Stephen R. Burchard
35606 Corte Serena, Cathedral City, CA 92234
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
City of Cathedral City
Cathedral City, CA
Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council,
I respectfully submit this Letter of Interest for consideration to fill the vacant seat on the Cathedral City City Council. I am deeply invested in the long-term success of our city and would be honored to serve our residents during this important period of transition.
Since 2019, I have served on the City of Cathedral City’s Architectural Review Committee, working closely with city staff, fellow commissioners, and applicants to ensure development aligns with adopted plans, zoning standards, and the broader vision of our community. This role has given me meaningful, hands-on experience with municipal process, land-use considerations, and the importance of balancing economic vitality with neighborhood character and community values.
Beyond my direct service to the City, I have held extensive leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels within the organized real estate industry, including responsibilities in government affairs, public policy advocacy, ethics, and professional standards. In these roles, I have consistently represented the interests of others—homeowners, consumers, professionals, and communities—often navigating complex regulatory, political, and economic environments where collaboration and sound judgment are essential.
Professionally, I serve as Assistant Broker with HomeSmart, where I help guide agents through compliance, risk management, and ethical decision-making. This role requires discretion, accountability, and a clear understanding of how policy decisions translate into real-world outcomes for individuals and families—skills that directly parallel the responsibilities of elected office.
To further strengthen my public-sector understanding, I completed formal coursework in public policy through Pepperdine University. That academic experience, combined with my practical leadership background, has reinforced my respect for thoughtful governance, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and community-centered decision-making.
I approach leadership with a service-first mindset. I believe effective representation means listening carefully, weighing competing interests thoughtfully, and making decisions based on what best serves the whole community—not personal or professional gain. Cathedral City deserves steady, informed leadership that honors its diversity, supports responsible growth, and maintains public trust.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my experience, judgment, and commitment to service can support the City Council and the residents of Cathedral City.
With respect and appreciation,
Stephen Burchard
Stephen R. Burchard
35606 Corte Serena, Cathedral City, CA 92234
Municipal & Public Service Experience
City of Cathedral City — Architectural Review Committee Member, 2019–Present
• Review residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects for compliance with zoning, design standards, and adopted city plans
• Collaborate with city planning staff, applicants, architects, and developers • Provide advisory recommendations prior to Planning Commission review • Balance economic development objectives with neighborhood compatibility and long-term community impact
Public Policy & Government Affairs - Pepperdine University — School of Public Policy • Completed formal coursework in public policy, governance, and regulatory frameworks • Focus on ethical leadership, stakeholder representation, and public decision-making Organized Real Estate – Government Affairs & Leadership (Local, State, and National Levels)
• Local, State, and National Director
• Advocate on housing, land-use, and regulatory policy
• Represent member and consumer interests in legislative and regulatory discussions • Experience translating complex policy into practical outcomes for communities • Active member and participant on multiple policy committees Professional Leadership & Management
HomeSmart — Assistant Broker
Palm Springs Region
• Oversight, compliance, and mentorship for 450+ real estate agents • Advisory role on ethics, risk management, and regulatory adherence • Note: Resume currently being updated to reflect expanded scope of responsibility Leadership Philosophy
• Service over self-interest
• Thoughtful, consensus-driven decision-making
• Transparency, accountability, and public trust
• Representing diverse viewpoints with fairness and respect