Issues

“From big things like strengthening our city’s financial position, to little things more free bulky item pickups, I am here to be your voice. Let’s keep working together to deliver responsive, accountable government in Cypress!”

David Burke in the community.

Fiscal Responsibility

During my first term on the council I took concrete steps to strengthen Cypress’s financial foundation. I helped push forward a plan to pay down the city's unfunded pension liability by 2030, which will save the city millions over time.

Second, as Mayor, I oversaw an annual budget that ended with a surplus of nearly $4 million. With your support, I will continue to use your tax dollars wisely and fight against wasteful spending.

Source: Event News Enterprise, April 11, 2024.

Source: City Council meeting, January 26, 2026 — remarks by the Finance Director at 1:24:58.

Public Safety

As a council member and mayor, I have voted to add a lieutenant to our police department and supported the use of body-worn cameras to enhance safety for both residents and officers.

I also serve as Cypress’s representative to the Orange County Fire Authority. There, I have voted to ensure that our firefighters have the resources needed to protect residents in Cypress and throughout Orange County.

A Plan For Better Parks

There is nothing I’m more passionate about than improving our local parks. That’s why in 2025, I initiated a process to upgrade playground equipment at parks throughout the city.

We will be accelerating the replacement of equipment, adding shade, and even looking to add more unique amenities like themed playgrounds, all-access equipment, and maybe even a splash pad!

Source: City Council Report, February 24, 2025.

Integrity In Government

Cypress has a sordid history of heavy special interest spending money and mysterious mailers in elections. As someone who wrote a guide to Integrity In Local Government—literally—cleaner elections was one of my top priorities.

That’s why in 2026, I proposed and passed sweeping campaign finance reforms that lowered campaign contribution limits from $5,900 to $1,250, so no single donor can have outsized influence, and enacted new disclosure requirements—so you will know whose money is really supporting local candidates.

Getting The Little Things Right

It’s a council member’s job to not just listen to your concerns, but take action to address them.

That’s why I worked to increase free bulky item pickups for Cypress residents from 2 items per year, up to 40 items per year for single family homes, and up to 16 items per unit for multi-family homes.

I have helped also multiple residents get red curbs painted in their neighborhoods to enhance safety, and taken steps to address illegal dumping.

Getting the little things right can make a huge difference. That’s why I prioritize being available and responsive to your concerns.

Transparency and Accountability

Democracy only works when you have the information you need to hold your elected officials accountable, and the freedom to express your perspective.

As Mayor, I hosted multiple events and a town hall where any resident could ask questions or express concerns. I also voted to allow residents to make public comments virtually, so that you can make your voice heard.

Responsible Development

Cypress is a great place to live. But over time, some change and growth is inevitable. State law has required the city to zone for 3,936 housing units to be built over time. We must strike the right balance of preserving our quality of life while giving new families the chance to join and contribute to our community.

That’s why I support major zoning changes being made with ample input from residents. And taking a proactive approach to protecting public spaces, and limiting the impact of traffic congestion.

Civility, Decency, and Community

It wasn’t long ago that Cypress made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Former council members wasted your tax dollars on avoidable lawsuits and spent more time trying to score political points than on the issues that matter.

Under my leadership and with help from our newest council members, things have improved dramatically. I have led with professionalism and civility. We hired the first woman to serve as Cypress city manager in 70 years. And we have brought residents together by supporting new programs and holding a new, successful interfaith event in 2025.

You deserve a city council that makes you proud, and I will continue to lead with integrity and put problem-solving over politics.

Attracting New Businesses

We have a strong foundation of businesses in Cypress, but I would like us to be more proactive about bringing new types of businesses to our city. Whether it is diverse new restaurants, more entertainment options, or an indoor playground, let’s work together to figure out what would make Cypress even better and make it happen!