About Ann
A lifelong passion for Burlingame
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As a twenty-eight year resident of Burlingame, I care about our city. I have lived in Burlingame for most of my life, starting off as a child in my parent’s house, going to school in the city, and now as a Burlingame Planning Commissioner with my husband and wonderful two children.
My civic involvement in Burlingame started at an early age, when I was just starting in the sixth grade. My mother and father, Katie and Denis O’Brien, both exuberant participants in Burlingame’s history, would take me to city council meetings. I, being a quite precocious 12 year old, thought the meetings boring and in so many words, told my mother so. My mother answered that you can never complain about your community unless you plan on doing something about it, and the way to do something about it was through city government. And that’s how it all started. I’ve realized that city council activities and meetings, while maybe not exciting for 12 year olds, are often lively and the decisions made by city council are what most impact our day-to-day lives in Burlingame. As my parents taught me so many years ago, if you’re going to complain about something, you better do something to fix it, and ever since, Burlingame has been a part of me, and I’ve been a part of Burlingame.
Growing up in Burlingame
After my primary and secondary education in Burlingame, I attended the University of San Francisco and graduated with a B.S. and M.S. in Nursing with an emphasis on Nursing Administration. 
I worked as an RN and clinical educator. My husband Sean works in San Francisco. My daughter Kerry, who is 10, attends school in Burlingame, and KateRose, who is 3, is looking forward to joining her sister in school as soon as she is old enough to attend.
Commitment to Service and to Burlingame
My commitment to and engagement with the children and other residents of Burlingame extends beyond city government. I have been an ardent supporter of our schools, I have coached basketball for 3 years, and I have helped with a variety of school festivals and school fundraising dinner-dance auctions. I served for two years on the board of the Burlingame Mothers Club, an organization with over 500 families. I volunteered as Financial Secretary and also served as the “in-a-pinch” coordinator, responsible for logistical meal planning for expectant mothers and families with special circumstances. I also volunteered in the school library and continue to use my nursing training, assisting in the school’s health office.
As part of my community involvement, I was nominated to participate as one of 30 people in the county in the city leadership program sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce organizations of Burlingame San Mateo, Hillsborough, and Foster City. Through the program, I’ve had the opportunity to build relationships with leaders from across the county and consider solutions to challenges facing our neighboring cities. As part of this program, I am working to increase student awareness of college and career options at a San Mateo Elementary School where students currently have little awareness of their life options,
For several years now, I’ve attended meetings on planning for a new teen center, the city’s goal setting and budget meetings, Citizens for a Better Burlingame forums, and City Council meetings. Last year, I was on the committee for the city’s first-ever Pet Parade, and this year will continue my efforts on the committee, attracting hundreds of dogs and their owners to Broadway.
I am working with merchants on Broadway to look at the future of the business district and I am working with them in developing a vision for what Broadway will be next year and in 10 years. Merchant, resident, and visitor input will be used to help solidify a vision for the neighborhood and help guide Burlingame’s future.
Serving Burlingame as Planning Commissioner
I have been a Planning Commissioner for 7 years, and am now serving my second term. Nothing is more important to being a successful Planning Commissioner than ensuring that Burlingame always maintains its character and charm – it’s why residents live here and businesses operate here, while at the same time, balancing the city’s character with the critical need for growth. Growth is essential to address housing shortages, provide businesses with viable places to do business, and importantly, to ensure the long-term vitality of our city. As a Planning Commissioner I performed residential and commercial design reviews, ensuring approved projects met with residents’ expectations.
As Chairperson of the Planning Commission during the peak of the Safeway discussions, I pushed Safeway to develop a plan which better met the needs of the city’s existing businesses and residents, I voted for, and the Planning Commission approved the new Peninsula Hospital project, which will provide necessary critical care capabilities to the Peninsula. I supported an updated North End Plan that proposes higher density housing along El Camino to begin to address our city’s housing shortage.
Representing all of Burlingame on City Council
Citizens and business owners have asked me to become a City Councilor in order to establish their voice and address their concerns on city council. I’ve worked hard for the citizens of Burlingame, and am now serving my seventh year as a Planning Commissioner. I’ve served as Planning Commission Chair, have served on the Neighborhood Consistency Group, and worked on the Specific Area Plans for both the North End and Bayfront. My passion for Burlingame and vision for the city extend beyond just its homes and buildings. Important issues affecting the citizens of Burlingame aren’t being addressed, and this is why people have asked me to become a city councilor, and why I am privileged and honored to serve on city council.
Burlingame is who I am. As a lifelong resident of Burlingame I am committed to its citizens, businesses, and the city as a whole, so that Burlingame will be a great place for our generation, for our children, and for their children as well.
This is an all-too brief overview of who I am, how I got here, and why I am so passionate about Burlingame’s future. For more information on the important issues affecting Burlingame, to get involved, or just to chat with me, find additional information on this site, or join me at an upcoming event. Together, you and I will make Burlingame a great city today and in the future.
Ann Keighran
