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Meet Nirmala

I'm Nirmala Bandrapalli, a dedicated mother of three, a 20-year Burlingame resident, an experienced program manager and Planning Commission Chair, and a passionate, inclusive community leader.
For over two decades, I've been deeply involved in shaping our city's progress. Years ago, I left my friends, family and my homeland of India, with only $100 in hand, to pursue higher education in the United States. I took a huge leap of faith but knew my steadfast resolve, relentless work ethic, and determination would help me navigate a new culture and way of life.
It is this same resolve and dedication that I have brought to serving the vibrant Burlingame community — a community that has shaped me, inspired me, and given me purpose — for the past two decades. Burlingame is more than  a just a place on map for me; it's  home. where I've flourished as an immigrant, mother, community volunteer, leader, and entrepreneur.
As your candidate for City Council, I bring the proven experience, collaboration, and strategic acumen needed to deliver effective city management.
I understand the importance of inclusion in effectively advocating for all Burlingame residents and would be honored to continue serving you.  I welcome your ideas, engagement, and ask for your vote.

My experience spans various crucial areas of community development:

  • As a former Planning Commission chair, I streamlined processes to enhance our city's growth responsibly.
  • With 13+ years as an emergency preparedness organizer, I've strengthened our community's resilience.
  • My service on school advisory committees has given me insight into the educational needs of our youth.
  • As past president of the Burlingame Lions Club, I've led numerous community service initiatives.

My vision for Burlingame is one of inclusive growth, where every resident feels valued and heard. I'm committed to:

  • Enhancing our city's emergency preparedness
  • Promoting sustainable development that preserves our community's character
  • Improving public transportation accessibility
  • Supporting local businesses while attracting new economic opportunities
  • Ensuring our schools remain top-tier

Endorsements:

David Canepa - SMC Board of Supervisors
Terry Nagel - Ex-Mayor of Burlingame
Diana Reddy - Councilwomen of Redwood City
Ann Schneider - Councilwomen of Millbrae
 
Ken Ibarra - Ex-Mayor of San Bruno
Jack Van Etten - Ex-police chief of Burlingame
Ken Newmann - Ex-Fire Chief of Burlingame
Lawrence Capel - President of Peninsula Health Care District
Ann Hinckle - BNN Board member
Rik Kasuga -BNN Board member and Lion of the Year
Arlene Cauchi - Traffic and Safety Commissioner of City of Burlingame
Katie McCormick - Ex-Burlingame Library board of Trustee
Susan Kokores - SMC, President of Commission on Status of Women 
Anisha Weber - SMC, past-president, Commission on Status of Women
More than 500 residents from District #2 supporting my people powered campaign.

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Latest Endorser of the Campaign

  • Katie McCormick
  • Arleen Cauchi
  • Ken Ibarra
  • Anne Hinckle
  • Rik Kasuga

Endorse Nirmala

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Burlingame!

Your voice matters, and your support can make a world of difference. By endorsing Nirmala’s campaign, you're not just backing a candidate—you're championing a vision for a thriving, inclusive, and progressive Burlingame. Together, we can turn this vision into reality.

Take Action Today!


Be a part of the movement that’s making waves in Burlingame. Your endorsement isn’t just a statement—it’s a call to action.

I am grateful for your contribution and support. Let’s make a difference together!

Endorsements:

David Canepa - SMC Board of Supervisors
Terry Nagel - Ex-Mayor of Burlingame
Diana Reddy - Councilwomen of Redwood City
Ann Schneider - Councilwomen of Millbrae
 
Ken Ibarra - Ex-Mayor of San Bruno
Jack Van Etten - Ex-police chief of Burlingame
Ken Newmann - Ex-Fire Chief of Burlingame
Lawrence Capel - President of Peninsula Health Care District
Ann Hinckle - BNN Board member
Rik Kasuga -BNN Board member and Lion of the Year
Arlene Cauchi - Traffic and Safety Commissioner of City of Burlingame
Katie McCormick - Ex-Burlingame Library board of Trustee
Susan Kokores - SMC, President of Commission on Status of Women 
Anisha Weber - SMC, past-president, Commission on Status of Women
More than 500 residents from District #2 supporting my people powered campaign.

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Priority

asd

Transportation Optimization: Alleviating Traffic Congestion and Enhancing Safety for Burlingame Drivers and Pedestrians

  • The most notorious traffic congestion in Burlingame is at the railroad crossing on Broadway, a major gateway to the city. To improve commutes, I will fix traffic congestion on California Drive. I will work with traffic experts and city staff to implement context-sensitive design to address traffic congestion. I will support the grade separation project, a new initiative that allows for separate rail and road traffic, improving safety and reducing congestion.
  • For Parking: We face parking issues in our city especially in downtown area. I will work with city staff to install sensors and digital signage to guide drivers to open spaces, reducing search traffic. Additionally, investing in smart traffic management systems will enhance efficiency and lower costs for the city.
  • Based on listening to our residents living on Rosedale, Dufferin and other neighborhoods experiencing issues with drivers going at high speed.  To alleviate this issue I will work with the city to install dynamic Speed Display Signs, which use radar to detect and display vehicle speeds.
  • Support the Vision Zero Grant to:

    • Eliminate all traffic-related deaths in the city through a preventative approach that designs streets to anticipate driver behavior. (not sure you can ever “eliminate” all traffic-related injuries or deaths)

    • Address the specific dangers faced by vulnerable road users like students, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income communities

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Meet Nirmala
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