District 1 Council Member· 2022-2026
Melanie Burkholder
Carlsbad
About
Melanie Burkholder's campaign centers heavily on maintaining the distinct character of the city while prioritizing public safety measures for residents. Her platform focuses on addressing core community concerns related to local governance, safety, and neighborhood preservation.
Campaign promises (2)
- public-safetyMelanie Burkholder campaigned on prioritizing public safety as a key issue for the city.Related votes
- developmentMelanie Burkholder emphasized the preservation of city character as a central platform focus.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 32
- Total speaking time
- 3:09:26
- Avg per meeting
- 5:55
- Segments
- 3449
Want every word Burkholder has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Burkholder said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Top issues during term (20)
State and Federal Legislative Advocacy & Bill Tracking
The platform shapes which state and federal grant funding Carlsbad pursues next year.
Regional Coastal Sand Nourishment and Retention
Emergency repairs and study costs involve ongoing municipal and potentially state expenditures.
Federal Funding for Carlsbad Village Railroad Double Track Trenching
Brings $1 million in federal grant funds to the city.
State Homelessness Funding Access (AB 1708)
Potential future budget allocations or grant distributions toward local shelter operators.
Fairfield Apartments at Bressi Ranch Development
Property values and local economic activity could shift depending on whether industrial or residential development occurs.
Library and Cultural Arts Funding
Repair costs are expected to be covered by insurance, with Public Works coordinating the restoration.
Capital Improvement Projects and Park Upgrades
A construction contract of $5,683,957 plus additional fund appropriations from the Infrastructure Maintenance and Replacement Fund.
E-Bike Safety and Regulation
City resources are allocated toward police enforcement, educational campaigns, and digital infrastructure like the e-bike reporting portal.
Housing Affordability and High-Density Development Concerns
Macroeconomic trends affect local tax revenues, business operating costs, and workforce retention across Carlsbad.
Emergency Bluff Erosion Repairs Near Encinas Creek Bridge
Funded through emergency capital improvement project reserves.
Barrio pedestrian lighting project completed
$5 million in federal money funded the project at no cost to local taxpayers.
Commercial Drone Delivery Concerns
Housing Trust Fund Annual Report & Fund Balance
Involves a $14 million fund balance, $510,000 in bridge funding for Tyler Court apartments, and an $850,000 commitment for Chestnut Apartments rehab.
local elections
Your vote in November directly impacts how city funds are managed and allocated for local services.
Growth Management Program Open Space Performance Standard
Acquiring open space involves city capital funds and potential grant opportunities.
Senior Center Nutrition and Meal Program
County transit unit allocations provide partial reimbursement for senior transit services.
CERT Emergency Preparedness Program
Expedited state permitting and procurement could save the city money and time on emergency response projects.
Veterans Memorial Park Recognition Design and Features
Estimated construction costs of $475,000 will require City Council authorization from the Citywide Facilities District No. 1 Fund.
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Arts Commission Work Plan
Gallery operations and biennial awards funded through municipal cultural arts allocations and sponsorships.
Traffic Noise and Enforcement on Carlsbad Boulevard
Absorbed within existing police department operational budgets.
Decisions during term (284)
Recorded while Burkholder was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Approval of minutes for the Sept. 23, 2026 regular meeting
Adoption of resolution approving the 2027 regular meeting calendar
Approval of the FY 2025-26 California Public Libraries Survey
Approval of minutes — September 8, 2026 regular meeting
Approval of minutes — September 8, 2026
Approval of June 25, 2026 and August 27, 2026 Meeting Minutes
Adoption of 2027 Senior Commission Meeting Calendar
Acceptance of 2027 Senior Commission Work Plan
Approval of Minutes
Consent Calendar (Items 1-5)
Mayoral Appointment of Two Members to the Arts Commission
Community Development Block Grant Fiscal Year 2027-28 Funding Plan
ACCEPTANCE OF DONATION OF THREE AED UNITS AND SECURED CABINETS FROM CITY SOCCER CLUB-CARLSBAD – Adoption of a resolution accepting a donation of three automated external defibrillator units and secured cabinets from City Soccer…
CITY MANAGER AUTHORITY TO SIGN RIGHT-OF-WAY PERMITS AND AGREEMENTS FROM NORTH COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT – Adoption of a resolution expanding the authority previously delegated to the City Manager to execute North County Transit District…
Approval of July 14, 2026 Meeting Minutes
Adoption of the 2027 Community-Police Engagement Commission Regular Meeting Calendar
Fiscal Year 2025-26 Housing Trust Fund Annual Report
Minutes of September 16, 2026
Reschedule Item 4 to First Departmental Report
Fairfield Apartments at Bressi Ranch - SDP 2024-0009
Voting record (22)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.
Consent Calendar (Items 1-6)
Ordinance No. CS-520: All-Way Stop Controls
Carlsbad Village Railroad Trench Project MOU
Recommend Veterans Recognition Elements, Donation Amounts, and Estimated Construction Costs
to adopt Resolution No. 2026-163 with the addition of the parking condition as proposed by staff and agreed to by the project applicant as follows: Resolution No. 2026-163 Exhibit 1 4. That the follo
Mixed-Use Development at 840 Carlsbad Village Drive (Rincon CVD)
Voted against the project due to concerns over parking shortages in the Village and the reliance on optional mechanical lifts.
to adopt Ordinance No. CS-517.
Direction to Staff on Onshore Oil and Gas Facilities Ban
Opposition to State Housing, Planning, and Water Bills
Voted to oppose bills that limit local control and impose administrative burdens on city planning and infrastructure.
Watch Positions on Energy and Public Safety Bills
Agreed to place measures on watch pending further clarification on consumer protections and operational impacts.
Adoption of Legislative Positions on State Bills
Approval of March 10, 2026 Meeting Minutes
Adoption of State Legislative Positions
Anti-Bullying in Carlsbad Public Places Resolution
Believes behavioral intervention is primarily a parent and school district issue rather than a municipal government function.