development zoning standards.
(2)
Any subsequent California Environmental Quality Act review of rezoning to conform with agency transit-oriented development zoning standards, and of eligible transit-oriented development projects proposed and on district-owned land, shall incorporate the environmental review document certified for the transit-oriented development zoning standards consistent with Section 21094 of the Public Resources Code. A public agency shall not prepare an environmental impact report or mitigated negative declaration for rezoning pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (f) to implement agency transit-oriented development zoning standards or for a transit-oriented development project subsequent to the transit agency’s certification of an environmental review document for approval of agency transit-oriented development zoning standards unless the public agency finds, based on substantial evidence, that the rezoning or transit-oriented development project creates a significant effect on the environment that was not analyzed in the prior environmental review document, and mitigated or avoided.
(h)
A local agency may adopt objective, written development standards, conditions, and policies that apply to development on district-owned property, provided that they demonstrate their consistency with the agency transit-oriented development zoning standards. In the event that the agency transit-oriented development zoning standards, objective planning standards, 84 —
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general plan, or design review standards are mutually inconsistent, the agency transit-oriented development zoning standards shall be the controlling standards. To the extent that the zoning standards do not resolve inconsistencies, the general plan shall be the controlling standard. (i)
Zoning in effect as a result of this section shall be considered the same as locally approved zoning for all purposes, including the Density Bonus Law and the Housing Accountability Act.
(j)
Any agency transit-oriented development project shall comply with the antidisplacement requirements of Section 66300.6.
(k) A local government shall not be required to approve any height limit under this section greater than the height limit specified in this chapter for development adjacent to the relevant tier of a transit-oriented development stop. A transit agency shall not set a maximum height, density, or residential floor area ratio below that which would be allowed for the site under this chapter.
(l) If nonresidential development is included in an agency transit-oriented development project, at least 25 percent of the total planned units affordable to lower income households shall be made available for lease or sale and permitted for use and occupancy before or at the same time with every 25 percent of nonresidential development made available for lease or sale and permitted for use and occupancy.
(m)
The development applicant for an agency transit-oriented development project proposed pursuant to this section shall certify that the labor standards in paragraphs (8) and (9) of subdivision (a) of Section 65913.4 will be met in project construction, and those standards shall apply if the project is approved by the public agency. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, this subdivision shall not apply if all contractors and subcontractors performing work on the development are subject to a project labor agreement with the transit agency that was entered into before July 1, 2026, that requires the payment of prevailing wages to all construction workers employed in the execution of the development and provides for the enforcement of that obligation through an arbitration procedure. For the purposes of this subdivision, “project labor agreement,” has the same meaning as set forth in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 2500 of the Public Contract Code.
65912.159.
(a) A housing development project proposed pursuant to Section 65912.157 shall be eligible for streamlined ministerial approval pursuant to Section 65913.4 in accordance with all of the following:
(1)
The proposed project shall be exempt from subparagraph (A) of paragraph (4) of, and paragraph (5) of, subdivision (a) of Section 65913.4. (2) The proposed project shall comply with the affordability requirements in subclauses (I) to (III), inclusive, of clause (i) of subparagraph (B) of paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 65913.4.
(3)
The proposed project shall comply with all other requirements of Section 65913.4, including, but not limited to, the prohibition against a site that is within a very high fire hazard severity zone, pursuant to subparagraph (D) of paragraph (6) of subdivision (a) of Section 65913.4. 84 Ch.
512 — 13 —
ATTACHMENT 1-13
301
(b) Any housing development proposed pursuant to Section 65912.157 not seeking streamlined approval under Section 65913.4 shall be reviewed according to the jurisdiction’s development review process and Section 65589.5, except that any local zoning standard conflicting with the requirements of this chapter shall not apply.
65912.160.
(a) The department shall oversee compliance with this
chapter.
(b) The department shall promulgate standards on how to allow for capacity pursuant to this chapter to be counted in a city or county’s inventory of land suitable for residential development pursuant to Section 65583.2, no later than July 1, 2026.
(c)
(1) A local government may enact an ordinance to make its zoning code consistent with the provisions of this chapter, subject to review by the department pursuant to subdivision (d). This ordinance may include objective development standards, conditions, and policies, applying to transit-oriented housing developments, that are demonstrated by a preponderance of evidence to not physically preclude, alone or in concert, the applicable housing development standards of Section 65912.157.
(2)
The ordinance described in paragraph (1) shall not be considered a project under Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code.
(d)
If a local government adopts an ordinance to come into compliance with this section, the following provisions shall apply:
(1) (A) At least 14 days prior to adoption of an ordinance pursuant to this section, the local government shall submit a draft ordinance to the department.
(B)
The department may review the draft and report its written findings to the planning agency.
(2) A local government shall submit a copy of any ordinance enacted pursuant to this section to the department within 60 days of enactment. (3) (A) The department shall, within 90 days, review the enacted ordinance, make a finding as to whether the enacted ordinance is in substantial compliance with this section, and report that finding to the local government.
(B)
If needed, the department may request an additional 30 days to make a finding as to whether the enacted ordinance is in substantial compliance with this section, and report that finding to the local government. (C)
If the department does not provide written findings to the local government within the review period provided for in this paragraph, the ordinance shall be deemed compliant for the purposes of assessing penalties, including those pursuant to subdivision (m) of Section 65912.157. (4)
If at any time the department determines that the ordinance does not comply with this section, the department shall notify the local government in writing. The department shall provide the local government a reasonable time, not to exceed 60 days, to respond before taking further action as authorized by this section.
84 —
14 — Ch. 512
ATTACHMENT 1-14
302
(5) The local government shall consider any findings made by the department pursuant to paragraph (4) and shall do one of the following:
(A) Amend the ordinance to comply with this section.
(B) Enact the ordinance without changes. The local government shall include findings in its resolution adopting the ordinance that explain the reasons the local government believes that the ordinance complies with this section despite the findings of the department.
(6)
If the local government does not amend its ordinance in response to the department’s findings or does not adopt a resolution with findings explaining the reason the ordinance complies with this section and addressing the department’s findings, the department shall notify the local government and may notify the Attorney General that the local government is in violation of this section.
(e)
The ordinance may designate areas within one-half mile of a transit-oriented development stop as exempt from the provisions of this chapter if:
(1)
The local government makes findings supported by substantial evidence that there exists no walking path of less than one mile from that location to the transit-oriented development stop.
(2)
A local government with at least 15 transit-oriented development stops designates the area as an industrial employment hub. An industrial employment hub shall be a contiguous area of at least 250 acres designated in the jurisdiction’s general plan on or before January 1, 2025, as an employment lands area; the parcels within it shall be primarily dedicated to industrial use as defined in paragraph (3) of subdivision (f) of Section 65912.121; and housing shall not be a permitted use on any of the sites so excluded.
(f)
Each metropolitan planning organization shall create a map of transit-oriented development stops and zones within its region by tier, as designated under this chapter, in accordance with the department’s guidance pursuant to subdivision (b). This map shall have a rebuttable presumption of validity for use by project applicants and local governments. 65912.161.
(a) For purposes of this section, “transit-oriented
development alternative plan” shall mean a plan adopted by the local agency via the adoption of the housing element, a program to implement the housing element, the adoption of a specific plan, a zoning overlay, or enactment of an ordinance; that brings the local agency into compliance with this chapter and that incorporates all of the following:
(1)
A local transit-oriented development alternative plan shall maintain at least the same total net zoned capacity, in terms of both total units and residential floor area, as provided for in this chapter across all transit-oriented development zones within the jurisdiction.
(A)
Net zoned capacity in units shall be measured by subtracting the current number of units on the site from the number allowed by the applicable development standards.
84 Ch.
512 — 15 —
ATTACHMENT 1-15
303
(B) Net zoned capacity in floor area shall be measured by subtracting the current developed floor area of the site from the amount allowed by the applicable development standards.
(2) The plan shall not reduce the maximum allowed density for any individual site on which the plan allows residential use by more than 50 percent below that permitted under this chapter, except for sites meeting any of the following criteria:
(A)
Sites within a very high fire hazard severity zone, as determined by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Section 51178, or within the state responsibility area, as defined in Section 4102 of the Public Resources Code.
(B)
Sites that are vulnerable to one foot of sea level rise, as determined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Ocean Protection Council, the United States Geological Survey, the University of California, or a local government’s coastal hazards vulnerability assessment. (C)
Sites with a historic resource designated on a local register, so long as sites excluded from the density requirements of this paragraph on that basis do not cumulatively exceed 10 percent of the eligible area of any transit-oriented development zone.
(D)
Sites within one-half mile of a Tier 2 transit-oriented development stop shall not have a density below 30 units per acre with a residential floor area ratio of 1.0, except for sites specified in subparagraphs (A) to (C), and should be considered for attached entry level owner occupied housing development opportunities.
(3)
The plan shall not reduce the capacity in any transit-oriented development zone in total units or residential floor area by more than 50 percent.
(4)
A site’s maximum capacity counted toward the plan shall not exceed 200 percent of the maximum density established under this chapter. Any site excluded from the minimum density requirements of subparagraphs (A) to (C) of paragraph (2) shall not be counted toward the plan’s capacity.
For purposes of this section, calculations regarding capacity, density, and floor area shall include capacity, density, or floor area available under voluntary local housing incentive programs.
(5)
A local transit-oriented development alternative plan may consist of an existing local transit-oriented zoning ordinance, overlay zone, specific plan, or zoning incentive ordinance, provided that it meets the requirements of this subdivision.
(b)
(1) Prior to one year following the adoption of the seventh revision of the housing element, Section 65912.157 shall not apply to any of the following for which the local government has adopted an ordinance in accordance with Section 65912.160 indicating the site’s exclusion:
(A)
A site that has been identified by the local jurisdiction which permits density and residential floor area ratio at no less than 50 percent of the standards specified under subdivision (a) of Section 65912.157. (B)
(i) A site in a transit-oriented development zone in which at least 33 percent of sites in the relevant transit-oriented development zone have 84 — 16 — Ch. 512
ATTACHMENT 1-16
304
permitted density and residential floor area ratio no less than 50 percent of the standards specified under subdivision (a) of Section 65912.157 and which includes sites with densities that cumulatively allow for at least 75 percent of the aggregate density for the transit-oriented development zone specified under subdivision (a) of Section 65912.157.
(ii) A site in a transit-oriented development zone around a transit-oriented development stop that is primarily comprised of a low-resource area which includes sites with densities that cumulatively allow for at least 40 percent of the aggregate density for the transit-oriented development zone specified under subdivision (a) of Section 65912.157.
(iii)
A site in an area designated as low resource on the most recently adopted version of the opportunity area maps published by the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee and the department, and within a jurisdiction that cumulatively allows for at least 50 percent of the total capacity for units and floor area as specified under Section 65912.157 across all transit-oriented development zones.
(C)
A site that is covered by a local transit-oriented development alternative plan adopted by a local government.
(D) Sites within a very high fire hazard severity zone, as determined by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Section 51178, or within the state responsibility area, as defined in Section 4102 of the Public Resources Code.
(E)
Sites that are vulnerable to one foot of sea level rise, as determined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Ocean Protection Council, the United States Geological Survey, the University of California, or a local government’s coastal hazards vulnerability assessment. (F)
Sites with a historic resource designated as of January 1, 2025, on a local register.
(2) A local government that has adopted an ordinance pursuant to this subdivision shall indicate on its public zoning map which sites or transit-oriented development zones are and are not covered by Section 65912.157.
(c)
(1) For the seventh and subsequent revisions of the housing element, a local government may include a local transit-oriented development alternative plan in any of the following ways:
(A)
(i) Include a local transit-oriented alternative plan in its housing element. When a local government includes a transit-oriented development alternative plan in its housing element the plan shall include an analysis of how the plan maintains at least an equal feasible developable housing capacity as the baseline established by this chapter.
(ii)
If a local government adopts a housing element that the department has determined to be compliant with this section, then any action to enforce or implement a compliant housing element shall be subject to applicable provisions of housing element law (Article 10.6 (commencing with Section 65580) of Chapter 3).
(iii)
The initial submission of a transit-oriented development alternative plan shall be included in the local government’s first draft submittal 84 Ch. 512 — 17 —
ATTACHMENT 1-17
305
referenced in subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 65585.
(iv) Sites identified in a local transit-oriented development alternative plan may be included in the inventory of land suitable for residential development, pursuant to the additional requirements of Section 65583. (B)
If a local government does not include the local transit-oriented alternative plan in its housing element, the local government may adopt an alternative plan that has been deemed compliant by the department pursuant to Section 65912.160.
(d)
Section 65912.157 shall not apply within a jurisdiction that has a local transit-oriented alternative plan that has been approved by the department as satisfying the requirements of this section in effect. The department’s approval pursuant to this section shall be valid through the jurisdiction’s next amendment to the housing element of its general plan. (e)
A local transit-oriented development alternative plan may consist of an existing local transit-oriented zoning ordinance, overlay zone, specific plan, zoning incentive ordinance or existing program, provided that it meets the requirements of this section.
65912.162.
The Legislature finds and declares that the state faces a housing crisis of availability and affordability, in large part due to a severe shortage of housing, and solving the housing crisis therefore requires a multifaceted, statewide approach, including, but not limited to, encouraging an increase in the overall supply of housing, encouraging the development of housing that is affordable to households at all income levels, removing barriers to housing production, expanding homeownership opportunities, and expanding the availability of rental housing, and is a matter of statewide concern and is not a municipal affair as that term is used in Section 5 of Article XI of the California Constitution. Therefore, this chapter applies to all cities, including charter cities.
SEC. 2. The provisions of this act are severable. If any provision of this act or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
SEC. 3.
No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act or because costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution.
O
84 —
18 — Ch. 512
ATTACHMENT 1-18
306
ATTACHMENT 2
Possible TOD Exclusions
307
ATTACHMENT 3
Comparison: SB35/SB 423 vs. AB 2011/AB2243 vs. SB 79
ATTACHMENT 3 – 1
SB35 / SB 423 (GC
65913.4)
AB 2011 / AB 2243
(GC 65912.100 -
65912.106)
SB 79
(GC 65912.55 -
65912.162)
Eligible Properties All sites within
Burbank that have a
General Plan
prescribed
residential density.
Additional eligibility
criteria based on
environmental
factors,
affordability, and
labor standards are
project specific.
Must be in urban
infill parcel, cannot
be in protected
resource areas such
as wetlands,
coastal zones, or
wildlife habitat.
Projects must
consist of at least 2
units.
Allowed in zones
where retail, office,
or parking are
principally
permitted.
Cannot be on a site
that is or was most
recently used for
industrial use.
Subject to the same
environmental
eligibility criteria as
SB35.
Mixed -Income and
100% affordable
projects have
different eligible
locations:
Mixed Income:
along commercial
corridors. 100%
affordable: citywide.
Projects must
consist of at least 5
units.
Sites zoned for
residential, mixed,
or commercial
development within
1/2 or 1/4 mile of a
transit-oriented
development stop.
Project must
include at least 5
units. Projects
may not include any
hotel or similar use.
Effective Now until at least
January 1, 2036,
unless extended.
Now until January 1,
2033, unless
extended.
Will go into effect
July 1, 2026 .
Maximum Density Density is based on
General Plan land
use element,
ranging between 14
to 87 du / ac.
Density can be
further increased
using state Density
Bonus law.
Density for Mixed -
Income projects is
prescribed based on
the width of the
commercial corridor
facing the project
site: 70'-100' feet:
40 du/ac
100' - 150': 60 du/ac
w/in 1/2 mile of a
Radius from Tier 2
Transit Oriented
Stops:
Within 1/4 mile:
100du/ac
Within 1/2 mile: 80
du/ac
Any project within
200 feet of any ped
access to a transit-
308
ATTACHMENT 3
Comparison: SB35/SB 423 vs. AB 2011/AB2243 vs. SB 79
ATTACHMENT 3 – 2
SB35 / SB 423 (GC
65913.4)
AB 2011 / AB 2243
(GC 65912.100 -
65912.106)
SB 79
(GC 65912.55 -
65912.162)
major transit stop -
80 du/ac
Site of less than one
acre: 30 du/ac
Density for 100%
affordable units is
the higher between
what is allowed in
the underlying
property per the
Land Use map or 30
du/acre.
No residential
density limit shall be
imposed for the
conversion of
existing buildings to
residential use,
except where the
project would
include net new
square footage
exceeding 20% of
the overall square
footage of the
project.
Density can be
further increased
using state Density
Bonus law.
oriented
development stop
gets an additional
40 du / ac on top of
the above. Density
can be further
increased using
state Density Bonus
law.
Minimum Density No minimum
density; however,
projects must
consist of at least 2
units to qualify.
No minimum
density; however,
projects must
consist of at least 5
units.
The greater of the
following:
At least 30 du/ ac
OR.......................................
Minimum density
allowed under local
zoning, if
applicable.
309
ATTACHMENT 3
Comparison: SB35/SB 423 vs. AB 2011/AB2243 vs. SB 79
ATTACHMENT 3 – 3
SB35 / SB 423 (GC
65913.4)
AB 2011 / AB 2243
(GC 65912.100 -
65912.106)
SB 79
(GC 65912.55 -
65912.162)
Maximum Height Based on underlying
maximum heights in
the zoning code.
Maximum heights
can be modified
through
concessions and/or
waivers using state
Density Bonus Law,
if applicable.
Height is prescribed
based on the width
of the commercial
corridor facing the
project site: 70'-100'
feet: 35 ft
100' - 150': 45 ft
w/in 1/2 mile of a
major transit stop -
65 ft Maximum
heights can be
modified through
concessions and/or
waivers using state
Density Bonus Law,
if applicable.
Radius From Tier 2
Transit Oriented
Stops:
Within 1/4 mile: 65ft
Within 1/2 mile: 55ft
Any project within
200 feet of any ped
access to a transit
oriented
development stop
gets an additional
20 feet on top of the
above (adjacency
multiplier)
Maximum heights
cannot be modified
through
concessions and/or
waivers using state
Density Bonus Law.
Parking
Requirements
Parking is not
required for
projects within 1/2
mile of public
transit . For projects
outside this radius,
parking is based on
underlying zoning
requirements unless
the projects is
eligible for Density
Bonus Law.
100% affordable
projects that are not
within one-half mile
an accessible major
transit stop are
subject to parking
requirements
pursuant to the
BMC, unless
preempted by state
law (i.e. AB2097,
Density Bonus Law).
Subject to
underlying parking.
However, most, if
not all, will fall
within AB2097
radius. If using
Density Bonus Law,
no parking required
if 100% affordable
or located in a very
low vehicle travel
area.
Unique
Development
Standards
Project must
include at least two-
thirds of its total
square footage for
residential use.
Projects within 500
feet of freeway must
have specific air
filtration and
ventilation
standards. Local
Average unit size
shall not exceed
1,750 square feet.
310
ATTACHMENT 3
Comparison: SB35/SB 423 vs. AB 2011/AB2243 vs. SB 79
ATTACHMENT 3 – 4
SB35 / SB 423 (GC
65913.4)
AB 2011 / AB 2243
(GC 65912.100 -
65912.106)
SB 79
(GC 65912.55 -
65912.162)
agency must require
a phase I ESA as a
condition of
approval for the
project.
In addition, the law
prescribed specific
heights and
densities listed
above and specific
setback standards
in sections
65912.123(d)(1) to
(3). An SB 79
project must be
consistent with
height, noise, and
safety standards of
an adopted airport
plan, and must be
consistent with
applicable objective
fire standards.
Affordability
Requirements
At least 10% of the
units must be
affordable to
households at or
below 80% of area
AMI (lower income
HH)
At least 15% of the
units must be
affordable to lower-
income households.
Some alternatives
exist, such as 8% for
very low-income
and 5% for
extremely low-
income households,
or 30% for
moderate-income
households in for-
sale projects.
Projects must
comply with the
For projects of 10 or
more units:
Agree to provide for
55 years 7%
Extremely Low
Income HH;
10% Very Low
Income HH; or 13%
Low Income HH.
Local inclusionary
standards apply.
Apply the stricter of
the two.
311
ATTACHMENT 3
Comparison: SB35/SB 423 vs. AB 2011/AB2243 vs. SB 79
ATTACHMENT 3 – 5
SB35 / SB 423 (GC
65913.4)
AB 2011 / AB 2243
(GC 65912.100 -
65912.106)
SB 79
(GC 65912.55 -
65912.162)
higher between the
requirements above
and the local
inclusionary
housing
requirement.
Anti -displacement
and tenant
protection
Cannot demolish
occupied residential
units, or units that
were occupied by
tenants within the
last 10 years,
housing units that
were previously
subject to rent
control or other
affordability
covenants, or
structures
designated as
historic landmarks.
A project is not
eligible for the AB
2011 process if it
would require
demolishing
housing units that
were occupied by
tenants within the
last 10 years.
Cannot propose
fewer units than
previously existing
(GC 66300.6); Must
replace protected
(affordable) units
and offer other
tenant protections
including: relocation
benefits; right of
first refusal in the
new housing
development; etc.
Density Bonus
Standards
Any incentives,
concessions or
waivers granted
through the Density
Bonus provisions of
California law shall
not render the
project inconsistent
with objective
standards.
Any incentives,
concessions or
waivers granted
through the Density
Bonus provisions of
California law shall
not render the
project inconsistent
with objective
standards.
a) Density Bonus
requests shall use
the SB79
prescribed
densities as the
base density.
b) Project using
density bonus law
with 75 du/ac within
1/4 mile or 60 du/ac
within 1/2 mile
receive 1, 2, or 3
additional
concessions
depending on level
of affordability
provided. c)
312
ATTACHMENT 3
Comparison: SB35/SB 423 vs. AB 2011/AB2243 vs. SB 79
ATTACHMENT 3 – 6
SB35 / SB 423 (GC
65913.4)
AB 2011 / AB 2243
(GC 65912.100 -
65912.106)
SB 79
(GC 65912.55 -
65912.162)
Density bonus
requests cannot
include
concessions or
waivers from height
maximums beyond
SB79 or code
maximums unless
the project is 100%
affordable and
located within 1/2
mile of a major
transit stop or a very
low vehicle travel
area.
Labor
Requirements
When using SB35
process, trigger for
Prevailing wage is 10
units; S&T
Workforce is 85 feet
unless 100%
affordable, and
projects of more
than 50 units require
apprenticeship
program and
provision of
healthcare.
Prevailing wage for
all projects.
Projects of over 50
units require
apprenticeship and
provision of
healthcare.
If not using SB35
process, projects
over 85 feet in
height still quire
labor requirements
including
Prevailing Wage
and S&T
Workforce.
Projects Using SB35
process require all
labor standards
included in Section
65913.4(a)(8) of the
Government Code.
When using SB35
process, trigger for
Prevailing wage is 10
units; S&T
Workforce is 85 feet
unless 100%
affordable, and
projects of more
than 50 units require
313
ATTACHMENT 3
Comparison: SB35/SB 423 vs. AB 2011/AB2243 vs. SB 79
ATTACHMENT 3 – 7
SB35 / SB 423 (GC
65913.4)
AB 2011 / AB 2243
(GC 65912.100 -
65912.106)
SB 79
(GC 65912.55 -
65912.162)
apprenticeship
program and
provision of
healthcare.
Tribal
Requirements
Requires early
consultation with
traditionally and
culturally affiliated
Native American
tribes during the
NOI (Notice of
Intent to submit an
application) before
a formal SB35 can
be submitted. The
local government
must notify tribes
within 30 days of a
project's preliminary
application. If there
is a potential impact
to tribal cultural
resources, an
"enforceable
agreement"
outlining treatment
methods must be
executed between
the tribe, local
government, and
applicant; failure to
reach an agreement
renders the project
ineligible for further
processing.
AB 52 requirements
not required for
ministerial review
(i.e. projects exempt
from CEQA). AB52
only required when
the project is on a
vacant site that has
a potentially non-
mitigatable impact
on tribal cultural
resources.
Only if using SB35
process or AB130
CEQA exemption
with its unique tribal
consultation
process. Projects
not exempt from
CEQA may require
tribal
notification/consult
ation per AB 52.
Process Ministerial. First
step is a Notice of
Intent (NOI) to
Ministerial. Same as
SB35, but the NOI
step is not required.
Eligible for
streamlined
ministerial review
314
ATTACHMENT 3
Comparison: SB35/SB 423 vs. AB 2011/AB2243 vs. SB 79
ATTACHMENT 3 – 8
SB35 / SB 423 (GC
65913.4)
AB 2011 / AB 2243
(GC 65912.100 -
65912.106)
SB 79
(GC 65912.55 -
65912.162)
Submit an SB35
application. A
formal SB35
submittal entitles
applicant for
administrative
approval, bypassing
subjective design
review and public
hearings.
Requires that
approval or denial
be based solely on
whether the project
complies with the
local jurisdiction's
objective standards.
Administrative
review of objective
standards by
Director, not
appealable.
Administrative
review of objective
standards by
Director, not
appealable.
(SB35 / SB 423) , but
can also use the
City’s local
discretionary
Development
Review (DR)
process, and any
other required
entitlements, such
as CUP . If
submitting
SB35/423, all
SB35/423 provisions
apply except for
affordability
requirements,
which are unique to
SB79.
Processing
Timelines
Subject to both HAA
and timelines built
into SB35. If a local
government fails to
identify objective
inconsistencies in a
timely manner
(within 60 or 90
days), the project is
automatically
"deemed
consistent"
Same as SB35 after
NOI process is
completed.
Subject to Permit
Streamlining Act
(PSA), HAA, and
SB35 timelines (if
applicable).
Environmental
Review
SB35 projects are
exempt from CEQA
due to the fact that
the project approval
AB 2011 projects
are exempt from
CEQA due to the
fact that the project
Can be exempt from
CEQA if using SB35
(statutory
Ministerial
315
ATTACHMENT 3
Comparison: SB35/SB 423 vs. AB 2011/AB2243 vs. SB 79
ATTACHMENT 3 – 9
SB35 / SB 423 (GC
65913.4)
AB 2011 / AB 2243
(GC 65912.100 -
65912.106)
SB 79
(GC 65912.55 -
65912.162)
is ministerial. CEQA
exempts ministerial
projects by statute.
approval is
ministerial. CEQA
exempts ministerial
projects by statute.
exemption);
if using local
process can exempt
from CEQA using a
number of eligible
exemptions,
including but not
limited to: Infill
Exemption in AB 130
(PRC 21080.66);
Class 32
Categorical
Exemption (CEQA
Guidelines § 15332),
Transit Priority
Projects (PRC
§21155.1), Transit
Oriented Housing
Exemption (PRC
§21155.4), etc.
Health and Safety
Considerations
Per the HAA, denials
are permissible if
the project poses a
threat ("specific,
adverse impact") to
public health and
safety. However, the
project may still be
approved if hazards
can be mitigated to
meet the local
objective standards.
Per the HAA, denials
are permissible if
the project poses a
threat ("specific,
adverse impact") to
public health and
safety. However, the
project may still be
approved if hazards
can be mitigated to
meet the local
objective standards.
Vacant sites in
VHFSZ are not
eligible for AB2011.
Subject to HAA
provisions. HAA
limits the local
govt's ability to deny
projects which
comply w/ objective
standards unless
they can provide
specific adverse
impact on public
health and safety
that cannot be
mitigated.
Penalties for
Wrongful Denial
A civil penalty of
$10,000 to $50,000
per month can be
A civil penalty of
$10,000 to $50,000
per month can be
Beginning Jan 1,
2027, any local
government that
316
ATTACHMENT 3
Comparison: SB35/SB 423 vs. AB 2011/AB2243 vs. SB 79
ATTACHMENT 3 – 10
SB35 / SB 423 (GC
65913.4)
AB 2011 / AB 2243
(GC 65912.100 -
65912.106)
SB 79
(GC 65912.55 -
65912.162)
imposed for each
violation, accruing
from the date the
violation began. A
local government
that loses a lawsuit
over a wrongful
denial is
responsible for the
project applicant's
reasonable
attorney's fees and
litigation costs.
These costs can be
substantial, often
exceeding
$100,000. In cases
of repeated or
serious violations, a
court can suspend
the local
government's
authority to approve
residential building
permits and other
land use decisions.
The court may even
take over the
approval process for
housing projects
itself.
imposed for each
violation, accruing
from the date the
violation began. A
local government
that loses a lawsuit
over a wrongful
denial is
responsible for the
project applicant's
reasonable
attorney's fees and
litigation costs.
These costs can be
substantial, often
exceeding
$100,000. In cases
of repeated or
serious violations, a
court can suspend
the local
government's
authority to approve
residential building
permits and other
land use decisions.
The court may even
take over the
approval process for
housing projects
itself.
denies a project
meeting the
requirements of this
section in a high-
resource area shall
be presumed to be
in violation of the
HAA and liable for
penalties unless the
local agency
demonstrate that it
has a health, life, or
safety reason for
denying the project.
317
ATTACHMENT 4
TOD Stop Locations
318
ATTACHMENT 5
TOD Stop Zoning Analysis
319
ATTACHMENT 6
SB 79 – “Alternative Plan” Requirements
The following summarizes the requirements to adopt an “Alternative Plan” in lieu- of implementing the base requirements of SB 79:
1. Must be complete by 2030 and requires review and approval by HCD.
2. Any Alternative Plan will require analysis of density and require new analysis of utility capacity to support SB79 density.
3. Maintain same net number of units allowed under SB 79, only allowed to redistribute within the TOD stop area.
4. Cannot reduce density on any parcel to less than 50% allowed by SB79, unless the site is within Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (HFHSZ),
5. Cannot increase density more than 200% of max density mandated by SB79.
6. Requires update of City’s Zoning Map, with no net loss across SB79 eligible areas.
7. Analysis is complex and includes existing allowable density, existing buildout of said density, and SB79 density.
8. Needs extensive community outreach and direction from the Council on which areas to be upzoned.
9. Requires adoption as part of the HE, a program of the HE, as specific plan overlay, or by Ordinance.
320
ATTACHMENT 7 - 1
321
ATTACHMENT 7 - 2
322
ATTACHMENT 7 - 3
323
ATTACHMENT 7 - 4
324
ATTACHMENT 7 - 5
325
ATTACHMENT 7 - 6
326
ATTACHMENT 7 - 7
327
ATTACHMENT 7 - 8
328
ATTACHMENT 7 - 9
329
ATTACHMENT 7 - 10
330
ATTACHMENT 7 - 11
331
ATTACHMENT 7 - 12
332
Senate Bill 79 Overview
January 27, 2026
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
333
Recommendation
2 • Direct staff to pursue clean-up language for SB 79 via the legislative process.
• Direct staff to continue to pursue discussions with SCAG regarding the official SB 79 eligibility maps and with Metro regarding potential impacts to the North Hollywood to Pasadena BRT.
• Direct CDD to revise/update the housing development process to ensure timely and efficient processing of housing
development applications.
• Stay the course regarding Council directed planning efforts related to the specific plan preparation and adoption
334
Senate Bill 79 Summary
3 • Bill signed by Gov. Newsom October 10, 2025
• Will become effective July 1, 2026
• Facilitates transit-oriented development by allowing housing on qualifying sites, superseding local development
• Qualifying sites consist of different “tiers” of transit stops • Prescribes minimum densities and heights that may exceed local regulations.
335
Background Information on City Actions
4 • City monitored SB 79 throughout the 2025 legislative process
• City submitted numerous opposition letters
• Follow up bills, SB 908 and SB 677 may include revised definitions, among other modifications
• Follow up bills still under development
336
Potential TOD Stops
5 • Staff identified sites that meet
or may eventually meet the
definition of a TOD Stop
• Many are within a Specific
Plan Area, or adjacent to one
• Several stops on Olive
Avenue/Alameda Avenue not
within or near a Specific Plan
337
TOD Site Exclusions
6 338
Likely TOD Stops
7 • Under existing conditions and
considering potential
exclusions, three sites are
most likely to be eligible
• These sites meet the
definition of “Tier 2” sites
339
Zoning Overview
8 • Parcels consist of commercial,
industrial or multifamily land
uses, with limited R-1 sites
• Many parcels within the
specified radius of TOD Stops
are also within the DTOD
specific plan
340
Parcels That Will Also Need to Invoke State Preemption
• These parcels need to
invoke SB 35/AB 2011
to utilize any aspect of
SB 79
• All other parcels may
invoke SB 79 through a
CUP/AUP or
Development Review
application
9 341
Implications for Current Land Use Planning
10 • The Specific Plans incentivize the use of local
regulations and process, over the use of a state option, such as a streamlined ministerial review or SB 79
• Streamlined ministerial reviews, SB 79 and other state housing mandates require staff to complete reviews
within strict deadlines, subject to severe consequences 342
Implications for BRT in Burbank
• SB 79 new development potential was not evaluated by
Metro as part of its Environmental Impact Report for BRT. • City is required to predicate further project approvals in City rights of way related to the BRT on additional
environmental review that incorporates the land use
changes presented by SB 79, should it apply.
11 343
Possible City Actions
12 • SB 79 provides for several alternative methods to comply • Some are impractical or infeasible for Burbank due to time constraints or lack of qualifying eligibility criteria
• Others are feasible and require extensive analysis and Council input regarding prioritization of communities within a TOD Stop radius, with undetermined benefits
344
Recommendation
13 • Direct staff to pursue clean-up language for SB 79 via the legislative process.
• Direct staff to continue to pursue discussions with SCAG regarding the official SB 79 eligibility maps and with Metro regarding potential impacts to the North Hollywood to Pasadena BRT.
• Direct CDD to revise/update the housing development process to ensure timely and efficient processing of housing
development applications.
• Stay the course regarding Council directed planning efforts related to the specific plan preparation and adoption
345
Amanda Landry
[email protected]
January 27, 2026
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
Staff Contact
346
1 STAFF REPORT
DATE
: January 27, 2026
TO: Ju
stin Hess, City Manager
FR
OM: Courtney Padgett, Assistant City Manager
VIA: Cathryn LaBrado, Assistant to the City Manager
BY: Kylene Pecor, Community Assistance Coordinator
SUBJ
ECT: Approval of the City of Burbank 2026 Legislative Platform RECO
MMENDATION
Approve the City of Burbank 2026 Legislative Platform.
BACKGRO
UND
As a full-service city, Burbank recognizes the need for active legislative engagement at the local, state, and federal levels to protect and enhance the interests of Burbank’s residents and businesses. Accordingly, City officials and staff maintain close relationships with Burbank’s state and federal representatives to advocate, influence, and monitor pertinent legislation. The purpose of the proposed 2026 Legislative Platform (Attachment 2) is to clearly outline the position of the City on priority issues and matters that impact the City's ability to operate effectively, while allowing the consideration of additional legislative and budget issues that arise during the legislative session. Ongoing legislative advocacy efforts include the following:
• Annu
al Department meetings with both the City’s state advocacy firm, California Public Policy Group, and the City’s federal advocacy firm, the Ferguson Group. • Bi-weekly correspondence with California Public Policy Group and the Ferguson Group in the form of emails, virtual meetings, and newsletters to monitor legislative issues important to the City.
• Guidance on funding opportunities from California Public Policy Group and the Ferguson Group.
CITY MANAGER’S
OFFICE
Reports to Council
Item #2
347
2 • Meetings, webinars, and other engagement with the League of California Cities (Cal Cities).
• Listservs and webinars from professional organizations to acquire information about legislation and projects pertinent to Burbank.
• Communication and correspondence with legislators via letters, meetings, and bi-annual visits to Sacramento and Washington D.C.
• Collaboration, when appropriate, with Cal Cities and the National League of Cities.
Accordingly, and in consultation with the City’s legislative advocacy firms, the statements outlined within the platform are intended to assist the City Council and staff proactively and appropriately address legislation to promote City interests and preserve local legislative authority when necessary.
DISCUSSION
The 2026 Legislative Platform contains topics that have the potential for county, state, and federal participation and provides the City’s legislative representatives and advocacy firms with a clear understanding of the City’s priorities. T he priorities outlined within the Platform have been drafted in consultation with the City’s advocacy firms and are intended to assist Council and staff address legislation, promote City interests, and preserve local control and local legislative authority proactively and appropriately.
Priorities in the 2026 Legislative Platform remain the same as last year and include the following: Airport, Budget and Municipal Finance, Economic Development, Healthy Communities, Homelessness, Housing, Mandates, Libraries, Parks and Open Space, Mandates, Public Employment, Public Safety, Social Justi ce and Equity, State and/or Federal Funding, Sustainability, Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure, Utilities (Energy and Water), and Veterans. Each priority includes policy statements which articulate the City’s legislative goals by addressing major areas of interest, while providing flexibility to respond to any unanticipated legislation.
Aside from non -substantive grammatical, wording, and stylistic changes, the following content changes were made in the 2026 Legislative Platform:
Healthy Communities
The policy statement regarding Access to Adaptive Recreation has been updated in both the federal and state sections to emphasize i nclusivity as a key element related to adaptive recreation, reinforcing support for policies that expand equitable recreation activities for people of all ages and abilities.
348
3 Housing
A new policy statement has been added to both the federal and state sections related to Special Needs Housing to emphasize the City’s support for fair housing assistance for special needs populations, including seniors, minors, low -income tenants, and persons with disabilities. The need for fair housing for these populations is identified as a Fair Housing Issue in the 2021-2029 Housing Element.
In addition, a policy statement has been added to the state section related to Affordable Home Ownership. The existing policy statement regarding Inclusion has been revised to incorporate language on Input, highlighting the importance of providing local governments with meaningful opportunities to participate in the development and reform of housing regulations that impact Housing Element review requirements and housing production streamlining laws.
Libraries, Parks and Open Space
New policy statements have been added to both the federal and state sections supporting Library Funding, Programs, and Digital Access, reaffirming the City’s commitment to maintaining and expanding public access to information, technology, and educational resources for residents of all ages. A Parks and Library Infrastructure policy statement has also been added to both the federal and state sections to strengthen the City’s advocacy for sustained investment in libraries, parks, and public facilities , supporting safe, well maintained, and modern community spaces. In addition, the existing Arts policy statement has been expanded to include Culture and Humanities, reflecting the City’s support for policies that strengthen arts, cultural and humanities programs as vital contributors to community engagement, education, and economic vitality.
Public Safety
The existing policy statement regarding Fire Vegetation Management has been revised to include specific language regarding defensible space requirements, underscoring the City’s advocacy for proactive strategies to reduce fire risk and improve community resilience.
Utilities – Energy
A new policy statement has been added to both the federal and state sections regarding Electric Reliability to support policies that improve access to critical equipment and address supply chain challenges that delay infrastructure repair and deployment. In addition, a policy statement has been added to both the federal and state sections related to Pole Attachments to oppose policies that limit or preempt local authority over utility pole and streetlight attachments and to support legislation that preserves municipal discretion and oversight.
349
4 Position Letters from Council Members
For proposed legislation, either consistent with the City’s legislative priorities, with legislative positions the City has taken in the past, or with positions taken by Cal Cities , the current practice grants City staff the authority to prepare position letters for the Mayor’s signature. Items not within this framework nor addressed in the Legislative Platform will require further Council direction. Should a Council Member wish to send a position letter signed by all five Council Members, the Council Member must request Council approval of such letter by introducing an additional agenda item. Staff will then return with a first -step staff report for Council’s consideration. Legislative priorities may only address issues directly relevant to or impacting the provision of municipal services.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This activity has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment and, as such, is not a “project” subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 14 Cal. Code Regs § 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends Council approve the 2026 Legislative Platform.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – 2025 Legislative Platform Redline Version Attachment 2 – Proposed 2026 Legislative Platform
350
ATTACHMENT 1
1 20265 Legislative Platform
Burbank is a vibrant and bustling Southern California community located in the eastern part of the San Fernando Valley, 12 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. Due to the City’s central location in the region, its convenient accessibility, and continued economic vitality, it has grown from a rural town at its incorporation in 1911, into a thriving urban city of more than 105,000 residents today, with a daily workforce population of more than 200165,000.
To be responsive to the needs and demands of our citizens, visitors, and businesses alike, we seek to meet those needs while adhering to the fundamental principles of people, pride, and progress.
Over the years, these guiding principles have, and continue to, cultivate and nurture a safe, beautiful, and thriving community. As the “Media Capital of the World,” Burbank is home to a diverse creative economy, ranging from major film and television studios, as well as animation, video game development, digital media, and an emerging network of innovative independent production companies.Warner Bros. Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company, ABC, Nickelodeon, and Netflix Animation.
In providing services to our citizenrycommunity, the City takes pride in having reliable, sustainable, and affordable municipal electric and water utilities, police and fire services, recreational facilities and other high quality municipal programs and services. Burbank is also known for its exceptional schools, tree- lined neighborhoods, and a diverse business community.
As a full-service city, Burbank recognizes the need for active legislative engagement with federal and state government officials to protect and enhance the interests of its residents and businesses.
Accordingly, City officials maintain close relationships with Burbank’s federal and state representatives and agency officials to advocate, influence, and monitor pertinent legislation.
In addition, the City of Burbank is committed to preserving local control and decision-making authority and therefore opposes unfunded or inadequately funded mandates, especially those that may be injurious to the character of its neighborhoods, the provision of community services, or the success of its business community.
The 20265 Legislative Platform outlines the position of the City of Burbank on priority issues, from responsible development to sustainability measures, as well as resources for innovative transit and clean energy projects.
Drafted in consultation with the City’s federal and state advocacy firms, the Platform is intended to assist the Mayor, Council Members, and staff to proactively and appropriately address legislation, regulations, and or policies, which may impact the City’s ability to operate effectively, while allowing the consideration of additional legislative, regulatory, and budgetary issues that arise during the legislative session. With the Platform as a guiding document, the City will continue to work with its constituents, elected officials and other interested parties, to promote and preserve the City’s interests at the federal level.
351
ATTACHMENT 1
2 Key Highlights of the 20265 Federal Platform
The platform is comprehensive in its scope and breadth, covering seventeen priority topic areas – reflecting the city’s deep commitment to its community in general and its citizens in particular – including, but not limited to: ongoing transportation and infrastructure (physical as well as cyber) challenges; ever expanding public health and safety needs; continuous efforts to meet the housing demands of both our housed and unhoused citizens; and efforts to support our recreational, conservation, natural resources, and water priorities.
Among the seventeen federal priorities, all discussed fully in the attached, there are several areas of particular relevance for federal policy makers in congress and the executive branch:
Municipal Bond Tax - The City opposes any effort to eliminate, or cap, the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds, which is among the few federal tools remaining for local governments to finance large capital projects.
Workforce Training and Development – The City supports training and development initiatives, through legislation, regulation or funding opportunities, that advance collaboration among community partners including, but not limited to, non-profits, the Burbank Unified School District Board of Education, and the Workforce Development Board. In addition, the City will seek additional funding for training and apprenticeship programs to develop youth, veterans, and underemployed individuals for jobs relevant to the City’s workforce. Promote Successful Local Businesses – The City seeks measures that support the City’s continued efforts to retain and promote local (particularly small) businesses, including funding opportunities (i.e. loans and tax credits for business improvements) and for removal of regulations that impose excessive requirements or restrictions that hinder the success of these enterprises.
Increase Nutrition For Citizens - The City supports legislation, regulations and funding opportunities to increase access to affordable meal programs for older adults, youth, and the disabled.
Funding and Collaboration to Remove and Clean Homeless Encampments - The City seeks new funding opportunities and supports legislation designed to promote collaboration among county, state, city, and federal agencies for the legal and humane removal and storage of homeless belongings and clearing of areas that are highly vulnerable to fires and have developed to unsafe conditions, such as along federal railroads, underpasses, freeway embankments, flood control channels, and critical infrastructure buildings/equipment. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program - The City supports legislation that would amend both federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Programs to support and deem competitive a mix of units in an affordable housing project, to promote sustainable and integrated communities.
Enhance Home Ownership - The City supports growth in individual home ownership through reasonable measures to reduce obstacles and costs to construction of new home ownership opportunities, including rent to own programs and condominium liability reform. NEPA Reform - The City supports sensible National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reform that will enable new housing production.
Housing Security - The City supports legislation that protects property ownership and prioritizes small property owners over institutional investors, as well as federal funding opportunities for rental assistance programs to ensure housing security for residential tenants. 352
ATTACHMENT 1
3 Imposition of Unfunded Federal Mandates - The City opposes federal mandates that do not include realistic timeframes, funding for corollary costs of compliance (e.g. infrastructure costs for housing construction mandates), associated personnel costs, and technical support for jurisdictions to ensure compliance with mandates.
Public Safety Training Programs Address Increases in Crime – The City supports policies, legislation, and funding opportunities, which prioritize public safety and ensure police officerspublic safety personnel receive adequate training, education, and equipment to successfully protect the community.
Support Crime Reduction Solutions - The City will advocate for legislation and funding opportunities that prioritizes preventing and reducing crime and promoting rehabilitation. The city will also advocate for legislation that prioritizes drug prevention programs, mental health initiatives, enhanced protective equipment, and solutions for homelessness. Emergency Preparedness - The City will advocate for funding opportunities and legislation that encourage disaster preparedness and emergency planning, including funding to develop a permanent Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to further emergency management preparedness efforts. Seek direct and flexible funding opportunities for localities to sustain core services and provide community recovery programs while responding to public health emergencies and natural disasters.
Fire Vegetation Management – The City will advocate for and support well- balanced legislation as well as funding opportunities that promote would compliance with defensible space requirementsallow vegetation management in an effort to to be donereduce fire risk in the community. in a timely manner by responsible parties to reduce risk of fire. Cybersecurity Protection – The City will advocate for legislation and funding that would prevent and reduce cybercrime that would impact municipal services. Advocate for legislation and funding opportunities to protect against cyber security attacks and prevent and resolve breaches (e.g. the ability to use cyber-attack and intrusion detection, automated Artificial Intelligence attack response solutions, and recovery programs). Pursue Infrastructure Funding Opportunities – The City will advocate for and support federal funding opportunities that are designed to mitigate traffic congestion and maintain/improve Burbank’s infrastructure. These include, but are not limited to, the Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program as well as Congestion Management Air Quality Funds, the federal gas tax, and Active Transportation funds.
Innovative Infrastructure Financing Programs – The City will advocate for transportation policies that seek to regenerate funds that support maintenance and development of Burbank’s infrastructure projects, including infrastructure finance districts and other innovative financing programs to support construction as well as maintenance long term (i.e. – Public Private Partnerships).
Support Hydropower and Small Modular Reactors - The City will support the inclusion of hydropower and small modular reactors as zero-carbon energy sources, consistent with efforts to develop federal standards to safely dispose of and handle related waste. Enhanced Cyber and Physical Security – The City will support legislation and or regulations regarding cyber and physical security to protect utility assets and operations. Wildfire Mitigation – The City will advocate for, and support, legislation that promotes prevention and reduction of wildfire risk through responsible power management. The City will also advocate for funding opportunities to mitigate wildfire risks. 353
ATTACHMENT 1
4 Technology Initiatives – The City will advocate for, and pursue, funding opportunities to promote the use of data and advanced technologies to create efficiencies, promote economic development, enhance utility operations, and help solve other sustainability challenges. Cost-Effective Water Ecosystem Projects - The City will advocate for and support federal funding opportunities for water ecosystem projects that enhance water quality and are cost- effective. Advocate for direct beneficiaries and cost causers to fund their fair share of infrastructure project costs that provide long-term benefits to the state and its inhabitants. Water Supply Projects – The City will advocate for federal funding for the expansion of current, and the construction of new, water supply projects including desalination and importing water from water rich regions of the United States.
Water Conservation - The City will advocate for legislation and funding opportunities that support water conservation measures, including residential and commercial customer assistance, water storage, and efforts to mitigate and plan for droughts, such as drought- resistant landscaping and permeable surfaces.
Direct Potable Reuse - The City will advocate for, and support, continued work on developing regulations and funding for the implementation of Direct Potable Reuse. Veteran Funding and Initiatives – The City will advocate for, and support, initiatives, partnerships, funding opportunities, and programs to ensure veterans and their families have access to holistic services and resources including, but not limited to, physical and mental health, affordable housing, employment, and education.
The City looks forward to partnering with federal policymakers in the weeks and months ahead to advance the priorities contained in our platform toward the betterment of our community and citizens.
354
ATTACHMENT 1
5 Table of Contents (page # not included in this list)
AIRPORT
BUDGET & MUNICIPAL FINANCE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
HOMELESSNESS
HOUSING
LIBRARIES, PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
MANDATES
PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
PUBLIC SAFETY
SOCIAL JUSTICE & EQUITY
STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDING
SUSTAINABILITY
TECHNOLOGY
TRANSPORTATION/ INFRASTRUCTURE
UTILITIES
VETERANS
355
ATTACHMENT 1
6 AIRPORT
1. Public Safety Support and/or advocate for legislation or regulations that promote and improve public safety and counter-criminal measures at and around the airport grounds.
2. Unmanned Aircraft Systems Request that the Federal Aviation Administration to develop clear rules and regulations for governing the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), while preserving local control to regulate the use and application of UAS for industry and City services.
3. Increased Accessibility Support and/or advocate for legislation and polices that increases accessibility for airline passengers both on the ground and in the air.
BUDGET & MUNICIPAL FINANCE
1. Limitations on Municipal Liability. Support and/or advocate for legislative and or regulatory changes to personal injury tort law such as caps on damages and contingency fees and limitations on joint and several liability. Support legislation and or regulation that expands governmental immunity related to public improvements such as unforeseen tree failures and trivial defects.
2. Sequestration Support legislation to end the threat of sequestration of federal payments related to Build America Bonds (BABs) and refundable elective payment energy tax credits.
3. Municipal Bond Tax Oppose any effort to eliminate, or cap, the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds, which is among the few tools remaining for local governments to finance large capital projects.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
1. Workforce Training and Development Support and/or advocate for workforce training and development initiatives (through legislation, regulation or funding opportunities) that enhance strengthen collaboration among community partners including, but not limited to non-profits, the Burbank Unified School District Board of Education, and the Workforce Development Board. In addition, seek additional Pursue funding for training and apprenticeship programs to developthat prepare youth, veterans, and underemployed individuals for jobs relevant toaligned with the City’s workforce needs and enhance career services to support employers and job seekers, particularly in Burbank’s key industries.
2. Entrepreneurship Support and/or advocate for legislation, regulations, or funding opportunities that provides a funding mechanism to accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship in the region, including the addition of a physical space for an incubator or accelerator.
3. Tourism Funding Support and/or advocate for legislation and/or regulations that protects and enhances funding for tourism marketing and infrastructure to support the strong, growing tourism industry in California.
4. Successful Local Businesses Support and/or advocate for measures that support the City’s continued efforts to retain and promote local businesses and for removal of regulations that impose excessive requirements or restrictions that hinder the success of these enterprises.
5. New Redevelopment Funding Seek, promote, and implement new or alternative approaches that may replace redevelopment funding mechanisms that deliver positive benefits to Burbank.
6. Business Attraction Support and/or advocate for measures that seek to preserve and maintain the entertainment, technology, medical, and other growing industries within the City and state, while continuing efforts to diversify the local economic base. Advocate for incentives to retain entertainment and animation industry jobs and businesses in California.
7. Economic Development Continue efforts to secure legislation and/or regulations that will provide funding mechanisms to promote continued economic development, including initiatives to provide financing for business assistance loans, no interest loans, façade improvements, and 356
ATTACHMENT 1
7 infrastructure improvements, including exterior improvements such as public art installations, roadway/sidewalk improvements, landscaping, and more.
8. Telecommunication and Broadband Support and/or advocate for federal legislation and/or regulations preserving the City’s interest in telecommunication, broadband, and infrastructure operations. Seek funding opportunities for expanding local broadband options.
9. Business Funding Opportunities Advocate for funding opportunities for small business assistance, loan programs for business improvements, and tax credits for businesses.
10. Tax Credits and Incentives for Creative/Entertainment Industry Advocate for tax credits and incentives to attract and retain entertainment industry jobs.
FEDERAL FUNDING
1. Burbank at a Competitive Advantage Proactively seek continued and alternative funding sources (i.e. grants) that will benefit the City’s ability to provide valuable community services. Advocate for funding criteria that puts Burbank at a competitive advantage.
2. Legislation to Increase Funding for Burbank Advocate for and support legislation and federal funding opportunities that would increase funding for Burbank’s community services including funding for local law enforcement Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), Urban Area Security Initiatives (UASI), forensic science, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), public libraries, affordable housing, employment services, senior citizen and youth programs, recreation facilities, cultural arts facilities, maintenance and infrastructure improvements, public schools, park and open space development, and sustainable energy and water among others.
3. Tri-City Efforts Leverage current Tri-City efforts to obtain funding for mutually beneficial projects, facilities, and shared resources.
4. Redistricting Maintain the classification of the tri-city area of Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena.
HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
1. Access to Healthy Eating Support and/or advocate for legislation, regulations, and funding opportunities to increase access to affordable meal programs for older adults, youth, and the disabled.
2. Aging in Place Support and/or advocate for legislation, regulations, and/or funding opportunities to foster independence, well-being, and access to resources for older adults.
3. Access to Childcare Support and/or advocate for funding opportunities to increase access to childcare for the community, with an emphasis on care and education for children ages 0-5.
4. Affordable Health Care Support and/or advocate for legislation, regulations, and/or funding opportunities that creates options and opportunities for access to affordable healthcare and support universal single payer health care for all of our citizens.
5. Access to Inclusive and Adaptive Recreation Support and/or advocate for funding opportunities and programs that provide expand inclusive sports, fitness, recreation, and outdoor activities for people of all abilities and ages, including individuals with disabilities, youth, seniors, veterans, and low-income residents.
6. Access to Mental Health Services Support and/or advocate for policies, legislation, and/or regulations that increase access to responsive and/or preventative mental health services for all our citizens and destigmatizes receiving mental health care. Advocate for support of regional resources related to mental health care.
HOMELESSNESS
1. A Balanced Approach Support and/or advocate for a housing-first approach to address homelessness that considers expanded funding opportunities for project-based transitional and 357
ATTACHMENT 1
8 permanent affordable housing for homeless families and the creation of special needs housing for those suffering from mental illness, all of which include support services to ensure a continuum of care for this vulnerable segment of the population.
2. Street Outreach Teams Support and/or advocate for new funding opportunities for expanded Street Outreach Teams in collaboration with law enforcement, first responders, educators, and the County’s health and mental health departments for those affected by homelessness and mental health issues.
3. Funds for Burbank’s Homelessness Plan Support and/or advocate for federal funding opportunities regarding implementation of City or sub-region homelessness plans, including funding to support physical and mental health services, safe parking areas, and access to effective referral systems.
4. Funding and Collaboration to Remove and Clean Homeless Encampments Support and/or advocate for legislation, regulations, and/or funding opportunities designed to promote collaboration among city, county, state, and federal agencies for the legal and humane removal and storage of homeless belongings and clearing of areas that are highly vulnerable to fires and have developed to unsafe conditions, such as along federal railroads, underpasses, freeway embankments, flood control channels, and critical infrastructure buildings/equipment.
HOUSING
1. Accessible Housing Affordable at All Income Levels Support and/or advocate for legislation and programs that assist in providing housing at all income levels, within mixed-income residential developments in the City, along with the supportive services necessary for residents to sustain their housing.
2. Workforce Housing Support and/or advocate for and support legislation and programs that assist the public and private sectors in funding and developing housing for all levels of affordability and household sizes, including affordable housing for the Burbank workforce, to meet the City Council’s goal of facilitating the building of 12,000 units by 2035.
2.3. Special Needs Housing Support and/or advocate for legislation and programs that provide rental assistance for special needs households with elderly, minors, low-income tenants, and persons with disability, as well as legislation that incentivizes modification of housing to accommodate the elderly and persons with disability.
3.4. Voucher Programs Support and/or advocate for increased funding of voucher programs, including the Section 8 Program, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH), Permanent Supportive Housing Vouchers (PSH), and Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) or any similar emergency housing programs, to allow for the increase of rental subsidies within urban areas with high rental cost. Also support and/or advocate for programmatic changes to focus programs on the elderly, disabled, and other special need and vulnerable households. Advocate for and support Project Based Vouchers for housing developments that meet City Council goals.
4.5. Emergency, Interim, Transitional and Supportive Housing Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding for a variety of housing options including emergency, interim, and transitional housing units while new permanent supportive housing units are developed for people experiencing homelessness, along with support services needed to make these successful.
5.6. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program Support and/or advocate for legislation that would amend both federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Programs to support and deem a competitive a mix of units in an affordable housing project, to promote sustainable and integrated communities.
6.7. Owner Occupancy. Support and/or advocate for affordable homeownership and growth in individual home ownership through reasonable measures to reduce obstacles and costs to 358
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9 construction of new home ownership opportunities, including rent to own programs and condominium liability reform.
7.8. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Reform Support and/or advocate for sensible National Environmental Policy Act reform or exemptions for eligible housing development that will enable new housing production.
8.9. Housing Security Support and/or advocate for legislation that protects existing individual property ownership, prioritizing and prioritizes small property owners over institutional investors, as well as federal funding opportunities for rental assistance programs to ensure housing security for residential tenants.
9.10. HOME Program Changes Support and/or advocate for programmatic changes to the HOME Investment Partnership Program by removing the expenditure deadline as the creation of affordable housing by community housing development organizations can take several years to complete.
LIBRARIES, PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
1. Connectivity Support and/or advocate for initiatives to develop connecting trail systems in the Verdugo mountainside and .enhance safe and accessible trail networks, greenways, and nature- based connections that link trails, parks, and open spaces.
2. Open Space Protection Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding opportunities directly, or through federally funded state programs, which preserves and protects open space, green space, and natural habitats throughout the City of Burbank.
3. Library Funding, Programs, and Digital Access Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding opportunities that restore and increase library funding, strengthen state and federal support for libraries, and enhance robust library services and access.
4. Park and Library Infrastructure Support and/or advocate for legislation that provides funding for rehabilitation, development, and capital improvements of local parks, libraries, and community facilities, enhancing both active and passive recreational spaces.
5. Access to Diverse Library Materials Support and/or advocate for legislation that prevents bans on reading, listening, and viewing material for youth in public libraries and protects library employees from liability related to providing access to diverse perspectives.
2.6. Arts, Culture and Humanities Support and/or advocate for federal legislation and funding opportunities that increase resources for local arts, culture, and humanities programsand cultural events, including but not limited to performing and visual arts and humanities programs, the preservation of cultural heritage and capital improvements of art venues.
MANDATES
1. Timely Reimbursements Support and/or advocate for initiatives to ensure timely reimbursements from the federal government.
2. Imposition of Unfunded Federal Mandates Oppose mandates that do not include realistic timeframes, funding for corollary costs of compliance (e.g. infrastructure costs for housing construction mandates), associated personnel costs and technical support for jurisdictions to ensure compliance with mandates.
PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
1. Disclosures and Accountability Support and/or advocate for legislation that enhances appropriate disclosure and provides accountability of public funds.
2. Good Faith Negotiations Promote legislation that strengthens good faith negotiations between employee organizations and local agencies.
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10 3. Control Workers’ Compensation Support and/or advocate for legislation that would control medical and legal costs related to workers’ compensation.
4. Workers’ Compensation Reform Continue to support workers’ compensation reform that is inclusive of both safety and non-safety employees.
PUBLIC SAFETY
1. Address Increases in CrimePublic Safety Training Programs Support and/or advocate for policies, legislation, and funding opportunities, which prioritize public safety and ensure police officerspublic safety personnel receive adequate training, education, and equipment to successfully protect the community.
2. Supportive Programs and Solutions Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding opportunities that prioritizes preventing and reducing crime and promoting rehabilitation. Also, support and advocate for legislation that prioritizes drug prevention programs, mental health initiatives, enhanced protective equipment, and solutions for homelessness.
3. Traffic Safety Support and/or advocate for Office of Traffic Safety grant funding related to all aspects of traffic safety.
4. Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Support and/or advocate for legislation that prioritizes road safety, with a specific emphasis on protecting pedestrians and bicyclists – especially vulnerable users like children, the elderly, and the disabled.
5. Reimbursement for Presidential Visits Pursue law enforcement funding and/or reimbursement from federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management Agency for Presidential and/or high-profile attendee visits.
6. Criminal Justice Reform Support and/or advocate for evidence-based criminal justice reform measures that are inclusive of concerns from prosecutors, victims’ rights groups, and law enforcement agencies and do not hinder law enforcement’s ability to protect the community.
7. Latest Technology Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding opportunities that would take advantage of the latest technology to prevent and resolve crimes, such as the ability to use surveillance cameras, automatic license plate recognition, and DNA testing.
8. Emergency Preparedness Support and/or advocate for funding opportunities and legislation that encourage disaster preparedness and emergency planning, including funding to develop a permanent Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to further emergency management preparedness efforts. Seek direct and flexible funding opportunities for localities to sustain core services and provide community recovery programs while responding to public health emergencies and natural disasters.
9. Fire Vegetation Management Support and/or advocate for well-balanced legislation and funding opportunities that would allow vegetation management to be done in a timely manner by responsible parties to reduce risk of fire.promote compliance with defensible space requirements in an effort to reduce fire risk in the community.
10. Interagency Communications Interoperability (ICI) System Support and/or advocate for legislation for assistance to aid the ICI System, including federal funding opportunities for communities to use their public safety radio communication spectrum, which is currently utilized by first responders in Burbank and surrounding communities.
11. Non-Traditional Crime Prevention Activities Support and/or advocate for funding opportunities for non-traditional crime prevention activities, homeless assistance, front-end diversion, and mental health initiatives.
12. Seismic Safety Support and/or advocate for legislation and regulation that increases the seismic safety of buildings including seismic retrofit, retrofit funding, or higher levels of structural resiliency of buildings.
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11 13. Wildfire Safety Support and/or advocate for legislation and regulation that increases the safety of buildings during a wildfire including fire protection measures, retrofit funding, or higher levels of wildfire structural resiliency. Advocate for funding opportunities for wildfire prevention and mitigation.
14. Reducing Gun Violence Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding opportunities that reduce gun violence.
15. Cybersecurity Protection Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding that would prevent and reduce cybercrime that would impact municipal services. Advocate for legislation and funding opportunities to protect against cyber security attacks and prevent and resolve breaches (e.g. the ability to use cyber-attack and intrusion detection, automated Artificial Intelligence attack response solutions, and recovery programs).
16. Fentanyl Epidemic Support and/or advocate for funding opportunities, legislation/and or regulations and other initiatives aimed at addressing the fentanyl crisis by fortifying law enforcement efforts, intensifying prevention through public awareness campaigns and school programs, broadening access to treatment, supporting first responders, and actively involving communities.
SOCIAL JUSTICE & EQUITY
1. Equitable Access Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding opportunities that assists the City of Burbank in providing and expanding provide residents with equitable access to City parks and facilities, programs, and services, trails, open space, and natural areas.
2. Eliminating Barriers Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding that will allow the City and its community partners to provide disadvantaged residents with the tools necessary to grow and thrive.
3. Community Engagement Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding for the City and its community partners to proactively engage with residents on issues of prejudice, discrimination, and social justice to promote education, understanding, expanded opportunity, and acceptance between diverse groups in the community, making all feel welcome and safe in Burbank.
SUSTAINABILITY
1. Streamline National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Provisions Support and/or advocate for efforts to streamline NEPA provisions that would result in meaningful reform to reduce out-of- date noticing provisions
2. Recycling and Organics Recovery Seek federal funding opportunities, and permitting support, to assist in compliance with Solid Waste mandates for recycling and organics recovery/processing.
TECHNOLOGY
1. Data and Technology Initiatives Support and/or advocate for legislative initiatives and funding opportunities to promote the use of data and technology to create efficiencies, promote economic development, enhance public safety, improve transportation and mobility, improve sustainability, enhance municipal quality of life factors, and help solve other civic challenges.
2. Digital Literacy and Technology Access Support and/or advocate for legislative initiatives and funding opportunities to increase access to computers, high-speed internet, and similar technology; and to provide training in computer, digital literacy, and technology skills and oppose funding cuts to related federal grant programs.
3. Cyber Security Initiatives Support and/or advocate for legislative initiatives and funding opportunities that promotes the use of technology solutions and other resources to protect local government networks, technology systems, critical infrastructure, and data. 361
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12 4. Regulation of Wireless Facilities Oppose legislation or regulatory policy that would further erode the ability of local governments to regulate wireless facilities.
5. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Support and/or advocate for regulations, legislation, and/or funding for the development of clear guidelines and restrictions regarding AI that promotes its ethical, fair, and responsible use, and ensures transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI systems while safeguarding individual rights, economic stability, and security.
TRANSPORTATION/INFRASTRUCTURE
1. Burbank Infrastructure Funding Opportunities Support and/or advocate for federal funding opportunities, including but not limited to Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program and Congestion Management Air Quality Funds; State Cap and Trade, High Speed Rail, Gas Tax, and Active Transportation funds; and Regional Measure M, Measure R, Proposition A, and Proposition C (Transportation Sales Tax) funds, to mitigate traffic congestion and maintain/improve Burbank’s infrastructure.
2. New Transit Support and/or advocate for a direct light rail or subway connection to the Hollywood Burbank Airport.
3. Innovative Financing Programs Support and/or advocate for transportation policies that seek to regenerate funds that support maintenance and development of Burbank’s infrastructure projects, including infrastructure finance districts and other innovative financing programs to support construction as well as maintenance long term (i.e. – Public Private Partnerships).
4. Transit Center in Burbank Media District and Metrolink Station Seek funding for the creation of a new transit center in the Burbank Media District and Metrolink Station to anchor the major bus transit lines that provide transit service to this employment center and to support the future NoHo-to-Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project.
5. Olive Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation Project Seek funding to rehabilitate and improve Olive Avenue bridge to improve bicycle, pedestrian, and transit access over I-5 in concert with the Metro NoHo to Pasadena BRT project including adding an aerial BRT station above the Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station.
6. Magnolia Boulevard Bridge Rehabilitation Project Seek funding opportunities to rehabilitate and improve Magnolia bridge over I-5 and improve bicycle and pedestrian access in conformance with the Complete Street Plan.
7. BurbankBus Transit Capital Support and/or advocate for transit capital funding opportunities for the BurbankBus to replace aging vehicles in its fleet, including necessary electrification infrastructure to meet CARB zero-emission transit vehicle replacement mandates beginning in 2026.
8. Expanded Metrolink Service Support and/or advocate for funding for capital projects and operational funding to achieve two way (bi-directional) all-day service to Burbank’s Metrolink stations. Burbank will partner with regional transportation agencies and other stakeholders to achieve necessary Metrolink improvements.
9. Amtrak Surfliner Advocate for all Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains to stop at the Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station.
10. Electrification Support and/or advocate for initiatives incentivizing electrification of infrastructure for public transit projects when feasible.
11. Automated Vehicles and Emerging Vehicle Technologies Support and/or advocate for regulations, legislation, and/or funding related to the use of automative vehicles and other emerging vehicle technologies and services to ensure the highest standards of their safety, privacy, and accountability, as well as development of smart infrastructure to support their safe, efficient, and sustainable integration.
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13 UTILITIES - ENERGY
1. Support Hydropower and Small Modular Reactors Support and/or advocate for the inclusion of hydropower and small modular reactors as zero-carbon energy sources, consistent with efforts on the development of federal standards to safely dispose of and handle related waste.
2. Support the Development and Deployment of Green Hydrogen Support and/or advocate for the development and deployment of green hydrogen to ensure electrical grid reliability. Green hydrogen is made by using zero-carbon or renewable energy resources.
3. Financial Incentives for Clean Energy and Energy Storage Support and/or advocate for legislation to provide financial incentives including tax incentives and other financial opportunities to reduce the cost of new and existing grid side clean energy and energy storage projects.
4. Public Benefit Programs Support and/or advocate for legislation that protects and increases funding for community owned utilities’ public benefits programs to support disadvantaged communities.
5. Regionalization of Electrical Markets Support and/or advocate for legislation and regulation that would allow for the cost-effective and environmentally effective regionalization of electrical markets in the United States.
6. Transmission Support and/or advocate for legislation that provides financial assistance, and allows for opportunity, to build and/or own transmission in the LA Basin and throughout the U.S. to ensure grid reliability.
7. Cyber and Physical Security Support and/or advocate for legislation and regulation regarding cyber and physical security to protect utility assets and operations.
8. Wildfire Mitigation Advocate for and support legislation that promotes prevention and reduction of wildfire risk through responsible power management. Advocate for funding opportunities to mitigate wildfire risks.
9. Technology Initiatives Advocate for and support funding opportunities to promote the use of data and advanced technologies to create efficiencies, promote economic development, enhance utility operations, and help solve other sustainability challenges.
9.10. Electric Reliability Advocate for policies that strengthen grid reliability by expanding the availability of critical equipment, such as transformers, and addressing broader supply chain challenges that threaten timely infrastructure repairs and deployment.
10.11. Pole Attachments Oppose policies that restrict local authority over utility pole and streetlight attachments.
UTILITIES - WATER
1. Cost-Effective Water Ecosystem Projects Support and advocate for federal funding opportunities for water ecosystem projects that enhance water quality and are cost-effective. Advocate for direct beneficiaries and cost causers to fund their fair share of infrastructure project costs that provide long-term benefits to the state and its inhabitants.
2. Water Supply Projects Advocate and support funding for the expansion of current, and construction of new, water storage projects, both state-wide and locally, to increase water supply.
Advocate for federal funding for the expansion of current, and the construction of new, water supply projects including desalination and importing water from water rich regions of the United States.
3. Water Conservation Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding opportunities that support water conservation measures, including residential and commercial customer assistance, water storage, and efforts to mitigate and plan for droughts, such as drought-resistant landscaping and permeable surfaces.
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14 4. Direct Potable Reuse Advocate for and support continued work on developing regulations and funding for the implementation of Direct Potable Reuse.
5. Public Benefit Programs Advocate for, and support, legislation that protects and increases funding for community owned utilities’ public benefits programs to support disadvantaged communities.
6. Stormwater Funding Seek funding opportunities to assist in meeting mandated stormwater requirements as appropriate
7. Redistribution of Public Benefits Oppose efforts by the state that would impose Public Benefit requirements on water utilities that transfer funding to the state for redistribution. Retain funding for Local Benefits efforts for exclusive local use.
VETERANS
1. Veteran Funding and Initiatives Support and/or advocate for initiatives, partnerships, funding opportunities, and programs to ensure veterans and their families have access to holistic services and resources including, but not limited to, physical and mental health, affordable housing, employment, and education.
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15 The City of Burbank’s 20265 California State Platform Summary
The City’s state platform (which follows this summary) is equally comprehensive in its scope and breadth to the federal, prioritizing the same seventeen priority topic areas – thus reflecting the City’s continued deep commitment to its community in general and its citizens in particular at all levels of government – including, but not limited to: ongoing transportation and infrastructure challenges (physical as well as cyber); ever expanding public health and safety needs; continuous efforts to meet the housing demands of both our housed and unhoused citizens; and efforts to support our recreational, conservation, natural resources, and water priorities.
It’s important for federal policy makers to understand the effort, time, and money the city is already undertaking at the state level to advance their priorities (as several issues overlap with actions of importance in Washington DC) as they consider additional assistance and support for the City’s federal priorities.
The City’s efforts in Sacramento include the following:
Workforce Training and Development – The City will support and advocate for training and development initiatives—through legislation, regulation or funding opportunities -- that advance collaboration among community partners including, but not limited to, non-profits, the Burbank Unified School District Board of Education, and the Workforce Development Board. In addition, the City will seek additional funding for training and apprenticeship programs to develop youth, veterans, and underemployed individuals for jobs relevant to the City’s workforce.
Promote Successful Local Businesses - The City will advocate for measures that support continued efforts to retain and promote local (particularly small) businesses, including funding opportunities (i.e. loans and tax credits for business improvements) and for removal of regulations that impose excessive requirements or restrictions that hinder the success of these enterprises.
Increase Nutrition For Citizens - The City will support and advocate for legislation, regulations, and funding opportunities to increase access to affordable meal programs for older adults, youth, and the disabled.
Funding and Collaboration to Remove and Clean Homeless Encampments - The City will seek new funding opportunities, as well as support and advocate for legislation designed to promote collaboration among county, state, city, and federal agencies for the legal and humane removal and storage of homeless belongings and clearing of areas that are highly vulnerable to fires and have developed to unsafe conditions, such as along federal railroads, underpasses, freeway embankments, flood control channels, and critical infrastructure buildings/equipment. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program - The City will support and advocate for legislation that would amend both federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Programs to support and deem competitive a mix of units in an affordable housing project, to promote sustainable and integrated communities.
Enhance Home Ownership - The City will support and advocate for growth in individual home ownership through reasonable measures to reduce obstacles and costs to construction of new home ownership opportunities, including rent to own programs and condominium liability reform.
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16 CEQA/NEPA Reform Support sensible California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reform and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reform that will enable new housing production. Housing Security - The City will support and advocate for legislation that protects property ownership and prioritizes small property owners over institutional investors, as well as funding opportunities for rental assistance programs to ensure housing security for residential tenants. Imposition of Unfunded Mandates - The City opposes state mandates that do not include realistic timeframes, funding for corollary costs of compliance (e.g. infrastructure costs for housing construction mandates), associated personnel costs, and technical support for jurisdictions to ensure compliance with mandates.
Address Increases in CrimePublic Safety Training Programs - The City will support and advocate for policies, legislation, and funding opportunities, which prioritize public safety and ensure police officerspublic safety personnel receive adequate training, education, and equipment to successfully protect the community.
Support Crime Reduction Solutions - The City will support and advocate for legislation and funding opportunities that prioritizes preventing and reducing crime and promoting rehabilitation. The city will also advocate for legislation that prioritizes drug prevention programs, mental health initiatives, enhanced protective equipment, and solutions for homelessness.
Emergency Preparedness - The City will support and advocate for funding opportunities and legislation that encourage disaster preparedness and emergency planning, including funding to develop a permanent Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to further emergency management preparedness efforts. Seek direct and flexible funding opportunities for localities to sustain core services and provide community recovery programs while responding to public health emergencies and natural disasters.
Fire Vegetation Management - The City will support and advocate for well- balanced legislation as well as funding opportunities that promote compliance with defensible space requirements in an effort to reduce fire risk in the community. that would allow vegetation management to be done in a timely manner by responsible parties to reduce risk of fire. Cybersecurity Protection - The City will support and advocate for legislation and funding that would prevent and reduce cybercrime that would impact municipal services. Advocate for legislation and funding opportunities to protect against cyber security attacks and prevent and resolve breaches (e.g. the ability to use cyber-attack and intrusion detection, automated Artificial Intelligence attack response solutions, and recovery programs). Pursue Infrastructure Funding Opportunities - The City will support and advocate for funding opportunities that are designed to mitigate traffic congestion and maintain/improve Burbank’s infrastructure. These include, but are not limited to, the Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program as well as Congestion Management Air Quality Funds, the federal gas tax, and Active Transportation funds.
Innovative Infrastructure Financing Programs - The City will support and advocate for transportation policies that seek to regenerate funds that support maintenance and development of Burbank’s infrastructure projects, including infrastructure finance districts and other innovative financing programs to support construction as well as maintenance long term (i.e. – Public Private Partnerships).
Support Hydropower and Small Modular Reactors - The City will advocate for and support the inclusion of hydropower and small modular reactors as zero-carbon energy sources, consistent with efforts to develop federal standards to safely dispose of and handle related waste. 366
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17 Enhanced Cyber and Physical Security - The City will advocate for and support legislation and or regulations regarding cyber and physical security to protect utility assets and operations. Wildfire Mitigation - The City will advocate for, and support, legislation that promotes prevention and reduction of wildfire risk through responsible power management. The City will also advocate for funding opportunities to mitigate wildfire risks. Technology Initiatives - The City will advocate for, and pursue, funding opportunities to promote the use of data and advanced technologies to create efficiencies, promote economic development, enhance utility operations, and help solve other sustainability challenges. Cost-Effective Water Ecosystem Projects - The City will advocate for and support federal state funding opportunities for water ecosystem projects that enhance water quality and are cost- effective. Advocate for direct beneficiaries and cost causers to fund their fair share of infrastructure project costs that provide long-term benefits to the state and its inhabitants. Water Supply Projects - The City will advocate for and support federal funding for the expansion of current, and the construction of new, water supply projects including desalination and importing water from water rich regions of the United States. Water Conservation - The City will advocate for and support legislation and funding opportunities that support water conservation measures, including residential and commercial customer assistance, water storage, and efforts to mitigate and plan for droughts, such as drought-resistant landscaping and permeable surfaces.
Direct Potable Reuse - The City will advocate for, and support, continued work on developing regulations and funding for the implementation of Direct Potable Reuse. Veteran Funding and Initiatives – The City will advocate for, and support, initiatives, partnerships, funding opportunities, and programs to ensure veterans and their families have access to holistic services and resources including, but not limited to, physical and mental health, affordable housing, employment, and education.
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18 AIRPORT
1. Noise Relief Pursue and engage in legislative and regulatory initiatives and processes that secure meaningful noise relief, including nighttime noise relief such as curfew, at the Hollywood Airport, for the City of Burbank and surrounding communities.
2. Helicopter Noise Regulation Support legislative efforts to monitor, regulate, and enforce helicopter noise in residential areas while being respectful of law enforcement and emergency first responder operations.
3. Increased Accessibility Support state legislation and policy that increases accessibility for airline passengers both on the ground and in the air.
BUDGET & MUNICIPAL FINANCE
1. Local Government Funds Support legislation or ballot measures that prevent the State from borrowing, raiding, or otherwise redirecting local government funds (i.e. local taxes, sales tax, property taxes, etc.).
2. Municipally Generated Revenue Continue to promote increased flexibility for the utilization of municipally generated revenues (i.e. – Public Education and Government fee, Utility Users Tax, Development Impact Fees, etc.).
3. Online Purchases Sales Tax Support legislation that changes the allocation of sales tax for online purchases from the County pool and reallocates it to the city where the purchase is made.
4. Online Transient Occupancy Tax Bypass Oppose efforts by online travel companies to circumvent remittance of Transient Occupancy Taxes (TOT) from hotel reservations purchased on the internet.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
1. Workforce Training and Development Support and/or advocate for training and development initiatives (through legislation, regulation or funding opportunities) that enhance collaboration among community partners including, but not limited to non-profits, the Burbank Unified School District Board of Education, and the Workforce Development Board. In addition, seek additional funding for training and apprenticeship programs to develop youth, veterans, and underemployed individuals for jobs relevant to the City’s workforce.
2. Successful Local Businesses Support and/or advocate for measures that support the City’s continued efforts to retain and promote local businesses and for removal of regulations that impose excessive requirements or restrictions that hinder the success of these enterprises.
3. Tourism Funding Support and/or advocate for legislation and/or regulations that protects and enhances funding for tourism marketing and infrastructure to support the strong, growing tourism industry in California.
4. Filming Support and/or advocate for incentives that promote filming within the City and state.
5. Telecommunication and Broadband Support and/or advocate for state legislation and or regulations preserving the City’s interest in telecommunication, broadband, and infrastructure operations. Seek funding opportunities for expanding local broadband options.
6. Tax Credits and Incentives for Creative/Entertainment Industry Advocate for tax credits and incentives to attract and retain entertainment industry jobs.
HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
1. Affordable Health Care Support and/or advocate for legislation, regulations, and/or funding opportunities that creates options and opportunities for access to affordable healthcare for all of our citizens.
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19 2. Access to Healthy Foods Support and/or advocate for legislation, regulations, and/or funding opportunities that promote community garden programs, expanding access to fresh fruits and vegetables for people of all ages.
3. Active Living Encourage community design to integrate walking, hiking, and cycling paths and opportunities to recreate.
4. Access to Childcare Advocate for funding for opportunities to increase access to childcare for the community, with an emphasis on care and education for children ages 0-5.
5. Access to Inclusive and Adaptive Recreation Support and/or Aadvocate for funding opportunities and programs that expand inclusiveto provide sports, fitness, recreation, and outdoor activities for people of all abilities and ages, including individuals people with disabilities, youth, seniors, veterans, and low-income residents.
6. Access to Mental Health Services Support policies, legislation, and or regulations that increases access to mental health services for all our citizens and destigmatizes receiving mental health care. Advocate for support of regional and local resources related to mental health care.
HOMELESSNESS
1. Street Outreach Teams Support new funding opportunities from the county and state government for expanded Street Outreach Teams in collaboration with law enforcement, first responders, educators, and the County’s health and mental health departments for those affected by homelessness and mental health issues.
2. Homelessness Services Support and/or advocate for Regional initiatives and support of Medi-Cal reform to improve the quality of life, health outcomes, and solutions to reduce and prevent homelessness through social welfare, recuperative care facilities for those suffering from mental illness or substance abuse, and interim housing at the county, state, and federal levels.
3. Measure A Funding Support and/or advocate for direct Measure A formulaic funding on an annual basis for cities like Burbank that are required to contribute additional sales tax.
4. Funds for Burbank’s Homelessness Plan Advocate for county, and state funds to implement City or sub-region homelessness plans, including funding to support physical and mental health services, safe parking areas, and access to effective referral systems.
5. Funding and Collaboration to Remove and Clean Homeless Encampments Support new funding and legislation to collaborate with county, state, city, and federal agencies for the legal and humane removal and storage of homeless belongings and clearing of areas that are highly vulnerable to fires and have developed to unsafe conditions, such as along federal railroads, underpasses, freeway embankments, flood control channels, and critical infrastructure buildings/equipment.
HOUSING
1. Building Neighborhoods Support and/or advocate for ongoing engagement between state and local governments to ensure local control is maintained and responsible housing development is promoted in a collaborative effort to address the local and statewide housing crisis, while protecting and building neighborhoods.
2. Responsible Development Support and/or advocate for responsible development and zoning regulations to help ensure the building and protection of neighborhoods.
3. Limitations on Accessory Dwelling Units Support and/or advocate for efforts to facilitate the development of the addition of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs with limitations upon floor area ratio (FAR), location, parking replacement, and ADU sizes that result in ADUs and Junior ADUs that are appropriate in scale to the existing single-family home and the surrounding 369
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20 neighborhood. Support for ADUs and Junior ADUs is further contingent on allowing owner- occupancy requirements.
4. Lower Parking Requirements Support lowering parking requirements for new and renovated development in areas near transit to encourage forgoing single-occupancy vehicle trips.
5. CEQA/NEPA Reform Support sensible California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reform and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reform that will enable new housing production.
6. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program Support legislation that would amend state Low- Income Housing Tax Credit Programs to support and deem competitive a mix of units in an affordable housing project, to promote sustainable and integrated communities.
7. Transit Infrastructure that Supports Development Support and highly encourage state funding that links the development of housing with an improved public transit system, local infrastructure, and associated public services.
8. Inclusion and Input Seek a seat at the table with the state legislature and the federal government on housing issues that impact the City of Burbank and advocate for opportunities to provide input on new and reformative Housing Laws that pertain to the review and requirements of the Housing Element and housing production streamlining laws.
9. Affordable Homeownership Support state legislation that promotes affordable homeownership opportunities.
8.10. Special Needs Housing Support and/or advocate for state legislation and programs that provide rental assistance for special needs households with elderly, minors, low-income tenants, and persons with disability as well as support/advocate for state legislation that incentivizes modification of housing to accommodate the elderly and persons with disability
9.11. Housing Security Support state legislation that protects existing individual property ownership and prioritizes small property owners over institutional investors, as well as state and federal subsidies for rental assistance programs to ensure housing security for residential tenants.
10.12. Infrastructure Funding Support infrastructure capacity building at the community level to ensure that the production of residential housing is on pace and in line with local goals and state housing production mandates.
11.13. Affordable Insurance Support legislation and programs that address rising insurance costs in California as it relates to affordable housing and home ownership.
12.14. Loss of Local Control and Irresponsible Development Oppose state initiatives and legislation that would remove local control, allow for irresponsible or incompatible housing development in Burbank, and interfere with protection of established residential neighborhoods.
13.15. Unrealistic Timeframes Support new housing but oppose mandates for unrealistic or inconsistent processing timeframes for larger housing development projects.
LIBRARIES, PARKS & OPEN SPACE
1. Park and Library Bond Measures Support and/or advocate for legislation and bond measures that provide per capita grants to local governments, funding parks, library improvements, community facilities, and programs that enhance the quality of life for Burbank residents.
2. Park and Library Infrastructure Support and/or advocate for legislation that provides funding for rehabilitation, development, and capital improvements of local parks, libraries, and community facilities, enhancing both active and passive recreational spaces.
3. Equestrian Neighborhoods Support and/or advocate for state funding and guidelines for protection of equestrian neighborhoods, facilities, and infrastructure.
4. Animal Shelters Support and/or advocate for animal welfare legislation that protects against animal abuse, neglect, harm, abandonment, and unnecessary cosmetic surgery. 370
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21 5. Animal Safety Support pro-animal legislation with clear objective guidelines that safeguards animal shelter operations, ensures the wellbeing of shelter animals, and promotes public safety
6. Imposition of regulatory or statutory requirements Oppose legislation that has a negative impact on the administration of park and recreation services and resource management including the sale of park lands and open space, relaxations of park dedication fee requirements that provide no added protections or benefit to California's recreational consumer.
7. Access to Diverse Library Materials Support and/or advocate for legislation that prevents bans on reading, listening, and viewing material for youth in public libraries and protects library employees from liability related to providing access to diverse perspectives.
8. Library Funding, Programs, and Digital Access Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding opportunities that restore and increase library funding, strengthen state and federal support for libraries, and enhance robust library services and access.
6.9. Arts, Culture and Humanities Support and/or advocate for state legislation and funding opportunities that increase resources for local arts, culture, and humanities programs, including but not limited to performing and visual arts and humanities programs, the preservation of cultural heritage, and capital improvements of art venues.
MANDATES
1. Timely Reimbursements Support initiatives to ensure timely reimbursements from the county, state, and federal government.
2. Community Care Facilities Support and/or advocate for legislation amending state community care facility mandates to be mindful of the secondary impacts to neighborhoods where these facilities are located and consider a public safety perspective. Seek state licensing of sober living facilities, provide standards of operation for all group homes, allow reasonable distance provisions to avoid overconcentration in single-family neighborhoods, and provide a clear direction between protected group homes and boarding houses. Advocate for the State Department of Housing and Community Development to suspend enforcement of its mandated language relating to transitional housing and unlicensed care facilities until such issues are better defined.
3. Stormwater Funding Seek additional county, and state funding to help meet mandated stormwater requirements.
4. Exemption of Stormwater Capture Facilities Support and/or advocate for legislation that exempts stormwater capture facilities from California Department of Fish and Wildlife review and permitting process, including requirements to permit debris basin clean out, which significantly delays the process and endangers residents in the event of storms.
5. Imposition of Unfunded Mandates Oppose mandates that do not include realistic timeframes, funding for corollary costs of compliance (e.g. infrastructure costs for housing construction mandates), associated personnel costs and technical support for jurisdictions to ensure compliance with mandates.
6. Public Records Act Support and/or advocate for legislation that balances transparency and public access with practicality related to the Public Records Act and ensures that cities can comply with public records requests without excessive administrative burdens or financial strain.
PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
1. Competitive and Valuable Employment Advocate for legislation that supports the City’s ability to provide competitive and valuable employment opportunities.
2. Sustainable Pensions Continue to influence, where necessary and applicable, any future efforts that may impact local government’s ability to achieve and/or maintain sustainable pensions. 371
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22 PUBLIC SAFETY
1. Public Safety Realignment Program Proactively monitor and influence the implementation process of the state mandated “Public Safety Realignment Program” including reimbursement for monitoring compliance and enforcement, to ensure public safety and successful re-entry into the community.
2. Funding for AB 109, Prop 47, Prop 36, and Prop 57 Seek continued financial assistance to deal with the impacts of the Public Safety Realignment Act, Proposition 47 (Reduced Penalties for Some Crimes Initiative), Proposition 36 (Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act) and Proposition 57 (Public Safety and Rehabilitation), related to thresholds and penalties for theft-related crime. Support legislation that addresses wrap-around services such as substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and employment, medical, and housing assistance.
3. Mental Health Programs Support and/or advocate for programs that help ensure public safety through the assistance and rehabilitation of individuals with severe mental and/or substance abuse illnesses and increase awareness and training opportunities.
4. Speed Limits Support and/or advocate for legislation that provides local jurisdictions greater flexibility to set enforceable speed limits, such as Assembly Bill 43 which was signed by Governor Newsom on October 8, 2021.
5. Local Control of Marijuana Operations Maintain local control over the ability to regulate the sales location of retail and medical marijuana operations.
6. Funding to Regulate Recreational Marijuana Seek state financial assistance for enforcement and regulation due to the passage of Proposition 64 and legalization of recreational marijuana.
7. Non-Traditional Crime Prevention Activities Encourage funding for non-traditional crime prevention activities, homeless assistance, front-end diversion, and mental health initiatives at the county, state, and federal level.
8. Equestrian Safety Support and/or advocate for legislation, regulations, and/or funding centered on equestrian safety, including the well-being of riders, horses, and the greater community.
9. Regulation of Tobacco Products (Including E-Cigarettes) Support legislative authority to add tools for local law enforcement of tobacco product possession, including e-cigarettes, by minors, such as confiscation and mandated educational programs for youth.
10. Home Emergency Preparedness Support and/or advocate for legislation or funding that promotes proactive measurers to strengthen homes via home hardening and retrofit projects and provides financial incentives, such as tax credits or grants, to offset the cost of these projects.
11. Fire Vegetation Management Support and/or advocate for well-balanced regulations and funding opportunities that promote compliance with defensible space requirements in an effort to reduce fire risk in the community.
12. E-Bike Regulation and Enforcement Support and/or advocate for legislation that strengthens the regulation and enforcement of electric mobility devices (e-bike) usage to enhance public safety on roadways, sidewalks, and recreational paths.
10.13. Peer Support Services for Public Safety Personnel Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding that promote and expand peer support programs for public safety personnel to enhance mental health, resilience, and overall well-being. Encourage confidentiality protections and access to licensed mental health professionals to support public safety personnel dealing with job-related stress, trauma, or critical incidents.
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23 SOCIAL JUSTICE & EQUITY
1. Equitable Access Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding opportunities that assists the City of Burbank in providing and expanding provide residents with equitable access to City parks and facilities, programs, and services, trails, open space, and natural areas.
2. Eliminating Barriers Support legislation and funding that allows the City and its community partners to provide disadvantaged residents with the tools necessary to grow and thrive.
3. Community Engagement Support legislation and funding for the City and its community partners to proactively engage with residents on issues of prejudice, discrimination, and social justice to promote education, understanding, expanded opportunity, and acceptance between diverse groups in the community, making all feel welcome and safe in Burbank.
STATE FUNDING
1. Burbank at a Competitive Advantage Proactively seek continued and alternative funding sources (i.e. grants) that will benefit the City’s ability to provide valuable community services. Advocate for funding criteria that puts Burbank at a competitive advantage.
2. Legislation to Increase Funding for Burbank Support and/or advocate for legislation and federal funding opportunities that would increase funding for Burbank’s community services including funding for local law enforcement Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), Urban Area Security Initiatives (UASI), forensic science, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), public libraries, affordable housing, employment services, senior citizen and youth programs, recreation facilities, cultural arts facilities, maintenance and infrastructure improvements, public schools, park and open space development, and sustainable energy and water among others.
3. Tri-City Efforts Leverage current Tri-City efforts to obtain state funding for mutually beneficial projects, facilities, and shared resources.
4. Redistricting Maintain the classification of the tri-city area of Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena
5. Relocate US National Guard Collaborate with the US National Guard to relocate, close, or consolidate the Burbank Armory with the Glendale Armory, allowing the City to expand Larry L.
Maxam Memorial Park and utilize the land and facility for programming and open space needs.
6. HOME Program Programmatic Changes Support programmatic changes to the HOME Investment Partnership Program by removing the two-year commitment deadline for the creation of affordable housing by community housing development organizations.
7. Decrease in State Administrative Fee Withholding Advocate for a decrease in the State Administrative Fee withholding on federal grants. Less fee withholdings from federal grants, such as Los Angeles/Long Beach Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grants, would allow more funds to be allocated to the region.
8. Funding for Recycling Programs Support legislation that would increase funding for state mandated Solid Waste, Recycling and Organics programs.
SUSTAINABILITY
1. Local Sustainability Policies Influence state legislation and regulatory initiatives that would impact local government’s ability to set local policies relating to environmental “sustainability,” including, but not limited to building standards and land use planning.
2. Streamline California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Provisions Support efforts to streamline CEQA provisions that would result in meaningful reform to reduce out-of-date noticing provisions, allow CEQA documentation to be filed electronically with the Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and with the County, and permit the online payment of fees.
3. Community Values Balances with Environmental Needs Pursue state legislation that prioritizes the environment and balances the needs of the community. 373
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24 4. Zero Emission Vehicles Support the state’s goals for increased use of all types of zero emission vehicles and support funding that goes towards the refueling infrastructure necessary for alternative fueled vehicles, with emphasis on Plug-in Electric Vehicles. Allow flexible standards and for fuel diversity certain emergency and fleet vehicles and equipment that require traditional fuel due to technology, range, power outage, and terrain issues.
5. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Initiatives Support EPR initiatives to place a shared responsibility for end-of-life product management on the producers and all entities involved in the product chain, instead of the general public, while encouraging product design changes that minimize a negative impact on human health and the environment at every stage of the product's lifecycle.
6. Recyclable Pre-Processed Material Incentives At the state level, incentivize manufacturers to bring in facilities to recycle pre-processed materials, particularly for plastics from recycling processors (e.g. Burbank Recycle Center). Promote the development of new markets for bulk recyclable materials to ensure long term stability of the industry and viability of municipal curbside recycling.
7. Reduction of Disposable Products Support plans and programs to reduce disposable products and packaging and promote reuse.
8. Community Values Balances with Environmental Needs Pursue state legislation that prioritizes the environment and balances the needs of the community.
9. Recycling and Organics Recovery Seek county, state funding and permitting support to help comply with Solid Waste mandates for recycling and organics recovery/processing.
10. Consideration of Local Land Use for Renewable Energy Support Local land use for utility size renewables like solar and wind that enables Burbank to meet S.B.100 mandates.
11. Support Reduce and Reuse Support state laws that emphasize reduction and reuse as the most effective ways to save natural resources and protect the environment.
12. Building Decarbonization Support electrification policies and programs for the built environment to reduce emission, improve air quality, and promote safety.
TECHNOLOGY
1. Data and Technology Initiatives Support legislative initiatives and pursue funding to promote the use of data and technology to create efficiencies, promote economic development, enhance public safety, improve transportation and mobility, improve sustainability, enhance municipal quality of life factors, and help solve other civic challenges.
2. Initiatives to Prevent Negative Impacts of Way-Finding Apps Support legislative initiatives that grant local governments the ability or tools to prevent way-finding apps from negatively impacting local neighborhood streets (congestion, wear and tear, and traffic safety).
3. Records Digitization Support and advocate for funding for technological advances for the proper digitization and archival of vital City records to ensure transparency, accessibility, and posterity of records.
4. Digital Literacy and Technology Access Support legislative initiatives and funding to increase access to computers, high-speed internet, and similar technology; and to provide training in computer and technology skills.
5. Cyber Security Initiatives Support legislative initiatives and funding that promotes the use of technology solutions and other resources to protect local government networks, technology systems, critical infrastructure, and data.
6. Regulation of Wireless Facilities Oppose any federal or state legislation or regulatory policy that would further erode the ability of local governments to regulate wireless facilities. 374
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25 7. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Support and/or advocate for regulations, legislation, and/or funding for the development of clear guidelines and restrictions regarding AI that promotes its ethical, fair, and responsible use, and ensures transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI systems while safeguarding individual rights, economic stability, and security.
7.8. Public Safety Technology Support legislation and funding that enables local governments to deploy advanced, responsible crime-fighting technologies—such as real-time crime centers and investigative analytics—while preserving local control, privacy protections, and public accountability.
TRANSPORTATION/INFRASTRUCTURE
1. Burbank Infrastructure Funding Opportunities Support legislation that allocates additional state funding for the upgrade, replacement, and construction of needed infrastructure at the state and local level. Pursue and preserve regional, state, and federal funding opportunities, including but not limited to Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program and Congestion Management Air Quality Funds; State Cap and Trade, High Speed Rail, Gas Tax, and Active Transportation funds; and Regional Measure M, Measure R, Proposition A, and Proposition C (Transportation Sales Tax) funds, to mitigate traffic congestion and maintain/improve Burbank’s infrastructure.
2. Interstate 5 North HOV / Empire Interchange Unmet Needs Support state and regional funding for unmet project needs related to the Metro/Metrolink railroad corridor that was negatively impacted by the I-5 North HOV/Empire Interchange project.
3. Electrification Support initiatives incentivizing electrification of infrastructure for public transit projects when feasible.
4. New Transit Projects Engage with Metro, Metrolink, LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency, and others to secure capital funding for the Antelope Valley Line for double-track improvements, and operations funding needed for 15-minute, all day, bi-directional Metrolink service. Support the Metro NoHo-to-Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project as outlined in Council’s communication to Metro1. Advocate for a direct light rail or subway connection to the Hollywood Burbank Airport.
5. Innovative Financing Programs Advocate for transportation policies that seek to regenerate funds that support maintenance and development of Burbank’s infrastructure projects, including infrastructure finance districts and other innovative financing programs to support construction as well as maintenance long term (i.e. – Public Private Partnerships).
6. Citywide Quiet Zone Support legislation that provides additional funding to install safety improvements at the City’s remaining at-grade crossings (Vanowen/Clybourn, Burbank Airport South Metrolink Station, and Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station).
7. Freeway Cap Transit Center in Burbank Media District and Metrolink Station Seek funding for the creation of a new transit center in the Burbank Media District and Metrolink Station to anchor the major bus transit lines that provide transit service to this employment center and to support the future NoHo-to-Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit Project.
8. Olive Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation Project Seek funding to rehabilitate and improve Olive bridge to improve bicycle, pedestrian, and transit access over I-5 in concert with the Metro NoHo to Pasadena BRT project including adding an aerial BRT station above the Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station.
1 Reference April 20, 2022 Council Letter to Metropolitan Transportation Authority:
https://www.burbankca.gov/documents/d/community-development/20240327-metrobrtfeircommentletter4-20-2022- 001-pdf?download=true
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26 9. Magnolia Boulevard Bridge Rehabilitation Project Seek funding opportunities to rehabilitate and improve Magnolia bridge over
I-5 and improve bicycle and pedestrian access in conformance with the Complete Street Plan.
10. BurbankBus Transit Capital Advocate for state, and regional transit capital funding for the BurbankBus to replace aging vehicles in its fleet, including necessary electrification infrastructure to meet CARB zero-emission transit vehicle replacement mandates beginning in 2026
11. Amtrak Surfliner Advocate for all Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains to stop at the Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station.
12. Expanded Metrolink Service Support and/or advocate for funding for capital projects and operational funding to achieve two way (bi-directional) all-day service to Burbank’s Metrolink stations. Burbank will partner with regional transportation agencies and other stakeholders to achieve necessary Metrolink improvements.
13. Prioritize Safety and Speed Reduction Support Universal Design, Vision Zero, and all modes of travel for individuals with travel-limiting disabilities. Advocate for funding to implement essential traffic safety measures and provide more education related to safe driving around pedestrians, bicyclists, and near schools in concert with the City’s proposed Vision Zero Plan.
14. Secure I-5 Adjacent Caltrans Property for Community Infrastructure Support local efforts to secure and maintain Caltrans ROW to create needed utility infrastructure and other amenities that facilitate redevelopment adjacent to the I-5 and 134 freeways. Advocate for the expansion of city infrastructure to support the production of new commercial and residential land uses that are in alignment with local and state goal.
15. Burbank’s Interest to Influence California High Speed Rail Project Influence and monitor legislation regarding the California High Speed Rail (HSR) project that ensures minimal impacts to homes and businesses and maximizes opportunities to improve existing rail crossing safety.
Advocate for HSR funding to be directed towards the Antelope Valley Line study improvements that will increase the frequency of today’s Antelope Valley Line service. Maximize opportunities for development focused on employment and housing within a short distance of any proposed station.
16. Automated Vehicles and Emerging Vehicle Technologies Support and/or advocate for regulations, legislation, and/or funding related to the use of automative vehicles and other emerging vehicle technologies and services to ensure the highest standards of their safety, privacy, and accountability, as well as development of smart infrastructure to support their safe, efficient, and sustainable integration.
UTILITIES - ENERGY
1. Flexible Energy Resources Advocate for legislation that allows flexibility to choose which resources reliably and best fit the City’s needs, with an emphasis and prioritization of the use of renewable resources to meet energy goals in a cost-effective manner.
2. Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets Support the framework established by SB 100 (De Leon, Statutes 2018) and SB 1020 (Laird, 2022) that requires renewable and zero carbon resources to supply 90% of all retail electricity sales by 2035, 95% of all retail electricity sales by 2040, and 100% of retail electricity sales by 2045 (or sooner), while continuing to provide reliable power, maintaining affordable electric rates, and preventing disproportionate rate impacts to our most vulnerable communities. This goal will be reassessed in BWP’s Integrated Resources Plan which will have robust stakeholder process.
3. Support Hydropower and Small Modular Reactors Support the inclusion of hydropower and small modular reactors as zero-carbon energy sources, consistent with efforts on the development of federal standards to safely dispose of and handle related waste. 376
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27 4. Support the Development and Deployment of Green Hydrogen Support and/or advocate for the development and deployment of green hydrogen to ensure electrical grid reliability. Green hydrogen is defined as producing hydrogen through the electrolysis using a zero-carbon energy resource.
5. Financial Incentives for Clean Energy and Energy Storage Support legislation to provide financial incentives such as advance refunding bonds, tax incentives and other financial opportunities to reduce the cost of new and existing grid side clean energy and energy storage projects.
6. Public Benefit Programs Advocate and support legislation that protects and increases funding for community owned utilities’ public benefits programs to support disadvantaged communities.
7. Net Energy Metering Programs Support City Council authority over local net energy metering programs and policies that encourage clean sources of energy while equitably allocating costs.
8. Regionalization of Electrical Markets Support legislation and regulation that would allow for the cost-effective and environmentally effective regionalization of electrical markets in the United States.
9. Transmission Support legislation that provides financial assistance and allows for opportunity to build and/or own transmission in the LA Basin and throughout the U.S. to ensure grid reliability.
10. Cyber and Physical Security Support legislation, regulation, and compliance regarding cyber and physical security to protect utility assets and operations.
11. Electric Vehicles Support legislation and funding for the procurement of mandated electric fleet vehicles within reasonable timelines and, more importantly, the necessary supporting infrastructure. Advocate for fuel diversity of medium and heavy-duty fleet vehicles to provide reliable power when vehicle charging is unavailable due to power outages.
12. Wildfire Mitigation Support legislation that promotes prevention and reduction of wildfire risk through responsible power management. Advocate for funding to mitigate wildfire risks.
13. Technology Initiatives Support legislative initiatives and pursue funding to promote the use of data and advanced technologies to create efficiencies, promote economic development, enhance utility operations, and help solve other sustainability challenges.
14. Electric Reliability Advocate for policies that strengthen grid reliability by expanding the availability of critical equipment, such as transformers, and addressing broader supply chain challenges that threaten timely infrastructure repairs and deployment.
13.15. Pole Attachments Oppose policies that restrict local authority over utility pole and streetlight attachments.
UTILITIES - WATER
1. Delta Conveyance Project Support administrative and legislative plans that foster the Delta Conveyance Project, a comprehensive ecosystem restoration and protection plan for the Delta, as the best alternative to meet California’s co-equal goals of water supply reliability and Delta ecosystem restoration.
2. Cost-Effective Water Ecosystem Projects Support state and federal funding for water ecosystem projects that enhance water quality and are cost-effective. Advocate for direct beneficiaries and cost causers to fund their fair share of infrastructure project costs that provide long-term benefits to the state and its inhabitants.
3. Water Supply Projects Advocate for state funding for the construction of new water storage projects, both state-wide and locally, to increase water supply. Advocate for state funding for the construction of new water supply projects including desalination and importing water from water rich regions of the United States.
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28 4. Local Water Use Control Support efforts to maintain and strengthen local control of water use and encourage water recycling and the many benefits of sustainability to Burbank’s water supply, conserving the vital resource of potable water, and reducing our dependence on imported water.
5. Water Conservation Actively pursue legislation and funding that support water conservation measures including awareness, residential and commercial customer assistance, water storage, and efforts to mitigate and plan for droughts, such as drought-resistant landscaping and permeable surfaces.
6. Direct Potable Reuse Support continued work on developing regulations and funding for the implementation of Direct Potable Reuse.
7. Public Benefit Programs Advocate and support legislation that protects and increases funding for community owned utilities’ public benefits programs to support disadvantaged communities.
8. Redistribution of Public Benefits Oppose efforts by the state that would impose Public Benefit requirements on water utilities that transfer funding to the state for redistribution. Retain funding for Local Benefits efforts for exclusive local use.
VETERANS
1. Veteran Funding and Initiatives Support and/or advocate for initiatives, partnerships, funding opportunities, and programs to ensure veterans and their families have access to holistic services and resources including, but not limited to, physical and mental health, affordable housing, employment, and education.
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LEGISLATIVE
2026
PLATFORM
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Magnolia Blvd.
Downtown
Burbank
De Bell Golf Course
LOS ANGELES
GLENDALE
LOS ANGELES
Victory Blvd.
Forest Lawn
Mortuary
Burbank Blvd.
Chandler Blvd.
Verd
ugo Blvd.
Alameda Blvd.Oli
ve Ave.
Hollywood Way
Buena Vista St.
Sco
tt
Rd
.
Glenoaks Blvd.
GoldenState
Freew
ay
Sunset Canyon Dr.
Metrolink Station
Freeway
Map displays the Top 10 Burbank Employers as reported in the Burbank Business & Economic Development Annual Report 2023-2024 ATTACHMENT 2
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2026 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
Burbank is a vibrant and bustling Southern California community located in the eastern part of the San Fernando Valley, 12 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. Due to the City’s central location in the region, its convenient accessibility, and continued economic vitality, it has grown from a rural town at its incorporation in 1911, into a thriving urban city of more than 105,000 residents today, with a daily workforce population of more than 165,000.
To be responsive to the needs and demands of our citizens, visitors, and businesses alike, we seek to meet those needs while adhering to the fundamental principles of people, pride, and progress.
Over the years, these guiding principles have, and continue to, cultivate and nurture a safe, beautiful, and thriving community. As the “Media Capital of the World,” Burbank is home to a diverse creative economy, ranging from major film and television studios, as well as animation, video game development, digital media, and an emerging network of innovative independent production companies.
In providing services to our community, the City takes pride in having reliable, sustainable, and affordable municipal electric and water utilities, police and fire services, recreational facilities and other high quality municipal programs and services. Burbank is also known for its exceptional schools, tree-lined neighborhoods, and diverse business community.
As a full-service city, Burbank recognizes the need for active legislative engagement with federal and state government officials to protect and enhance the interests of its residents and businesses. Accordingly, City officials maintain close relationships with Burbank’s federal and state representatives and agency officials to advocate, influence, and monitor pertinent legislation.
In addition, the City of Burbank is committed to preserving local control and decision-making authority and therefore opposes unfunded or inadequately funded mandates, especially those that may be injurious to the character of its neighborhoods, the provision of community services, or the success of its business community.
The 2026 Legislative Platform outlines the position of the City of Burbank on priority issues, from responsible development to sustainability measures, as well as resources for innovative transit and clean energy projects.
Drafted in consultation with the City’s federal and state advocacy firms, the Platform is intended to assist the Mayor, Vice Mayor, Council Members, and staff to proactively and appropriately address legislation, regulations, and or policies, which may impact the City’s ability to operate effectively, while allowing the consideration of additional legislative, regulatory, and budgetary issues that arise during the legislative session. With the Platform as a guiding document, the City will continue to work with its constituents, elected officials and other interested parties, to promote and preserve the City’s interests at the federal and state level.
KONSTANTINE ANTHONY
Council Member
NIKKI PEREZ
Council Member
ZIZETTE MULLINS
Vice Mayor
CHRISTOPHER JOHN RIZZOTTI
Council Member
TAMALA TAKAHASHI
Mayor
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TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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Key Highlights of the 2026 F ederal Platform ......................1 Airport .................................................................................................................. 5 Budget & Municipal Finance ........................................................................ 5 Economic Development ................................................................................ 5 Federal Funding ................................................................................................ 6 Healthy Communities ..................................................................................... 7 Homelessness .................................................................................................... 7 Housing ................................................................................................................ 8 Libraries, Parks, & Open Space ................................................................... 9 Mandates ........................................................................................................... 10 Public Employment ....................................................................................... 10 Public Safety .................................................................................................... 10 Social Justice & Equity ..................................................................................12 Sustainability .....................................................................................................12 Technology ........................................................................................................12 Transportation/Infrastructure ....................................................................13 Utilities .................................................................................................................14 Veterans ..............................................................................................................15 Key Highlights of the 2026 S tate Platform .........................17 Airport .................................................................................................................21 Budget & Municipal Finance .......................................................................21 Economic Development ...............................................................................21 Healthy Communities ...................................................................................22 Homelessness ..................................................................................................22 Housing ..............................................................................................................23 Libraries, Parks, & Open Space .................................................................24 Mandates ...........................................................................................................25 Public Employment .......................................................................................26 Public Safety ....................................................................................................26 Social Justice & Equity .................................................................................27 State Funding ..................................................................................................27 Sustainability ....................................................................................................28 Technology .......................................................................................................29 Transportation/Infrastructure .................................................................. 30 Utilities ................................................................................................................32 Veterans .............................................................................................................34 Federal Legisla tive Representatives ...................................35 State R
epresentatives .............................................................36 ATTACHMENT 2
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KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE
2026 FEDERAL PLATFORM
The platform is comprehensive in its scope and breadth, covering seventeen priority topic areas – reflecting the City’s deep commitment to its community in general and its citizens in particular – including, but not limited to: ongoing transportation and infrastructure (physical as well as cyber) challenges; ever expanding public health and safety needs; continuous efforts to meet the housing demands of both our housed and unhoused citizens; and efforts to support our recreational, conservation, natural resources, and water priorities.
Among the seventeen federal priorities, all discussed fully in the attached, there are several areas of particular relevance for federal policy makers in congress and the executive branch:
Municipal Bond Tax – The City opposes any effort to eliminate, or cap, the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds, which is among the few federal tools remaining for local governments to finance large capital projects.
Workforce Training and Development – The City supports training and development initiatives, through legislation, regulation or funding opportunities, that advance collaboration among community partners including, but not limited to, non-profits, the Burbank Unified School District Board of Education, and the Workforce Development Board. In addition, the City will seek additional f
unding for training
and apprenticeship programs to develop youth, veterans, and underemployed individuals for jobs relevant to the City’s workforce.
Promote Successful Local Businesses – The City seeks measures that support the City’s continued efforts to retain and promote local (particularly small) businesses, including funding opportunities (i.e. loans and tax credits for business improvements) and for removal of regulations that impose excessive requirements or restrictions that hinder the success of these enterprises.
Increase Nutrition For Citizens – The City supports legislation, regulations and funding opportunities to increase access to affordable meal programs for older adults, youth, and the disabled.
Funding and Collaboration to Remove and Clean Homeless
Encampments – The City seeks new funding opportunities and supports legislation designed to promote collaboration among city, county, state, and federal agencies for the legal and humane removal and storage of homeless belongings and clearing of areas that are highly vulnerable to fires and have developed to unsafe conditions, such as along federal railroads, underpasses, freeway embankments, flood control channels, and critical infrastructure buildings/ equipment.
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City of Burbank Legislative Platform 2026
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program – The City supports legislation that would amend both federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Programs to support and deem competitive a mix of units in an affordable housing project, to promote sustainable and integrated communities.
Enhance Home Ownership – The City supports growth in individual home ownership through reasonable measures to reduce obstacles and costs to construction of new home ownership opportunities, including rent to own programs and condominium liability reform.
NEPA Reform – The City supports sensible National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reform that will enable new housing production.
Housing Security - The City supports legislation that protects property ownership and prioritizes small property owners over institutional investors, as well as federal funding opportunities for rental assistance programs to ensure housing security for residential tenants.
Imposition of Unfunded Federal Mandates – The City opposes federal mandates that do not include realistic timeframes, funding for corollary costs of compliance (e.g. infrastructure costs for housing construction mandates), associated personnel costs, and technical support for jurisdictions to ensure compliance with mandates.
Public Safety Training Programs – The City supports policies, legislation, and funding opportunities, which prioritize public safety and ensure public safety personnel receive adequate training, education, and equipment to successfully protect the community.
Support Crime Reduction Solutions – The City will advocate for legislation and funding opportunities that prioritize preventing and reducing crime and promoting rehabilitation. The City will also advocate for legislation that prioritizes drug prevention programs, mental health initiatives, enhanced protective equipment, and solutions for homelessness.
Emergency Preparedness – The City will advocate for funding opportunities and legislation that encourage disaster preparedness and emergency planning. Seek direct and flexible funding opportunities for localities to sustain core services and provide community recovery programs while responding to public health emergencies and natural disasters.
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KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE
2026 FEDERAL PLATFORM (cont’d)
Fire Vegetation Management – The City will advocate for and support well-balanced legislation as well as funding opportunities that promote compliance with defensible space requirements in an effort to reduce fire risk in the community.
Cybersecurity Protection – The City will advocate for legislation and funding that would prevent and reduce cybercrime that would impact municipal services. Advocate for legislation and funding opportunities to protect against cyber security attacks and prevent and resolve breaches (e.g. the ability to use cyber-attack and intrusion detection, automated Artificial Intelligence attack response solutions, and recovery programs).
Pursue Infrastructure Funding Opportunities – The City will advocate for and support federal funding opportunities that are designed to mitigate traffic congestion and maintain/improve Burbank’s infrastructure. These include, but are not limited to, the Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program as well as Congestion Management Air Quality Funds, the federal gas tax, and Active Transportation funds.
Innovative Infrastructure Financing Programs – The City will advocate for transportation policies that seek to regenerate funds that support maintenance and development of Burbank’s infrastructure projects, including infrastructure finance districts and other innovative financing programs to support construction as well as maintenance long term (i.e. – Public Private Partnerships).
Support Hydropower and Small Modular Reactors – The City will support the inclusion of hydropower and small modular reactors as zero-carbon energy sources, consistent with efforts to develop federal standards to safely dispose of and handle related waste.
Enhanced Cyber and Physical Security – The City will support legislation and or regulations regarding cyber and physical security to protect utility assets and operations.
Wildfire
Mitigation – The City will advocate for, and support,
legislation that promotes prevention and reduction of wildfire risk through responsible power management. The City will also advocate for funding opportunities to mitigate wildfire risks.
Technology Initiatives – The City will advocate for, and pursue, funding opportunities to promote the use of data and advanced technologies to create efficiencies, promote economic development, enhance utility operations, and help solve other sustainability challenges.
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Cost-Effective Water Ecosystem Projects – The City will advocate for and support federal funding opportunities for water ecosystem projects that enhance water quality and are cost-effective. Advocate for direct beneficiaries and cost causers to fund their fair share of infrastructure project costs that provide long-term benefits to the state and its inhabitants.
Water Supply Projects – The City will advocate for federal funding for the expansion of current, and the construction of new, water supply projects including desalination and importing water from water rich regions of the United States.
Water Conservation – The City will advocate for legislation and funding opportunities that support water conservation measures, including residential and commercial customer assistance, water storage, and efforts to mitigate and plan for droughts, such as drought-resistant landscaping and permeable surfaces.
Direct Potable Reuse – The City will advocate for, and support, continued work on developing regulations and funding for the implementation of Direct Potable Reuse.
Veteran Funding and Initiatives – The City will advocate for, and support, initiatives, partnerships, funding opportunities, and programs to ensure veterans and their families have access to holistic services and resources including, but not limited to, physical and mental health, affordable housing, employment, and education.
The City looks forward to partnering with federal policymakers in the weeks and months ahead to advance the priorities contained in our platform toward the betterment of our community and citizens.
City of Burbank Legislative Platform 2026
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AIRPORT
1. Public Safety Support and/or advocate for legislation or regulations that promote and improve public safety and counter-criminal measures at and around the airport grounds.
2. Increased Accessibility Support and/or advocate for legislation and polices that increases accessibility for airline passengers both on the ground and in the air.
3. Unmanned Aircraft Systems Request that the Federal Aviation Administration develop clear rules and regulations for governing the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), while preserving local control to regulate the use and application of UAS for industry and City services.
BUDGET & MUNICIPAL FINANCE
1. Limitations on Municipal Liability Support and/or advocate for legislative and or regulatory changes to personal injury tort law such as caps on damages and contingency fees and limitations on joint and several liability. Support legislation and or regulation that expands governmental immunity related to public improvements such as unforeseen tree failures and trivial defects.
2. Municipal Bond Tax Oppose any effort to eliminate, or cap, the tax- exempt status of municipal bonds, which is among the few tools remaining for local governments to finance large capital projects.
3. Sequestration Support legislation to end the threat of sequestration of federal payments related to Build America Bonds (BABs) and refundable elective payment energy tax credits.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
1. Workforce Training and Development Support and/or advocate for workforce training initiatives that strengthen collaboration among community partners. Pursue funding for training and apprenticeship
programs that prepare youth, veterans, and underemployed individuals for jobs aligned with the City’s workforce needs and enhance career services to support employers and job seekers, particularly in Burbank’s key industries.
2. Entrepreneurship Support and/or advocate for legislation, regulations, or funding opportunities that provides a funding
mechanism to accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship in the region, including the addition of a physical space for an incubator or accelerator.
3. Tourism Funding Support and/or advocate for legislation and/or regulations that protects and enhances funding for tourism marketing and infrastructure to support the strong, growing tourism industry in California.
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4. Successful Local Businesses Support and/or advocate for measures that support the City’s continued efforts to retain and promote local businesses and for removal of regulations that impose excessive
requirements or restrictions that hinder the success of these enterprises.
5. New Redevelopment Funding Seek, promote, and implement new or alternative approaches that may replace redevelopment funding mechanisms that deliver positive benefits to Burbank.
6. Business Attraction Support and/or advocate for measures that seek to preserve and maintain the entertainment, technology, medical, and other growing industries within the City and state, while continuing efforts to diversify the local economic base. Advocate for incentives to retain entertainment and animation industry jobs and businesses in California.
7. Economic Development Continue efforts to secure legislation and/ or regulations that will provide funding mechanisms to promote continued economic development, including initiatives to provide financing for business assistance loans, no interest loans, façade improvements, and infrastructure improvements, including exterior improvements such as public art installations, roadway/sidewalk improvements, landscaping, and more.
8. Telecommunication and Broadband Support and/or advocate for federal legislation and/or regulations preserving the City’s interest in telecommunication, broadband, and infrastructure operations. Seek funding opportunities for expanding local broadband options.
9. Business Funding Opportunities Advocate for funding opportunities for small business assistance, loan programs for business improvements, and tax credits for businesses.
10. Tax Credits and Incentives for Creative/Entertainment Industry Advocate for tax credits and incentives to attract and retain entertainment industry jobs.
FEDERAL FUNDING
1. Burbank at a Competitive Advantage Proactively seek continued and alternative funding sources (i.e. grants) that will benefit the City’s ability to provide valuable community services. Advocate for funding criteria that puts Burbank at a competitive advantage.
2. Legislation to Increase Funding for Burbank Advocate for and support legislation and federal funding opportunities that would increase funding for Burbank’s community services including funding for local law enforcement Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), Urban Area Security Initiatives (UASI), forensic science, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), public libraries, affordable housing, employment services, senior citizen and youth programs, recreation facilities, cultural arts facilities, maintenance and infrastructure improvements, public schools, park and open space development, and sustainable energy and water among others.
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FEDERAL FUNDING (cont’d)
3. Tri-City Efforts Leverage current Tri-City efforts to obtain funding for mutually beneficial projects, facilities, and shared resources.
4. Redistricting Maintain the classification of the Tri-City area of Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena.
HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
1. Access to Healthy Eating Support and/or advocate for legislation, regulations, and funding opportunities to increase access to affordable meal programs for older adults youth and the disabled.
2. Aging in Place Support and/or advocate for legislation, regulations, and/or funding opportunities to foster independence, well-being, and access to resources for older adults.
3. Access to Childcare Support and/or advocate for funding opportunities to increase access to childcare for the community, with an emphasis on care and education for children ages 0-5.
4. Affordable Health Care Support and/or advocate for legislation, regulations, and/or funding opportunities that creates options and opportunities for access to affordable healthcare and support universal single payer health care for all of our citizens.
5. Access to Inclusive and Adaptive Recreation Support and/or advocate for funding opportunities and programs that expand inclusive sports, fitness, recreation, and outdoor activities for people of all abilities and ages, including individuals with disabilities, youth, seniors, veterans, and low-income residents.
6. Access to Mental Health Services Support and/or advocate for policies, legislation, and/or regulations that increase access to responsive and preventative mental health services for all our citizens and destigmatizes
receiving mental health care. Advocate for support of regional resources related to mental health care.
HOMELESSNESS
1. A Balanced Approach Support and/or advocate for a housing-first approach to address homelessness that considers expanded funding opportunities for project-based transitional and permanent affordable housing for homeless families and the creation of special needs housing for those suffering from mental illness, all of which include support services to ensure a continuum of care for this vulnerable segment of the population.
2. Street Outreach Teams Support and/or advocate for new funding opportunities for expanded Street Outreach Teams in collaboration with law enforcement, first responders, educators, and the County’s health and mental health departments for those affected by homelessness and mental health issues.
3. Funds for Burbank’s Homelessness Plan Support and/or advocate for federal funding opportunities regarding implementation of City or sub-region homelessness plans, including funding to support physical and mental health services, safe parking areas, and access to effective referral systems.
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4. Funding and Collaboration to Remove and Clean Homeless Encampments Support and/or advocate for legislation, regulations, and/or funding opportunities designed to promote collaboration among city, county, state, and federal agencies for the legal and humane removal and storage of homeless belongings and clearing of areas that are highly vulnerable to fires and have developed to unsafe conditions, such as along federal railroads, underpasses, freeway embankments, flood control channels, and critical infrastructure buildings/equipment.
HOUSING
1. Accessible Housing Affordable at All Income Levels Support and/or advocate for legislation and programs that assist in providing housing at all income levels, within mixed-income residential developments in the City, along with the supportive services necessary for residents to sustain their housing.
2. Workforce Housing Support and/or advocate for legislation and programs that assist the public and private sectors in funding and developing housing for all levels of affordability and household sizes, including affordable housing for the Burbank workforce, to meet the City Council’s goal of facilitating the building of 12,000 units by 2035.
3. Special Needs Housing Support and/or advocate for legislation and programs that provide rental assistance for special needs households with elderly, minors, low-income tenants, and persons with disability, as well as legislation that incentivizes modification of housing to accommodate the elderly and persons with disability.
4. Voucher Programs Support and/or advocate for increased funding of voucher programs, including the Section 8 Program, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH), Permanent Supportive Housing Vouchers (PSH), and Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) or any similar emergency housing programs, to allow for the increase of rental subsidies within urban areas with high rental cost. Also support and/or advocate for programmatic changes to focus programs on the elderly, disabled, and other special need and vulnerable households.
Advocate for and support Project Based Vouchers for housing developments that meet City Council goals.
5. Emergency, Interim, Transitional and Supportive Housing Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding for a variety of housing options including emergency, interim, and transitional housing units while new permanent supportive housing units are developed for people experiencing homelessness, along with support services needed to make these successful.
6. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program Support and/or advocate for legislation that would amend both federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Programs to support and deem a competitive mix of units in an affordable housing project, to promote sustainable and integrated communities.
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HOUSING (cont’d)
7. Owner Occupancy Support and/or advocate for affordable homeownership and growth in individual home ownership through reasonable measures to reduce obstacles and costs to construction of new home ownership opportunities, including rent to own programs and condominium liability reform.
8. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Reform Support and/ or advocate for sensible National Environmental Policy Act reform or exemptions for eligible housing development that will enable new housing production.
9. Housing Security Support and/or advocate for legislation that protects existing individual property ownership, prioritizing small property owners over institutional investors, as well as federal funding
opportunities for rental assistance programs to ensure housing security for residential tenants.
10. HOME Program Changes Support and/or advocate for programmatic changes to the HOME Investment Partnership Program by removing the expenditure deadline as the creation of affordable housing by community housing development organizations can take several years to complete.
LIBRARIES, PARKS, & OPEN SPACE
1. Connectivity Support and/or advocate for initiatives to develop connecting trail systems in the Verdugo mountainside and enhance safe and accessible trail networks, greenways, and nature-based connections that link trails, parks, and open spaces.
2. Open Space Protection Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding opportunities directly, or through federally funded state programs, which preserves and protects open space, green space, and natural habitats throughout the City of Burbank.
3. Library Funding, Programs, and Digital Access Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding opportunities that restore and increase library funding, strengthen state and federal support for libraries, and enhance robust library services and access.
4. Park and Library Infrastructure Support and/or advocate for legislation that provides funding for rehabilitation, development, and capital improvements of local parks, libraries, and community facilities, enhancing both active and passive recreational spaces.
5. Access to Diverse Library Materials Support and/or advocate for legislation that prevents bans on reading, listening, and viewing material for youth in public libraries and protects library employees from liability related to providing access to diverse
perspectives.
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MANDATES
1. Timely Reimbursements Support and/or advocate for initiatives to ensure timely reimbursements from the federal government.
2. Imposition of Unfunded Federal Mandates Oppose mandates that do not include realistic timeframes, funding for corollary costs of compliance (e.g. infrastructure costs for housing construction mandates), associated personnel costs and technical support for jurisdictions to ensure compliance with mandates.
PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
1. Disclosures and Accountability Support and/or advocate for legislation that enhances appropriate disclosure and provides accountability of public funds.
2. Good Faith Negotiations Promote legislation that strengthens good faith negotiations between employee organizations and local agencies.
3. Control Workers’ Compensation Support and/or advocate for legislation that would control medical and legal costs related to workers’ compensation.
4. Workers’ Compensation Reform Continue to support workers’ compensation reform that is inclusive of both safety and non-safety employees.
PUBLIC SAFETY
1. Public Safety Training Programs Support and/or advocate for policies, legislation, and funding opportunities, which prioritize public safety and ensure public safety personnel receive adequate training, education, and equipment to successfully protect the community.
2. Supportive Programs and Solutions Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding opportunities that prioritizes preventing and reducing crime and promoting rehabilitation. Also, support and/or advocate for legislation that prioritizes drug prevention programs, mental health initiatives, enhanced protective equipment, and solutions for homelessness.
3. Traffic
Safety Support and/or advocate for Office of Traffic Safety grant funding related to all aspects of traffic safety.
4. Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Support and/or advocate for legislation that prioritizes road safety, with a specific emphasis on protecting pedestrians and bicyclists – especially vulnerable users like children, the elderly, and the disabled.
5. Reimbursement for Presidential Visits Pursue law enforcement funding and/or reimbursement from federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security or Federal Emergency Management
Agency for Presidential and/or high-profile attendee visits.
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PUBLIC SAFETY (cont’d)
6. Criminal Justice Reform Support and/or advocate for evidence- based criminal justice reform measures that are inclusive of concerns from prosecutors, victims’ rights groups, and law enforcement agencies and do not hinder law enforcement’s ability to protect the community.
7. Latest Technology Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding opportunities that would take advantage of the latest technology to prevent and resolve crimes, such as the ability to use surveillance
cameras, automatic license plate recognition, and DNA testing.
8. Emergency Preparedness Support and/or advocate for funding opportunities and legislation that encourage disaster preparedness and emergency planning. Seek direct and flexible funding opportunities for localities to sustain core services and provide community recovery programs while responding to public health emergencies and natural disasters.
9. Fire Vegetation Management Support and/or advocate for well- balanced legislation and funding opportunities that promote compliance with defensible space requirements in an effort to reduce fire risk in the community.
10. Interagency Communications Interoperability (ICI) System Support and/or advocate for legislation for assistance to aid the ICI System, including federal funding opportunities for communities to use their public safety radio communication spectrum, which is currently utilized by first responders in Burbank and surrounding communities.
11. Non-Traditional Crime Prevention Activities Support and/ or advocate for funding opportunities for non-traditional crime prevention activities, homeless assistance, front-end diversion, and mental health initiatives.
12. Seismic Safety Support and/or advocate for legislation and regulation that increases the seismic safety of buildings including seismic retrofit, retrofit funding, or higher levels of structural resiliency of buildings.
13. Wildfire
Safety Support and/or advocate for legislation and
regulation that increases the safety of buildings during a wildfire including fire protection measures, retrofit funding, or higher levels of wildfire structural resiliency. Advocate for funding opportuniti es for
wildfire prevention and mitigation.
14. Reducing Gun Violence Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding opportunities that reduce gun violence.
15. Cybersecurity Protection Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding that would prevent and reduce cybercrime that would impact municipal services. Advocate for legislation and funding opportunities to protect against cyber security attacks and prevent and resolve breaches (e.g. the ability to use cyber-attack and intrusion detection, automated Artificial Intelligence attack response solutions, and recovery programs).
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16. Fentanyl Epidemic Support and/or advocate for funding opportunities, legislation/and or regulations and other initiatives aimed at addressing the fentanyl crisis by fortifying law enforcement efforts, intensifying prevention through public awareness campaigns and school programs, broadening access to treatment, supporting first responders, and actively involving communities.
SOCIAL JUSTICE & EQUITY
1. Equitable Access Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding opportunities that assist the City of Burbank in providing and expanding equitable access to City parks and facilities, programs, services, trails, open space, and natural areas.
2. Eliminating Barriers Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding that will allow the City and its community partners to provide disadvantaged residents with the tools necessary to grow and thrive.
3. Community Engagement Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding for the City and its community partners to proactively engage with residents on issues of prejudice, discrimination, and social justice to promote education, understanding, expanded opportunity, and acceptance between diverse groups in the community, making all feel welcome and safe in Burbank.
SUSTAINABILITY
1. Streamline National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Provisions Support and/or advocate for efforts to streamline NEPA provisions that would result in meaningful reform to reduce out-of-date noticing
provisions.
2. Recycling and Organics Recovery Seek federal funding opportunities, and permitting support, to assist in compliance with Solid Waste mandates for recycling and organics recovery/processing.
TECHNOLOGY
1. Data and Technology Initiatives Support and/or advocate for legislative initiatives and funding opportunities to promote the use of data and technology to create efficiencies, promote economic development, enhance public safety, improve transportation and mobility, improve sustainability, enhance municipal quality of life factors, and help solve other civic challenges.
2. Digital Literacy and Technology Access Support and/or advocate for legislative initiatives and funding opportunities to increase access to computers, high-speed internet, and similar technology; and to provide training in computer, digital literacy, and technology skills and oppose funding cuts to related federal grant programs.
3. Cyber Security Initiatives Support and/or advocate for legislative initiatives and funding opportunities that promotes the use of technology solutions and other resources to protect local government
networks, technology systems, critical infrastructure, and data.
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TECHNOLOGY (cont’d)
4. Regulation of Wireless Facilities Oppose legislation or regulatory policy that would further erode the ability of local governments to regulate wireless facilities.
5. Artificial
Intelligence (AI) Support and/or advocate for regulations, legislation, and/or funding for the development of clear guidelines and restrictions regarding AI that promotes its ethical, fair, and responsible use, and ensures transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI systems while safeguarding individual rights, economic stability, and security.
TRANSPORTATION/INFRASTRUCTURE
1. Burbank Infrastructure Funding Opportunities Support and/or advocate for federal funding opportunities, including but not limited to Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program and Congestion Management Air Quality Funds; State Cap and Trade, High Speed Rail, Gas Tax, and Active Transportation funds; and Regional Measure M, Measure R, Proposition A, and Proposition C (Transportation Sales Tax) funds, to mitigate traffic congestion and maintain/improve Burbank’s infrastructure.
2. New Transit Support and/or advocate for a direct light rail or subway connection to the Hollywood Burbank Airport.
3. Innovative Financing Programs Support and/or advocate for transportation policies that seek to regenerate funds that support maintenance and development of Burbank’s infrastructure projects, including infrastructure finance districts and other innovative financing programs to support construction as well as maintenance long term (i.e. – Public Private Partnerships).
4. Transit Center in Burbank Media District and Metrolink Station Seek funding for the creation of a new transit center in the Burbank Media District and Metrolink Station to anchor the major bus transit lines that provide transit service to this employment center and to support the future NoHo-to-Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project.
5. Olive Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation Project Seek funding to rehabilitate and improve Olive Avenue bridge to improve bicycle, pedestrian, and transit access over I-5 in concert with the Metro NoHo-to-Pasadena BRT project including adding an aerial BRT station above the Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station.
6. Magnolia Boulevard Bridge Rehabilitation Project Seek funding opportunities to rehabilitate and improve Magnolia bridge over I-5 and improve bicycle and pedestrian access in conformance with the Complete Street Plan.
7. BurbankBus Transit Capital Support and/or advocate for transit capital funding opportunities for the BurbankBus to replace aging vehicles in its fleet, including necessary electrification infras tructure
to meet CARB zero-emission transit vehicle replacement mandates beginning in 2026.
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8. Expanded Metrolink Service Support and/or advocate for funding for capital projects and operational funding to achieve two way (bi-directional) all-day service to Burbank’s Metrolink stations.
Burbank will partner with regional transportation agencies and other stakeholders to achieve necessary Metrolink improvements.
9. Amtrak
Surfliner Advocate for all Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains to stop at the Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station.
10. Electrification Support and/or advocate for initiatives incentivizing
electrification of infrastructure for public transit projects when feasible.
11. Automated Vehicles and Emerging Vehicle Technologies Support and/or advocate for regulations, legislation, and/or funding related to
the use of automative vehicles and other emerging vehicle technologies and services to ensure the highest standards of their safety, privacy, and accountability, as well as development of smart infrastructure to support their safe, efficient, and sustainable integration.
UTILITIES - ENERGY
1. Support Hydropower and Small Modular Reactors Support and/or advocate for the inclusion of hydropower and small modular reactors as zero-carbon energy sources, consistent with efforts on the development
of federal standards to safely dispose of and handle related waste.
2. Support the Development and Deployment of Green Hydrogen Support and/or advocate for the development and deployment of green hydrogen to ensure electrical grid reliability. Green hydrogen is made by using zero-carbon or renewable energy resources.
3. Financial Incentives for Clean Energy and Energy Storage Support and/or advocate for legislation to provide financial incentives including
tax incentives and other financial opportunities to reduce the cost of new and existing grid side clean energy and energy storage projects.
4. Public
Benefit Programs Support and/or advocate for legislation that protects and increases funding for community owned utilities’ public benefits programs to support disadvantaged communities.
5. Regionalization of Electrical Markets Support and/or advocate for legislation and regulation that would allow for the cost-effective and environmentally effective regionalization of electrical markets in the United States.
6. Transmission Support and/or advocate for
legislation that provides financial
assistance, and allows for opportunity, to build and/or own transmission in the LA Basin and throughout the United States to ensure grid reliability.
7. Cyber and Physical Security Support and/or advocate for legislation and regulation regarding cyber and physical security to protect utility assets and operations.
8. Wildfire
Mitigation Advocate for and support legislation that
promotes prevention and reduction of wildfire risk through responsible power management. Advocate for funding opportunities to mitigate wildfire risks.
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UTILITIES - ENERGY (cont’d)
9. Wildfire Mitigation Advocate for and support legislation that promotes prevention and reduction of wildfire risk through responsible power management. Advocate for funding opportunities to mitigate wildfire risks.
10. Electric Reliability Advocate for policies that strengthen grid reliability by expanding the availability of critical equipment, such as transformers, and addressing broader supply chain challenges that threaten timely infrastructure repairs and deployment.
11. Pole Attachments Oppose policies that restrict local authority over utility pole and streetlight attachments.
UTILITIES - WATER
1. Cost-Effective Water Ecosystem Projects Support and advocate for federal funding opportunities for water ecosystem projects that enhance water quality and are cost-effective. Advocate for direct benefi ciaries
and cost causers to fund their fair share of infrastructure project costs that provide long-term benefits to the state and its inhabitants.
2. Water Supply Projects Advocate and support funding for the expansion of current, and construction of new, water storage projects, both state-wide and locally, to increase water supply.
Advocate for federal funding for the expansion of current, and the construction of new, water supply projects including desalination and importing water from water rich regions of the United States.
3. Water Conservation Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding opportunities that support water conservation measures, including residential and commercial customer assistance, water storage, and efforts to mitigate and plan for droughts, such as drought-resistant landscaping and permeable surfaces.
4. Direct Potable Reuse Advocate for and support continued work on developing regulations and funding for the implementation of Direct Potable Reuse.
5. Public
Benefit Programs Advocate for, and support, legislation that protects and increases funding for community owned utilities’ public benefits programs to support disadvantaged communities.
6. Stormwater Funding Seek funding opportunities to assist in meeting mandated stormwater requirements as appropriate.
7. Redistribution
of Public Benefits Oppose efforts by the state that
would impose Public Benefit requirements on water utilities that transfer funding to the state for redistribution. Retain funding for Local Benefits efforts for exclusive local use.
VETERANS
1. Veteran Funding and Initiatives Support and/or advocate for initiatives, partnerships, funding opportunities, and programs to ensure veterans and their families have access to holistic services and resources including, but not limited to, physical and mental health, affordable housing, employment, and education.
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City of Burbank Legislative Platform 2026
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2026 STATE PLATFORM
The City of Burbank’s 2026 California State Platform Summary The City’s state platform (which follows this summary) is equally comprehensive in its scope and breadth to the federal, prioritizing the same seventeen priority topic areas – thus reflecting the City’s continued deep commitment to its community in general and its citizens in particular at all levels of government – including, but not limited to:
ongoing transportation and infrastructure challenges (physical as well as cyber); ever expanding public health and safety needs; continuous efforts to meet the housing demands of both our housed and unhoused citizens; and efforts to support our recreational, conservation, natural resources, and water priorities.
It’s important for federal policy makers to understand the effort, time, and money the city is already undertaking at the state level to advance their priorities (as several issues overlap with actions of importance in Washington DC) as they consider additional assistance and support for the City’s federal priorities.
The City’s efforts in Sacramento include the following:
Workforce Training and Development – The City will support and advocate for training and development initiatives — through legislation, regulation or funding opportunities — that advance collaboration among community partners including, but not limited to, non-profits, the Burbank Unified School District Board of Education, and the Workforce Development Board. In addition, the City will seek additional funding for training and apprenticeship programs to develop youth, veterans, and underemployed individuals for jobs relevant to the City’s workforce.
Promote Successful Local Businesses – The City will advocate for measures that support continued efforts to retain and promote local (particularly small) businesses, including funding opportunities (i.e. loans and tax credits for business improvements) and for removal of regulations that impose excessive requirements or restrictions that hinder the success of these enterprises.
Increase Nutrition For Citizens – The City will support and advocate for legislation, regulations, and funding opportunities to increase access to affordable meal programs for older adults, youth and the disabled.
Funding and Collaboration to Remove and Clean Homeless
Encampments – The City will seek new funding opportunities, as well as support and advocate for legislation designed to promote collaboration among city, county, state, and federal agencies for the legal and humane removal and storage of homeless belongings and clearing of areas that are highly vulnerable to fires and have developed to unsafe conditions, such as along federal railroads, underpasses, freeway embankments, flood control channels, and critical infrastructure buildings/equipment.
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Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program – The City will support and advocate for legislation that would amend both federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Programs to support and deem competitive a mix of units in an affordable housing project, to promote sustainable and integrated communities.
Enhance Home Ownership – The City will support and advocate for growth in individual
home ownership through reasonable measures to
reduce obstacles and costs to construction of new home ownership opportunities, including rent to own programs and condominium liability reform.
CEQA/NEPA Reform – Support sensible California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reform and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reform that will enable new housing production.
Housing Security – The City will support and advocate for legislation that protects property ownership and prioritizes small property owners over institutional investors, as well as funding opportunities for rental assistance programs to ensure housing security for residential tenants.
Imposition of Unfunded Mandates – The City opposes state mandates that do not include realistic timeframes, funding for corollary costs of compliance (e.g. infrastructure costs for housing construction mandates), associated personnel costs, and technical support for jurisdictions to ensure compliance with mandates.
Public Safety Training Programs – The City will support and advocate
for policies, legislation, and funding opportunities, which prioritize public safety and ensure public safety personnel receive adequate training, education, and equipment to successfully protect the community.
Support Crime Reduction Solutions – The City will support and advocate for legislation and funding opportunities that prioritizes preventing and reducing crime and promoting rehabilitation. The City will also advocate for legislation that prioritizes drug prevention programs, mental health initiatives, enhanced protective equipment, and solutions for homelessness.
Emergency Preparedness – The City will support and advocate for funding opportunities and legislation that encourage disaster preparedness and emergency planning, including funding to develop a permanent Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to further emergency management preparedness efforts. Seek direct and flexible funding opportunities for localities to sustain core services and provide community recovery programs while responding to public health emergencies and natural disasters.
Fire Vegetation Management – The City will support and advocate for well balanced legislation as well as funding opportunities that promote compliance with defensible space requirements in an effort to reduce fire risk in the community.
City of Burbank Legislative Platform 2026
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2025 STATE PLATFORM (cont’d)
Cybersecurity Protection – The City will support and advocate for legislation and funding that would prevent and reduce cybercrime that would impact municipal services. Advocate for legislation and funding opportunities to protect against cyber security attacks and prevent and resolve breaches (e.g. the ability to use cyber-attack and intrusion detection, automated Artificial Intelligence attack response solutions, and recovery programs).
Pursue Infrastructure Funding Opportunities – The City will support and advocate for funding opportunities that are designed to mitigate traffic congestion and maintain/improve Burbank’s infrastructure.
These include, but are not limited to, the Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program as well as Congestion Management Air Quality Funds, the federal gas tax, and Active Transportation funds.
Innovative Infrastructure Financing Programs – The City will support and advocate for transportation policies that seek to regenerate funds that support maintenance and development of Burbank’s infrastructure projects, including infrastructure finance districts and other innovative financing programs to support construction as w ell
as maintenance long term (i.e. – Public Private Partnerships). Support Hydropower and Small Modular Reactors – The City will advocate for and support the inclusion of hydropower and small modular reactors as zero-carbon energy sources, consistent with efforts to develop federal standards to safely dispose of and handle related waste.
Enhanced Cyber and Physical Security – The City will advocate for and support legislation and or regulations regarding cyber and physical security to protect utility assets and operations. Wildfire
Mitigation – The City will advocate for and support
legislation that promotes prevention and reduction of wildfire risk through responsible power management. The City will also advocate for funding opportunities to mitigate wildfire risks.
Technology Initiatives – The City will advocate for and pursue funding opportunities to promote the use of data and advanced technologies to create efficiencies, promote economic development, enhance utility operations, and help solve other sustainability challenges.
Cost-Effective Water Ecosystem Projects – The City will advocate for and support state funding opportunities for water ecosystem projects that enhance water quality and are cost-effective. Advocate for direct beneficiaries and cost causers to fund their fair share of infrastructure project costs that provide long-term benefits to the state and its inhabitants.
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Water Supply Projects – The City will advocate for and support funding for the expansion of current, and the construction of new, water supply projects including desalination and importing water from water rich regions of the United States.
Water Conservation – The City will advocate for and support legislation and funding opportunities that support water conservation measures, including residential and commercial customer assistance, water storage, and efforts to mitigate and plan for droughts, such as drought-resistant landscaping and permeable surfaces.
Direct Potable Reuse – The City will advocate for and support continued work on developing regulations and funding for the implementation of Direct Potable Reuse.
Veteran Funding and Initiatives – The City will advocate for and support initiatives, partnerships, funding opportunities, and programs to ensure veterans and their families have access to holistic services and resources including, but not limited to, physical and mental health, affordable housing, employment, and education.
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AIRPORT
1. Noise Relief Pursue and engage in legislative and regulatory initiatives and processes that secure meaningful noise relief, including nighttime noise relief such as curfew, at the Hollywood Airport, for the City of Burbank and surrounding communities.
2. Helicopter Noise Regulation Support legislative efforts to monitor, regulate, and enforce helicopter noise in residential areas while being respectful of law enforcement and emergency first responder oper ations.
3. Increased Accessibility Support state legislation and policy that increases accessibility for airline passengers both on the ground and in the air.
BUDGET & MUNICIPAL FINANCE
1. Local Government Funds Support legislation or ballot measures that prevent the State from borrowing, raiding, or otherwise redirecting local government funds (i.e. local taxes, sales tax, property taxes, etc.) .
2. Municipally Generated Revenue Continue to promote increased flexibility for the utilization of municipally generated revenues (i.e. – Public Education and Government fee, Utility Users Tax, Development Impact Fees, etc.).
3. Online Purchases Sales Tax Support legislation that changes the allocation of sales tax for online purchases from the County pool and reallocates it to the city where the purchase is made.
4. Online Transient Occupancy Tax Bypass Oppose efforts by online travel companies to circumvent remittance of Transient Occupancy Taxes (TOT) from hotel reservations purchased on the internet.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
1. Workforce Training and Development Support and/or advocate for training and development initiatives (through legislation, regulation or funding opportunities) that enhance collaboration among community
partners including, but not limited to non-profits, the Burbank Unified School District Board of Education, and the Workforce Development Board. In addition, seek additional funding for training and apprenticeship programs to develop youth, veterans, and underemployed individuals for jobs relevant to the City’s workforce.
2. Successful Local Businesses Support and/or advocate for measures that support the City’s continued efforts to retain and promote local businesses and for removal of regulations that impose excessive
requirements or restrictions that hinder the success of these enterprises.
3. Tourism Funding Support and/or advocate for legislation and/or regulations that protects and enhances funding for tourism marketing and infrastructure to support the strong, growing tourism industry in California.
4. Filming Support and/or advocate for incentives that promote filming within the City and state.21
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5. Telecommunication and Broadband Support and/or advocate for state legislation and or regulations preserving the City’s interest in telecommunication, broadband, and infrastructure operations. Seek funding opportunities for expanding local broadband options.
6. Tax Credits and Incentives for Creative/Entertainment Industry Advocate for tax credits and incentives to attract and retain entertainment industry jobs.
HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
1. Affordable Health Care Support and/or advocate for legislation, regulations, and/or funding opportunities that creates options and opportunities for access to affordable healthcare for all of our citizens.
2. Access to Healthy Foods Support and/or advocate for legislation, regulations, and/or funding opportunities that promote community garden programs, expanding access to fresh fruits and vegetables for people of all ages.
3. Active Living Encourage community design to integrate walking, hiking, and cycling paths and opportunities to recreate.
4. Access to Childcare Advocate for funding for opportunities to increase access to childcare for the community, with an emphasis on care and education for children ages 0-5.
5. Access to Inclusive and Adaptive Recreation Support and/or advocate for funding opportunities and programs that expand inclusive sports, fitness, recreation, and outdoor activities for people of all abilities and ages, including individuals with disabilities, youth, seniors, veterans, and low-income residents.
6. Access to Mental Health Services Support policies, legislation, and or regulations that increases access to mental health services for all our citizens and destigmatizes receiving mental health care. Advocate for support of regional and local resources related to mental health care.
HOMELESSNESS
1. Street Outreach Teams Support new funding opportunities from the county and state government for expanded Street Outreach Teams in collaboration with law enforcement, first responders, educators, and the County’s health and mental health departments for those affected by homelessness and mental health issues.
2. Homelessness Services Support and/or advocate for Regional initiatives and support of Medi-Cal reform to improve the quality of life, health outcomes, and solutions to reduce and prevent homelessness through social welfare, recuperative care facilities for those suffering from mental illness or substance abuse, and interim housing at the county, state, and federal levels.
3. Measure A Funding Support and/or advocate for direct Measure A formulaic funding on an annual basis for cities like Burbank that are required to contribute additional sales tax.
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HOMELESSNESS (cont’d)
4. Funds for Burbank’s Homelessness Plan Advocate for county, and state funds to implement City or sub-region homelessness plans, including funding to support physical and mental health services, safe parking areas, and access to effective referral systems.
5. Funding and Collaboration to Remove and Clean Homeless Encampments Support new funding and legislation to collaborate with city, county, state, and federal agencies for the legal and humane removal and storage of homeless belongings and clearing of areas that
are highly vulnerable to fires and have developed to unsafe conditions, such as along federal railroads, underpasses, freeway embankments, flood control channels, and critical infrastructure buildings/equipment.
HOUSING
1. Building Neighborhoods Support and/or advocate for ongoing engagement between state and local governments to ensure local control is maintained and responsible housing development is promoted in a collaborative effort to address the local and statewide housing crisis, while protecting and building neighborhoods.
2. Responsible Development Support and/or advocate for responsible development and zoning regulations to help ensure the building and protection of neighborhoods.
3. Limitations on Accessory Dwelling Units Support and/or advocate for efforts to facilitate the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs with limitations upon floor area ratio (F AR),
location, parking replacement, and ADU sizes that result in ADUs and Junior ADUs that are appropriate in scale to the existing single-family home and the surrounding neighborhood. Support for ADUs and Junior ADUs is further contingent on allowing owner-occupancy requirements.
4. Lower Parking Requirements Support lowering parking requirements for new and renovated development in areas near transit to encourage forgoing single-occupancy vehicle trips.
5. CEQA/NEPA Reform Support sensible California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reform and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reform that will enable new housing production.
6. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program Support legislation that would amend state Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Programs to support and deem competitive a mix of units in an affordable housing project, to promote sustainable and integrated communities.
7. Transit Infrastructure that Supports Development Support and highly encourage state funding that links the development of housing with an improved public transit system, local infrastructure, and associated public services.
8. Inclusion and Input Seek a seat at the table with the state legislature and the federal government on housing issues that impact the City of Burbank and advocate for opportunities to provide input on new and
reformative Housing Laws that pertain to the review and requirements of the Housing Element and housing production streamlining laws. 23 ATTACHMENT 2
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9. Affordable Homeownership Support state legislation that promotes affordable homeownership opportunities.
10. Special Needs Housing Support and/or advocate for state legislation and programs that provide rental assistance for special needs households with elderly, minors, low-income tenants, and persons with disability as well as support/advocate for state legislation that incentivizes modification of housing to accommodate the elderly and persons with disability.
11. Housing Security Support state legislation that protects existing individual property ownership and prioritizes small property owners over institutional investors, as well as state and federal subsidies for rental
assistance programs to ensure housing security for residential tenants.
12. Infrastructure Funding Support infrastructure capacity building at the community level to ensure that the production of residential housing is on pace and in line with local goals and state housing production mandates.
13. Affordable Insurance Support legislation and programs that address rising insurance costs in California as it relates to affordable housing and home ownership.
14. Loss of Local Control and Irresponsible Development Oppose state initiatives and legislation that would remove local control, allow for irresponsible or incompatible housing development in Burbank, and interfere with protection of established residential neighborhoods.
15. Unrealistic Timeframes Support new housing but oppose mandates for unrealistic or inconsistent processing timeframes for larger housing development projects.
LIBRARIES, PARKS, & OPEN SPACE
1. Park and Library Bond Measures Support and/or advocate for legislation and bond measures that provide per capita grants to local governments, funding parks, library improvements, community facilities,
and programs that enhance the quality of life for Burbank residents.
2. Park and Library Infrastructure Support and/or advocate for legislation that provides funding for rehabilitation, development, and capital improvements of local parks, libraries, and community facilities, enhancing both the active and passive recreational spaces.
3. Equestrian Neighborhoods Support and/or advocate for state funding and guidelines for protection of equestrian neighborhoods, facilities, and infrastructure.
4. Animal Shelters Support and/or advocate for animal welfare legislation that protects against animal abuse, neglect, harm, abandonment, and unnecessary cosmetic surgery.
5. Animal Safety Support pro-animal legislation with clear objective guidelines that safeguards animal shelter operations, ensures the well-being of shelter animals, and promotes public safety.
City of Burbank Legislative Platform 2026
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LIBRARIES, PARKS, & OPEN SPACE (cont’d)
6. Imposition of Regulatory or Statutory Requirements Oppose legislation that has a negative impact on the administration of park and recreation services and resource management including the sale of park lands and open space, relaxations of park dedication fee requirements that provide no added protections or benefit to California‘s recreational consumer.
7. Access to Diverse Library Materials Support and/or advocate for legislation that prevents bans on reading, listening, and viewing material for youth in public libraries and protects library employees from liability related to providing access to diverse
perspectives.
8. Library Funding, Programs, and Digital Access Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding opportunities that restore and increase library funding, strengthen state and federal support for libraries, and enhance robust library services and access.
9. Arts, Culture and Humanities Support and/or advocate for state legislation and funding opportunities that increase resources for local arts, culture, and humanities programs, including but not limited to performing and visual arts and humanities programs, the preservation of cultural heritage, and capital improvements of art venues.
MANDATES
1. Timely Reimbursements Support initiatives to ensure timely reimbursements from the county, state, and federal government.
2. Community Care Facilities Support and/or advocate for legislation amending state community care facility mandates to be mindful of the secondary impacts to neighborhoods where these facilities are located and consider a public safety perspective. Seek state licensing of sober living facilities, provide standards of operation for all group homes, allow reasonable distance provisions to avoid overconcentration in single-family neighborhoods, and provide a clear direction between protected group homes and boarding houses. Advocate for the State Department of Housing and Community Development to suspend enforcement of its mandated language relating to transitional housing and unlicensed care facilities until such issues are better defined.
3. Stormwater Funding Seek additional county and state funding to help meet mandated stormwater requirements.
4. Exemption of Stormwater Capture Facilities Support and/or advocate for legislation that exempts stormwater capture facilities from California Department of Fish and Wildlife review and permitting process, including
requirements to permit debris basin clean out, which significantly delays the process and endangers residents in the event of storms.
5. Imposition of Unfunded Mandates Oppose mandates that do not include realistic timeframes, funding for corollary costs of compliance (e.g. infrastructure costs for housing construction mandates), associated personnel costs and technical support for jurisdictions to ensure compliance with mandates.
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6. Public Records Act Support and/or advocate for legislation that balances transparency and public access with practicality related to the Public Records Act and ensures that cities can comply with public records
requests without excessive administrative burdens or financial strain.
PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
1. Competitive and Valuable Employment Advocate for legislation that supports the City’s ability to provide competitive and valuable employment opportunities.
2. Sustainable Pensions Continue to influence, where necessary and applicable, any future efforts that may impact local government’s ability to achieve and/or maintain sustainable pensions.
PUBLIC SAFETY
1. Public Safety Realignment Program Proactively monitor and influence the implementation process of the state mandated “Public Safety Realignment Program” including reimbursement for monitoring compliance and enforcement, to ensure public safety and successful re-entry into the community.
2. Funding for AB 109, Prop 47, Prop 36, and Prop 57 Seek continued financial assistance to deal with the impacts of the Public Safety Realignment Act, Proposition 47 (Reduced Penalties for Some Crimes Initiative), Proposition 36 (Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act) and Proposition 57 (Public Safety and Rehabilitation), related to thresholds and penalties for theft-related crime. Support legislation that addresses wrap-around services such as substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and employment, medical, and housing assistance.
3. Mental Health Programs Support and/or advocate for programs that help ensure public safety through the assistance and rehabilitation of individuals with severe mental and/or substance abuse illnesses and increase awareness and training opportunities.
4. Speed Limits Support and/or advocate for legislation that provides local jurisdictions greater flexibility to set enforceable speed limits, such as Assembly Bill 43 which was signed by Governor Newsom on October 8, 2021.
5. Local Control of Marijuana
Operations Maintain local control over the
ability to regulate the sales location of retail and medical marijuana operations.
6. Funding to Regulate Recreational Marijuana Seek state financial assistance for enforcement and regulation due to the passage of Proposition 64 and legalization of recreational marijuana.
7. Non-Traditional Crime Prevention Activities Encourage funding for non-traditional crime prevention activities, homeless assistance, front-end diversion, and mental health initiatives at the county, state, and federal level.
City of Burbank Legislative Platform 2026
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PUBLIC SAFETY (cont’d)
8. Equestrian Safety Support and/or advocate for legislation, regulations, and/or funding centered on equestrian safety, including the well-being of riders, horses, and the greater community.
9. Regulation of Tobacco Products (Including E-Cigarettes) Support legislative authority to add tools for local law enforcement of tobacco product possession, including e-cigarettes, by minors, such as confiscation and mandated educational programs for youth.
10. Home Emergency Preparedness Support and/or advocate for legislation or funding that promotes proactive measurers to strengthen homes via home hardening and retrofit projects and provides financial incentives, such as tax credits or grants, to offset the cost of these projects.
11. Fire Vegetation Management Support and/or advocate for well- balanced regulations and funding opportunities that promote compliance with defensible space requirements in an effort to reduce fire risk in the community.
12. E-Bike Regulation and Enforcement Support and/or advocate for legislation that strengthens the regulation and enforcement of electric mobility devices (e-bike) usage to enhance public safety on roadways, sidewalks, and recreational paths.
13. Peer Support Services for Public Safety Personnel Support and/ or advocate for legislation and funding that promote and expand peer support programs for public safety personnel to enhance mental health, resilience, and overall well-being. Encourage confidentiality pr otections
and access to licensed mental health professionals to support public safety personnel dealing with job-related stress, trauma, or critical incidents.
SOCIAL JUSTICE & EQUITY
1. Equitable Access Support and/or advocate for legislation and funding opportunities that assists the City of Burbank in providing and expanding equitable access to City parks and facilities, programs, services, trails, open space, and natural areas.
2. Eliminating Barriers Support legislation and funding that allows the City and its community partners to provide disadvantaged residents with the tools necessary to grow and thrive.
3. Community Engagement Support legislation and funding for the City and its community partners to proactively engage with residents on issues of prejudice, discrimination, and social justice to promote
education, understanding, expanded opportunity, and acceptance between diverse groups in the community, making all feel welcome and safe in Burbank.
STATE FUNDING
1. Burbank at a Competitive Advantage Proactively seek continued and alternative funding sources (i.e. grants) that will benefit the City’s ability to provide valuable community services. Advocate for funding criteria that puts Burbank at a competitive advantage.
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2. Legislation to Increase Funding for Burbank Support and/or advocate for legislation and federal funding opportunities that would increase funding for Burbank’s community services including funding for local law enforcement Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), Urban Area Security Initiatives (UASI), forensic science, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), public libraries, affordable housing, employment services, senior citizen and youth programs, recreation facilities, cultural arts facilities, maintenance and infrastructure improvements, public schools, park and open space development, and sustainable energy and water among others.
3. Tri-City Efforts Leverage current Tri-City efforts to obtain state funding for
mutually beneficial projects, facilities, and shared resources.
4. Redistricting Maintain the classification of the Tri-City area of Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena
5. Relocate US National Guard Collaborate with the US National Guard to relocate, close, or consolidate the Burbank Armory with the Glendale Armory, allowing the City to expand Larry L. Maxam Memorial Park and utilize the land and facility for programming and open space needs.
6. HOME Program Programmatic Changes Support programmatic changes to the HOME Investment Partnership Program by removing the two-year commitment deadline for the creation of affordable housing by community housing development organizations.
7. Decrease in State Administrative Fee Withholding Advocate for a decrease in the State Administrative Fee withholding on federal grants. Less fee withholdings from federal grants, such as Los Angeles/Long Beach Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grants, would allow more funds to be allocated to the region.
8. Funding for Recycling Programs Support legislation that would increase funding for state mandated Solid Waste, Recycling and Organics programs.
SUSTAINABILITY
1. Local Sustainability Policies Influence state legislation and regulatory initiatives that would impact local government’s ability to set local policies relating to environmental “sustainability,” including, but not limited to building standards and land use planning.
2. Streamline California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Provisions Support efforts to streamline CEQA provisions that would result in meaningful reform to reduce out-of-date noticing provisions, allow CEQA documentation to be filed electronically with the Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and with the County, and permit the online payment of fees.
3. Community Values Balances with Environmental Needs Pursue state legislation that prioritizes the environment and balances the needs of the community.
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SUSTAINABILITY (cont’d)
4. Zero Emission Vehicles Support the state’s goals for increased use of all types of zero emission vehicles and support funding that goes towards the refueling infrastructure necessary for alternative fueled vehicles, with emphasis on Plug-in Electric Vehicles. Allow flexible standards and for fuel diversity certain emergency and fleet veh icles
and equipment that require traditional fuel due to technology, range, power outage, and terrain issues.
5. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Initiatives Support EPR initiatives to place a shared responsibility for end-of-life product management on the producers and all entities involved in the product chain, instead of the general public, while encouraging product design changes that minimize a negative impact on human health and the environment at every stage of the product‘s lifecycle.
6. Recyclable Pre-Processed Material Incentives At the state level, incentivize manufacturers to bring in facilities to recycle pre-processed materials, particularly for plastics from recycling processors (e.g. Burbank Recycle Center). Promote the development of new markets for bulk recyclable materials to ensure long term stability of the industry and viability of municipal curbside recycling.
7. Reduction of Disposable Products Support plans and programs to reduce disposable products and packaging and promote reuse.
8. Community Values Balances with Environmental Needs Pursue state legislation that prioritizes the environment and balances the needs of the community.
9. Recycling and Organics Recovery Seek county and state funding and permitting support to help comply with Solid Waste mandates for recycling and organics recovery/processing.
10. Consideration of Local Land Use for Renewable Energy Support local land use for utility size renewables like solar and wind that enables Burbank to meet S.B.100 mandates.
11. Support Reduce and Reuse Support state laws that emphasize reduction and reuse as the most effective ways to save natural resources and protect the environment.
12. Building Decarbonization Support electrification policies and programs for the built environment to reduce emission, improve air quality, and promote safety.
TECHNOLOGY
1. Data and Technology Initiatives Support legislative initiatives and pursue funding to promote the use of data and technology to create efficiencies, promote economic development, enhance public safety, improve transportation and mobility, improve sustainability, enhance municipal quality of life factors, and help solve other civic challenges. 29 ATTACHMENT 2
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2. Initiatives to Prevent Negative Impacts of Way-Finding Apps Support legislative initiatives that grant local governments the ability or tools to prevent way-finding apps from negatively impacting local neighborhood streets (congestion, wear and tear, and traffic safety).
3. Records Digitization Support and advocate for funding for technological advances for the proper digitization and archival of vital City records to ensure transparency, accessibility, and posterity of records.
4. Digital Literacy and Technology Access Support legislative initiatives and funding to increase access to computers, high-speed internet, and similar technology, and to provide training in computer and technology skills.
5. Cyber Security Initiatives Support legislative initiatives and funding that promotes the use of technology solutions and other resources to protect local government networks, technology systems, critical infrastructure, and data.
6. Regulation of Wireless Facilities Oppose any legislation or regulatory policy that would further erode the ability of local governments to regulate wireless facilities.
7. Artificial
Intelligence (AI) Support and/or advocate for regulations, legislation, and/or funding for the development of clear guidelines and restrictions regarding AI that promotes its ethical, fair, and responsible use, and ensures transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI systems while safeguarding individual rights, economic stability, and security.
8. Public Safety Technology Support legislation and funding that enables local governments to deploy advanced, responsible crime-fighting technologies—such as real-time crime centers and investigative analytics—while preserving local control, privacy protections, and public accountability.
TRANSPORTATION/INFRASTRUCTURE
1. Burbank Infrastructure Funding Opportunities Support legislation that allocates additional state funding for the upgrade, replacement, and construction of needed infrastructure at the state and local level.
Pursue and preserve regional, state, and federal funding opportunities, including but not limited to Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program and Congestion Management Air Quality Funds; State Cap and Trade, High Speed Rail, Gas Tax, and Active Transportation funds; and Regional Measure M, Measure R, Proposition A, and Proposition C (Transportation Sales Tax) funds, to mitigate traffic congestion and maintain/improve Burbank’s infrastructure.
2. Interstate 5 North HOV / Empire Interchange Unmet Needs Support state and regional funding for unmet project needs related to the Metro/Metrolink railroad corridor that was negatively impacted by the I-5 North HOV/Empire Interchange project.
3. Electrification Support initiatives incentivizing electrification of infrastructure for public transit projects when feasible. 1 Reference April 20, 2022 Council Letter to Metropolitan Transportation Authority:
https://www.burbankca.gov/documents/d/community-development/20240327-metrobrtfeircomment- letter4-20-2022-001-pdf?
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TRANSPORTATION/INFRASTRUCTURE (cont’d)
4. New Transit Projects Engage with Metro, Metrolink, LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency, and others to secure capital funding for the Antelope Valley Line for double-track improvements, and operations funding
needed for 15-minute, all day, bi-directional Metrolink service. Support the Metro NoHo-to-Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project as outlined in Council’s communication to Metro
1. Advocate for a direct
light rail or subway connection to the Hollywood Burbank Airport.
5. Innovative Financing Programs Advocate for transportation policies that seek to regenerate funds that support maintenance and development of Burbank’s infrastructure projects, including infrastructure finance districts and other innovative financing programs to support construction as well as maintenance long term (i.e. – Public Private Partnerships).
6. Citywide Quiet Zone Support legislation that provides additional funding to install safety improvements at the City’s remaining at-grade crossings (Vanowen/Clybourn, Burbank Airport South Metrolink Station, and Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station).
7. Freeway Cap Transit Center in Burbank Media District and Metrolink Station Seek funding for the creation of a new transit center in the Burbank Media District and Metrolink Station to anchor the major bus transit lines that provide transit service to this employment center and to
support the future NoHo-to-Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project.
8. Olive Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation Projects Seek funding to rehabilitate and improve Olive bridge to improve bicycle, pedestrian, and transit access over I-5 in concert with the Metro NoHo-to- Pasadena BRT project including adding an aerial BRT station above the Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station.
9. Magnolia Boulevard Bridge Rehabilitation Projects Seek funding opportunities to rehabilitate and improve Magnolia bridge over I-5 and improve bicycle and pedestrian access in conformance with the Complete Street Plan.
10. BurbankBus Transit Capital Advocate for state and regional transit capital funding for the BurbankBus to replace aging vehicles in its fleet, including necessary electrification infrastructure to meet CARB zero-emission transit vehicle replacement mandates beginning in 2026.
11. Amtrak
Surfliner Advocate for all Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains to stop at the Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station.
12. Expanded Metrolink Service Support and/or advocate for funding for capital projects and operational funding to achieve two way (bi-directional) all-day service to Burbank’s Metrolink stations.
Burbank will partner with regional transportation agencies and other stakeholders to achieve necessary Metrolink improvements. 31 ATTACHMENT 2
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13. Prioritize Safety and Speed Reduction Support Universal Design, Vision Zero, and all modes of travel for individuals with travel-limiting disabilities. Advocate for funding to implement essential traffic safety measures and provide more education related to safe driving around pedestrians, bicyclists, and near schools in concert with the City’s proposed Vision Zero Plan.
14. Secure I-5 Adjacent Caltrans Property for Community Infrastructure Support local efforts to secure and maintain Caltrans ROW to create needed utility infrastructure and other amenities that facilitate redevelopment adjacent to the I-5 and 134 freeways. Advocate for the expansion of city infrastructure to support the production of new commercial and residential land uses that are in alignment with local and state goal.
15. Burbank’s Interest to Influence California High Speed Rail Project Influence and monitor legislation regarding the California High Speed Rail (HSR) project that ensures minimal impacts to homes and businesses and maximizes opportunities to improve existing rail crossing safety. Advocate for HSR funding to be directed towards the Antelope Valley Line study improvements that will increase the frequency of today’s Antelope Valley Line service. Maximize opportunities for development focused on employment and housing within a short distance of any proposed station.
16. Automated Vehicles and Emerging Vehicle Technologies Support and/or advocate for regulations, legislation, and/or funding related to the use of automative vehicles and other emerging vehicle technologies and services to ensure the highest standards of their safety, privacy, and accountability, as well as development of smart infrastructure to support their safe, efficient, and sustainable integration.
UTILITIES - ENERGY
1. Flexible Energy Resources Advocate for legislation that allows flexibility to choose which resources reliably and best fit the City’s needs, with an emphasis and prioritization of the use of renewable resources to meet energy goals in a cost-effective manner.
2. Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets Support the framework established by SB 100 (De Leon, Statutes 2018) and SB 1020 (Laird, 2022) that requires renewable and zero carbon resources to supply 90% of all retail electricity sales by 2035, 95% of all retail electricity sales by 2040, and 100% of retail electricity sales by 2045 (or sooner), while continuing to provide reliable power, maintaining affordable electric rates, and preventing disproportionate rate impacts to our most vulnerable communities. This goal will be reassessed in BWP’s Integrated Resources Plan which will have robust stakeholder process.
3. Support Hydropower and Small Modular Reactors Support and/ or advocate for the inclusion of hydropower and small modular reactors as zero-carbon energy sources, consistent with efforts on the development of federal standards to safely dispose of and handle related waste.
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UTILITIES - ENERGY (cont’d)
4. Support the Development and Deployment of Green Hydrogen Support and/or advocate for the development and deployment of green hydrogen to ensure electrical grid reliability. Green hydrogen is defined as producing hydrogen through the electrolysis using a zero- carbon energy resource.
5. Financial Incentives for Clean Energy and Energy Storage Support legislation to provide financial incentives such as advance refunding
bonds, tax incentives and other financial opportunities to reduce the cost of new and existing grid side clean energy and energy storage projects.
6. Public
Benefit Programs Support and advocate for legislation that protects and increases funding for community owned utilities’ public benefits programs to support disadvantaged communities.
7. Net Energy Metering Programs Support City Council authority over local net energy metering programs and policies that encourage clean sources of energy while equitably allocating costs.
8. Regionalization of Electrical Markets Support legislation and regulation that would allow for the cost-effective and environmentally effective regionalization of electrical markets in the United States.
9. Transmission Support legislation that provides financial assistance and allows for opportunity to build and/or own transmission in the LA Basin and throughout the United States to ensure grid reliability.
10. Cyber and Physical Security Support legislation, regulation, and compliance regarding cyber and physical security to protect utility assets and operations.
11. Electric Vehicles Support legislation and funding for the procurement of mandated electric fleet vehicles within reasonable timelines and, more
importantly, the necessary supporting infrastructure. Advocate for fuel diversity of medium and heavy-duty fleet vehicles to provide reliable power when vehicle charging is unavailable due to power outages.
12. Wildfire
Mitigation Support legislation that promotes prevention and reduction of wildfire risk through responsible power management.
Advocate for funding to mitigate wildfire risks.
13. Technology Initiatives Support legislative initiatives and pursue funding to promote the use of data and advanced technologies to create efficiencies, promote economic development, enhance utility operations, and help solve other sustainability challenges.
14. Electric Reliability Advocate for policies that strengthen grid reliability by expanding the availability of critical equipment, such as transformers, and addressing broader supply chain challenges that threaten timely infrastructure repairs and deployment.
15. Pole Attachments Oppose policies that restrict local authority over utility pole and streetlight attachments.33
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UTILITIES - WATER
1. Delta Conveyance Project Support administrative and legislative plans that foster the Delta Conveyance Project, a comprehensive ecosystem restoration and protection plan for the Delta, as the best alternative to meet California’s co-equal goals of water supply reliability and Delta ecosystem restoration.
2. Cost-Effective Water Ecosystem Projects Support state and federal funding for water ecosystem projects that enhance water quality and are cost-effective. Advocate for direct beneficiaries and cost causers to fund their fair share of infrastructure project costs that provide long-term benefits to the state and its inhabitants.
3. Water Supply Projects Advocate for state funding for the construction of new water storage projects, both state-wide and locally, to increase water supply. Advocate for state funding for the construction of new water supply projects including desalination and importing water from water rich regions of the United States.
4. Local Water Use Control Support efforts to maintain and strengthen local control of water use and encourage water recycling and the many benefits of sustainability to Burbank’s water supply, conserving the vital resource of potable water, and reducing our dependence on imported water.
5. Water Conservation Actively pursue legislation and funding that support water conservation measures including awareness, residential and commercial customer assistance, water storage, and efforts to mitigate and plan for droughts, such as drought-resistant landscaping and permeable surfaces.
6. Direct Potable Reuse Support continued work on developing regulations and funding for the implementation of Direct Potable Reuse.
7. Public
Benefit Programs Support and advocate for legislation that protects and increases funding for community owned utilities’ public benefits programs to support disadvantaged communities.
8. Redistribution
of Public Benefits Oppose efforts by the state that
would impose Public Benefit requirements on water utilities that transfer funding to the state for redistribution. Retain funding for Local Benefits efforts for exclusive local use.
VETERANS
1. Veteran Funding and Initiatives Support and/or advocate for initiatives, partnerships, funding opportunities, and programs to ensure veterans and their families have access to holistic services and resources including, but not limited to, physical and mental health, affordable housing, employment, and education.
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FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVES
UNITED STATES PRESIDENT
Hon. Donald Trump Vice President JD V ance
Address The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
Comments 202-456-1111
UNITED STATES SENATORS - CALIFORNIA
Hon. Alex Padilla
DC Office Local Office
Address 331 Hart Senate Office Bldg. 255 E. Temple St., Suite 1860 Washington, D.C. 20510 Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone 202-224-3553 310-231-4494
Hon. Adam Schiff
DC Office Local Office
Address 112 Hart Senate Office Bldg. 4111 W. Alameda Ave., Suite 608 Washington, DC 20510 Burbank, CA 91505
Phone 202-224-3841 310-914-7300
UNITED STATES CONGRESS - CALIFORNIA
Hon. Laura Friedman - 30th District
DC Office Local Office
Address 1517 Longsworth House Office Bldg. 245 E. Olive Ave., Suite 200 Washington, D.C. 20515 Burbank, CA 91502
Phone 202-225-4176 818-524-4384
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STATE REPRESENTATIVES
GOVERNOR - STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Hon. Gavin Newsom
Address Capitol Building Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis
1021 O Street, Suite 9000 1021 O Street, Suite 8730
Sacramento, CA 95814 Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone 916-445-2841 916-445-8994
CALIFORNIA STATE SENATOR
Hon. Caroline Menjivar - 20th District
Capitol Office District Office
Address 1021 O Street, Suite 6630 6150 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 400 Sacramento, CA 95814 Van Nuys, CA 91401
Phone 916-651-4020 818-901-5588
CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY
Hon. Nick Schultz - 44th District
Capitol Office District Office
Address State Capitol 300 E. Magnolia Blvd., Suite 504
1021 O Street, Suite 5150 Burbank, CA 91502
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone 916-319-2044 818-558-3043
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Hon. Kathryn Barger - 5th District
Downtown Offic e San Fernando Valley Offic e
Address 500 W. Temple Street, Room 869 4130 Cahuenga Blvd., Suite 108 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Toluca Lake, CA 91602
Phone 213-974-5555 818-993-5170
City of Burbank Legislative Platform 2026
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CITY OF BURBANK
275 E. OLIVE AVENUE
BURBANK, CALIFORNIA 91502
WWW.BURBANKCA.GOV
@burbank
@burbank
TheBurbankChannel
Burbank--CA
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Senate Bill No. 79
CHAPTER 512
An act to add Chapter 4.1.5 (commencing with Section 65912.155) to Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code, relating to land use. [Approved by Governor October 10, 2025. Filed with Secretary of State October 10, 2025.]
legislative counsel’s digest
SB 79, Wiener. Housing development: transit-oriented development. (1) Existing law, the Planning and Zoning Law, requires each county and city to adopt a comprehensi
ve, long-term general plan for the physical
development of the county or city, and specified land outside its boundaries, that contains certain mandatory elements, including a housing element.
Existing law requires that the housing element consist of an identification and analysis of existing and projected housing needs and a statement of goals, policies, quantified objectives, financial resources, and scheduled programs for the preservation, improvement, and development of housing, as specified. Existing law requires that the housing element include, among other things, an assessment of housing needs and an inventory of resources and constraints that are relevant to the meeting of these needs, including an inventory of land suitable for residential development, as provided. Existing law, for the 4th and subsequent revisions of the housing element, requires the Department of Housing and Community Development to determine the existing and projected need for housing for each region, as specified, and requires the appropriate council of local governments, or the department for cities and counties without a council of governments, to adopt a final regional housing need plan that allocates a share of the regional housing need to each locality in the region. Existing law requires the inventory of land to be used to identify sites throughout the community that can be developed for housing within the planning period and that are sufficient to provide for the jurisdiction’s share of the regional housing need. Existing law requires each local government to revise its housing element in accordance with a specified schedule.
Existing law, the Housing Accountability Act, among other things, requires a local agency that proposes to disapprove a housing development project, as defined, or to impose a condition that the project be developed at a lower density to base its decision on written findings supported by a preponderance of the evidence that specified conditions exist if that project complies with applicable, objective general plan, zoning, and subdivision standards and criteria in effect at the time that the application was deemed complete. The act authorizes the applicant, a person who would be eligible to apply for residency in the housing development project or emergency 84 STATE OF CALIFORNIA
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ELECTRONIC LEGAL MATERIAL
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