Mike Van GorderMike Van Gorder

They join their fellow members Marissa Roy and Estuardo Mazariegos on our team of union leaders, renters, tenant organizers, parents, and activists who are running for office to fight for working class values and create real change across Los Angeles.

Mike has an urban planning background and is most proud of his work at HCD to expand how many units can be put on a lot under SB9. He has an actual vision for a thriving Burbank with expanded “missing middle” type density on the main commercial corridors so that people can work, play, AND live in Burbank.

Elect Mike van Gorder for City Council to keep Burbank on the right track for progress. Mike Van Gorderis a state housing policy expert, tenants’ rights activist, and community organizer. He is a senior housing policy specialist for the State of California, a Burbank planning commissioner, and founder of the Glendale Tenants Union. Van Gorder’s priorities include combating the housing crisis, boosting worker power, protecting public education, and standing up for all Burbankers.

We endorsed two candidates here: Mike van Gorder and Nolan Southerland. Mike is well-established in Burbank’s political life with years of visible advocacy in Burbank, particularly resisting the Trump Administration and ICE. He has been a regular at DSA-LA meetings, particularly in the SFV branch, and before moving to Burbank he was a cofounder of the Glendale Tenants Union. Both candidates have been endorsed by DSA-LA, Konstantine Anthony, UNITE HERE Local 11, the Working Families Party, and socialist sci-fi writer and Burbank resident Cory Doctorow (IYKYK). Mike has additionally been endorsed by the Burbank Teachers Association, SEIU Local 1000, the LA County Democratic Party, and influential local Corgi The Baroness Cocoa Bean Goodlady.