Burbank City Council Special Meeting - May 20, 2026

The Burbank City Council held a special meeting on May 20, 2026, primarily to discuss the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (Metro) North Hollywood to Pasadena Corridor Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project and the implications of California Senate Bill 79 (SB79) on local land use and transit-oriented development. The council received a detailed update from city staff on the project status, the ongoing disagreement with Metro regarding the configuration of bus lanes on Olive Avenue, and the potential impacts of SB79, which mandates increased housing density near transit stops. Public comment was extensive, with residents expressing divided opinions on the dedicated bus lanes versus mixed-flow lanes, concerns about traffic congestion, neighborhood character, safety, and housing density. The council discussed the legal challenges, including Metro's recent lawsuit against the city for denial of permits related to the project. Staff outlined possible policy options, including maintaining mixed-flow lanes, implementing part-time dedicated lanes during peak hours, or full dedicated lanes, each with different implications for SB79 applicability and community impact. No final vote was taken, but council members expressed varying views, with some advocating for continued negotiation and compromise, while others favored litigation and firm opposition to Metro's current plans. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn and a plan to continue discussions in a future joint meeting.