Burbank charities join forces to host candidate forums ahead of November 2024 election

Three key Burbank organizations – Leadership Burbank, the Burbank Chamber of Commerce and the Burbank Arts and Education Foundation (BAEF) – are joining forces to host a series Candidate Forums to provide the community with an opportunity to engage directly with local candidates. These forums will focus on key leadership positions in the upcoming November 2024 election and will aim to foster civic engagement for a better Burbank.

The first Candidates’ Forum will be held Thursday, September 26, 5:30 p.m.at Woodbury University. This forum will feature nine candidates running for two full-time positions in Burbank City Council. These seats have a four-year term beginning on December 16, 2024 and ending on December 18, 2028. This forum will be moderated by Paul Hermanchairman of the board of the Burbank Chamber of Commerce and Carmenita Helligarnew chairman of the board.

The second Candidates Forum is scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, 5:30 p.m. at Luther Burbank Middle School. It will focus on five candidates vying for three full seats in Burbank Unified School District (BUSD) Board of TrusteesThis election marks the first in BUSD history District electionswith candidates representing Trust Areas No. 1, No. 2 and No. 5The moderators of this event will be: Dr. Michael Cusumanoprofessor at Pepperdine University and Trena PitchfordChairman of the Board of Directors of Leadership Burbank.

Voter engagement in these forums is key as BUSD’s upcoming elections reflect a new model for district governance. In 2023, the BUSD Board of Education transitioned from its previous “at-large” format, in which voters elected board members from a single pool, to a “by-district” model that divides the city into five trust areas. Candidates are elected by voters in their respective trust areas but will jointly govern the entire district once in office.

The importance of civic participation is emphasized by the leaders of all three organizations hosting the forums:

Jamie Keyser ThomasThe CEO of the Burbank Chamber of Commerce emphasized:
“Hosting candidate forums is a critical opportunity for our community to engage directly with those who seek to represent us. This ensures an informed electorate and fosters transparent dialogue on the issues that matter most to Burbank.”

Trena PitchfordLeadership Burbank’s board chair shares this sentiment:
“The mission of Leadership Burbank is to engage current and future leaders in service to the greater Burbank community. Our diverse alumni are full of leaders who currently serve or have served as elected officials or volunteers, making an impact on those in need through their work with a local charity or city commission. Civic engagement is incredibly important for an even better Burbank. We are excited to partner with other civic-minded charities to host this nonpartisan forum for every Burbank voter because leadership matters.”

Brenda Etterbeekchairman of the Burbank Arts and Education Foundation, emphasized the importance of the upcoming school board elections:
“As school board elections approach, every vote plays a critical role in shaping the future of our children’s education. School board members make key decisions that impact everything from curriculum development to school safety. By voting, you ensure that our schools have the resources and leadership they need to help students thrive.”

Both Candidate Forums are free and nonpartisan, and expert moderators lead the discussions to ensure all voters have an informative experience. Burbank residents are encouraged to attend and can RSVP at the link below: https://leadershipburbank.org/events.

More information about the upcoming elections can be found at Burbank City Clerk’s Office at https://www.burbankca.gov/web/city-clerks-office/november-5-2024-general-municipal-election.

About the Burbank Chamber of Commerce:

The Burbank Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting local businesses and fostering a vibrant community. Through advocacy, education, and networking, we strive to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life in Burbank. Learn more at www.burbankchamber.org.

About Burbank’s leadership:

Founded nearly 30 years ago, Leadership Burbank offers educational and motivational programs for current and future leaders. Our mission is to advance ideas and solutions that create strong, sustainable, and vibrant communities. For more information, visit http://leadershipburbank.org.

About the Burbank Arts and Education Foundation (BAEF):

BAEF is the only fundraising organization for all Burbank Public Schools. Through grants, BAEF has awarded more than $1.2 million to the Burbank Unified School District for essential programs, equipment and supplies. Learn more at