Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Burlingame public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues with low priority
Meeting relocation to Community Center in 2027
Starting January 2027, all council and commission meetings move to the Maple Room at the Community Center because the old chambers' tech is failing and the new City Hall has no chamber yet. If you attend meetings in person, note the new address.
Public art on the Rosalie O'Mahony bicycle/pedestrian bridge
The mayor wants Burlingame to apply for Caltrans' transportation art program to decorate the bike/ped bridge. Colson suggested using it to relaunch the Art Task Force and create a repeatable process for public art citywide.
Decade-by-Decade History Mural and Public Art
The mayor wants Burlingame to apply for Caltrans' transportation art program to decorate the bike/ped bridge. Colson suggested using it to relaunch the Art Task Force and create a repeatable process for public art citywide.
Potential convention/event center
Hoteliers have pushed for a convention/event center on the Bayfront, but planners found only one site in the plan area meets size requirements — and convention centers are almost always publicly financed, a cost previous councils found hard to justify. Council is ambivalent.
Youth Advisory Committee sustainability initiative
YAC teens announced a sustainability year featuring a thrift fair with upcycling and expanded Bayshore cleanups, plus a full calendar of family events. Councilmembers encouraged including seniors in the upcycling programming.
Make Polluters Pay Climate Super Fund
Student advocates asked the council to pass a resolution supporting the state's climate superfund bill before the January legislative session, citing wildfire smoke, flooding, and sea level rise affecting local communities.
Library private event rentals
The Lane Room can now be rented for private events — including political viewpoints — with a required disclaimer that events aren't city-sponsored, after a resident was turned away from showing a documentary.
Street sweeping and parked cars
The Mayor wants the city to consider parking restrictions on sweeping days — streets are so packed the sweeper can't reach the curbs, which also worsens flooding risk.
Closed Burlingame landfill
Mayor Brownrigg wants a plain-English status report this fall on the closed landfill the city has maintained for 30 years — is it forever, are emissions rising, and how much is Topgolf reimbursing?
Chapin Street / City Hall Civic Plaza
Colson and Brownrigg want Chapin Street in front of the new City Hall re-envisioned as a civic plaza; the adjacent developer may pay for much of it, and a concept will come back to Council.
Downtown Burlingame Avenue assessment renewal
Broadway and downtown businesses will again pay BID assessments funding lighting, plantings, signage, and events. The downtown levy is now billed with business license renewals after a fiscal-year change.