Burbank

Burbank is a city built by People, Pride, and Progress. These three ingredients turned a tiny, rural town into the thriving community it is today.

In the beginning, the land occupied by the present City of Burbank was part of two large Spanish land grants. The first was the vast Rancho San Rafael, granted to Don Jose Maria Verdugo by the Spanish government in 1798. Nearby, Rancho La Providencia was created following Mexico’s successful bid for independence from Spain in 1821. The real history of the City, though, began when a New Hampshire dentist headed west with the thousands of other Americans seeking new opportunities.

Burbank continues to provide a high quality of life for its residents while promoting community engagement, as seen with projects like the Chandler Bike-way, Stough Canyon Nature Center, Robert R. Ovrom Park and a new and expanded state-of-the-art Buena Vista Branch Library. In 2005, Connect with Your Community was established with the mission to create opportunities, projects and partnerships (between residents, non-profits, City employees, etc.) that strengthen the local non-profit and community service agenda. Accordingly, in 2008 and 2010, the City of Burbank was named one of the nation’s 100 Best Communities for Young People for its efforts to provide experiential and multi-faceted learning opportunities for its youth.

Expanding upon its community engagement and transparency efforts, while incorporating emerging technology, the City created and continues to pro-actively implement a comprehensive communications program utilizing various forms of media, including a revamped website launched in 2009. Residents, business owners and visitors can browse the City’s website and access up to date information on City and community events, City Council meetings, take advantage of City programs and services, and so on. Additionally, communications with employees, residents and businesses are improved through an electronic newsletter and monthly newsletter mailed with each utility bill.