Burbank’s Strategy for Economic Growth

Burbank has successfully attracted a trendy ice cream shop with help from the city’s officials. A city representative emphasized their capability to facilitate quick openings, which convinced Van Leeuwen Ice Cream to choose a location in downtown Burbank. Originally planning to open next year, they managed to start business in time for the summer peak with city support.

Unlike downtown Los Angeles, which is struggling, Burbank’s downtown is thriving. The formula for success includes supporting businesses, addressing homelessness, and maintaining clean streets. These efforts aim to turn downtown into a preferred shopping and dining destination, according to Community Development Director Patrick Prescott.

Burbank fosters a vibrant downtown by combining effective maintenance, outreach, and marketing strategies.

Historically known for its midcentury TV show mentions, Burbank retains landmarks like Bob’s Big Boy, while modernizing its image. The Hollywood Burbank Airport, formerly named after Bob Hope, represents this rebranding. The airport, undergoing a $1.3 billion terminal upgrade, emphasizes Burbank’s growth ambitions.

The city balances its unique businesses with new opportunities. City officials promote Burbank to attract major retailers at shopping and real estate events. This strategy has brought brands like H&M, Sephora, and Philz Coffee, as well as hosting the largest IKEA in the country. Suggestions to apply Burbank’s proactive approach to downtown LA highlight its potential benefits.

With around 100,000 residents daily and double that during working hours, Burbank competes with Glendale, Pasadena, and LA’s Studio City. To retain businesses, officials routinely check on tenant satisfaction.

Burbank plans to add 10,000 downtown housing units, streamlining development approvals. First Street Village, with 275 units and diverse retail options, exemplifies successful city-backed projects. Chris Tourtellotte, an apartment developer, notes Burbank’s job-to-housing imbalance is a major draw for new housing.

Keywords: Burbank, development, businesses, housing

Burbank courts residents from nearby tech-minded areas. A Marina del Rey company has built a 575-unit complex catering to entertainment industry workers. Future plans include a larger complex near the airport, replacing a past Burbank landmark.

Some residents worry about development impacts. Real estate consultant Chris Baer cites past resistance but notes evolving acceptance due to housing needs. As long as development maintains Burbank’s charm, locals are more open to growth, observes Tourtellotte.

Entrepreneur J.C. Reifenberg appreciates Burbank’s convenient amenities, including free parking. Opening a new bar in Burbank, he reflects on the area’s appeal combined with affordability compared to Hollywood.

Downtown Burbank boasts niche businesses attracting dedicated patrons, such as comic book and vintage toy stores. Reifenberg’s future bar plans further highlight Burbank’s supportive environment for such enterprises.