Tustin Mayor Austin Lumbard is seeking a second term ahead of the Nov. 3 election, highlighting his record on public safety, neighborhood development and the city’s response to a devastating military hangar fire as he seeks another four years leading the Orange County community.
Lumbard, who became Tustin’s first directly elected mayor in 2022, has emphasized preserving the city’s quality of life while continuing development projects, including the transformation of the former Marine Corps Air Station Tustin into a mixed-use community known as Tustin Legacy.
In a statement published by the city about the development’s future, Lumbard emphasized the importance of involving residents in decisions about the property.
“The past, present and future of Tustin Legacy is vital to our city’s identity and long-term vision. As we plan for what’s ahead, we remain dedicated to transparency and meaningful community engagement,” Lumbard said.
The project has become a major issue for city leadership. According to Tustin’s development figures, approximately 1,000 acres have been developed, including 4,258 residential units, 655 affordable housing units and 95 acres of parks.
The city’s response to the 2023 North Hangar fire also shaped Lumbard’s first term. In June 2024, the Navy pledged up to $88 million in reimbursements for the city’s emergency response costs and contractual obligations.
Responding to the Navy’s reimbursement agreement, Lumbard welcomed the additional federal commitment.
“We appreciate the Navy’s continued cooperation and its latest pledge to make the City’s finances whole,” Lumbard said.
Lumbard, who previously served on the Tustin Planning Commission and was elected to the City Council in 2018, has made support for law enforcement, neighborhood improvements and education central to his reelection campaign. His listed endorsements include the Tustin Police Officers Association and Orange County Professional Firefighters.
The mayor faces former Tustin Mayor Letitia Clark, who is campaigning on economic development, infrastructure, public safety and community engagement.
Clark, in a statement on her campaign website, described her previous leadership and priorities for the city.
“Tustin deserves a mayor who knows the community and shows up—through the hard times and the hopeful ones,” Clark said.
The election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3, according to the City of Tustin’s official candidate list.
