As senior member on Council, with a 32-year career of dedicated service as a Burbank Firefighter, Jess Talamantes continues to bring a powerful, new perspective to the Burbank City Council.
Jess was elected in 2009, was named Vice Mayor in 2010, and served as Centennial Mayor during the City’s Centennial Celebration in 2011. He was re-elected in 2013, was named Vice Mayor in 2015 and served his second term as Mayor in 2016. He was re-elected in 2017 and is currently serving as Mayor during his third term.
While he spent many years on the frontlines in public safety, he also passionately worked the sidelines as a coach to Burbank’s young athletes. His attention to youth programs and commitment to their success continues to this day through his 2011-2012 Mayoral theme of ‘A Healthy Burbank.’ Some of the initiatives included “Ride a Bike with the Mayor”, The Mayor’s “Healthy Minute” on the Burbank Channel and the “Let’s Move!” campaign in conjunction with First Lady Michelle Obama.
Jess has also been involved in numerous organizations, boards and commissions, including:
League of California Cities
- State Board of Directors (2018-2020)
- Nominating Committee Member (2019)
- Policy Committee
- Governance, Transparency, and Labor Relations (Chair)
- Administrative Services and Employee Relations
- Finance Committee
- L.A. County Division
- Past-President (2018 & 2021)
- President (2016-2017)
Los Angeles County Commission of Local Governmental Services
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
- San Fernando Valley Service Council Representative
San Fernando Valley Council of Governments
- Chair (2015-2018)
- Vice-Chair (2013-2015)
- Transportation Committee Member (2013-present)
Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG)
- Regional Council Member (2018-2020)
- Transportation Committee Member (Vice Chair 2019-2020)
- Executive & Administrative Committee
- Aviation Task Force Member
- High Speed Rail & Transit Task Force Member
GAIN Federal Credit Union
- Past Chair & Board Member - 31 years
LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency (Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor)
- Los Angeles County Representative
- Board Member (2019-present)
While serving on Council, he also remains an active community member, dedicating his time to youth programs and civic outreach, and has been recognized for the following honors:
- City of Burbank Athletic Walk of Fame Inductee
- Burbank Top Award for Citizenship – presented by Burbank Temporary Aid Center
- Harvester of Faith Award – presented by St. Finbar Catholic Parish
- William Saroyan Leadership Award - presented by Armenian National Committee of America-Burbank
A Burbank resident since 1962, Jess is a graduate of John Burroughs High School. He earned his B.S. in Fire Protection Administration and Technology from California State University at Los Angeles.
He is married to Sandy with whom he raised three grown children – Eric, Scott and Kristin. They have five grandchildren – Lana, Shane, Lilah, Dylan and Reagan.
“Burbank is an extraordinary community with a loyal and dedicated citizenry. I am proud to give back to the City that has enriched my life and the lives of my family.”
- Jess Talamantes
