Burbank is a city in Los Angeles County in the Los Angeles metropolitan area of Southern California, United States, 12 miles (19 km) northwest of downtown Los Angeles, in the southeastern end of the San Fernando Valley. The population at the 2010 census was 103,340.
Billed as the “Media Capital of the World” and only a few miles northeast of Hollywood, numerous media and entertainment companies are headquartered or have significant production facilities in Burbank, including Warner Bros. Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company, Nickelodeon Animation Studios, The Burbank Studios, Cartoon Network Studios with the West Coast branch of Cartoon Network, and Insomniac Games. The Hollywood Burbank Airport was the location of Lockheed’s Skunk Works, which produced some of the most secret and technologically advanced airplanes, including the U-2 spy planes that uncovered the Soviet Union missile components in Cuba in October 1962.
Burbank consists of two distinct areas: a downtown/foothill section, in the foothills of the Verdugo Mountains, and the flatland section.
The city was referred to as “Beautiful Downtown Burbank” on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. The city was named after David Burbank, a New Hampshire–born dentist and entrepreneur who established a sheep ranch there in 1867.
In 2008 and 2010, the City of Burbank was named one of the nation’s 100 Best Communities for Young People for its efforts to provide experiential and multi-faceted learning opportunities for its youth.
Expanding upon its community engagement and transparency efforts, while incorporating emerging technology, the City created and continues to pro-actively implement a comprehensive communications program utilizing various forms of media, including a revamped website launched in 2009. Residents, business owners and visitors can browse the City’s website and access up to date information on City and community events, City Council meetings, take advantage of City programs and services, and so on. Additionally, communications with employees, residents and businesses are improved through an electronic newsletter and monthly newsletter mailed with each utility bill.
Throughout its 100 year history, Burbank has embodied a forward-thinking city that provides a high quality of life and strong sense of community to its residents. In keeping with this tradition, the City will continue to combine 21st century technology with the same small town feel that will make Burbank an ideal place to live, work and play for years to come.