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Policy Research

Research-Driven Policy for Burbank

Good local policy starts with understanding how Burbank actually works—not just in theory, but on the ground.

As part of my Master of Urban Planning coursework at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), I’ve conducted original research focused on transportation and housing issues that directly affect Burbank and the surrounding region. This research informs how I think about mobility, housing affordability, and land-use decisions at the local level.

Burbank Older Adult Needs Assessment (In Progress)

What does it mean to grow older in Burbank today?

This independent community assessment seeks input from residents age 65 and older on housing, transportation, safety, health, recreation, and quality of life.

Take the Survey.

Who Rides the BurbankBus — and Why

Identifying Variables That Affect Ridership on the BurbankBus

Overview

This original qualitative research examined who rides Burbank’s two fixed-route bus lines, how they use the system, and what factors encourage—or discourage—ridership. The study combined on-board observation, passenger surveys, interviews, and archival research to better understand rider behavior and attitudes.

Key Findings

  • Most riders use the bus as part of a multi-step trip, often connecting to regional transit.
  • Car ownership and homeownership did not predict whether someone rides the bus.
  • The strongest barriers to increased ridership were infrequent service, first/last-mile access, and limited local circulation.
  • Riders expressed strong positive emotional associations with transit, especially for leisure trips.

Why This Matters

Improving frequency, connectivity, and local circulation can make transit more useful and appealing while supporting Burbank’s mobility and sustainability goals.

Download BurbankBus Research Paper (448kb PDF).

Bus Rapid Transit & Property Values

What the LA Metro G Line Can Teach Us

Overview

This quantitative study analyzed over 13,000 residential property sales near the LA Metro G Line (Bus Rapid Transit) between 2000 and 2024 to determine whether proximity to BRT affects home values.

Key Findings

  • Proximity to the G Line did not significantly raise or lower home values.
  • Property type, size, age, and overall market conditions were far more influential.
  • Station integration, walkability, and surrounding land use matter more than the transit mode itself.

Why This Matters

Long-term data shows that BRT does not harm property values and that thoughtful integration can support positive neighborhood outcomes.

Download BRT Study (425kb PDF).

Housing Affordability in Burbank

Overview

This policy analysis examines housing affordability challenges in Burbank and evaluates strategies to keep the city livable, welcoming, and economically diverse.

Key Findings

  • Housing shortages are a major driver of rising costs.
  • Increasing housing supply and streamlining approvals can improve affordability over time.
  • A balanced approach that combines housing production, tenant protections, and targeted assistance offers the strongest overall results.

Why This Matters

Housing affordability affects families, workers, seniors, and young adults. Addressing this challenge is essential to maintaining Burbank’s quality of life and economic vitality.

Download the full report (403kb PDF).

Burbank Multimodal Transportation Plan 2046

Overview

This long-range transportation plan examines how Burbank can build a safer, more connected, and more sustainable transportation network over the next twenty years. The plan focuses on improving connections between transit, walking, bicycling, and regional mobility systems.

Key Findings

  • Burbank possesses significant transportation assets, including regional rail, local transit, airport access, and future Bus Rapid Transit service.
  • Gaps in first- and last-mile connectivity limit the effectiveness of existing transportation investments.
  • Unsafe vehicle speeds remain a significant contributor to traffic collisions.
  • Protected bicycle facilities, safer pedestrian infrastructure, and improved transit connections can expand mobility options and reduce automobile dependence.
  • A coordinated multimodal network is essential to improving safety, accessibility, and quality of life.

Why This Matters

Transportation affects how residents access jobs, schools, healthcare, recreation, and community services. Investing in a connected multimodal transportation system can improve mobility, support economic development, enhance public safety, and provide residents with practical alternatives to automobile travel.

Download the full report (1.3mb PDF).

Transparency Note
These papers were completed as part of graduate coursework and represent independent academic research. While this work informs my policy thinking, future policy decisions should always be shaped through public input, transparency, and community dialogue.