Wendy Bucknum
Mayor · District 5 · first elected 2014 · current term 2022–2026 · next on the ballot 2026
187
votes on the record
93%
present
1
times voted No (0.6%)
$6,975
raised · 7 donors
0 abstentions · 0 recusals · record covers 2024-01-09 to 2026-07-14.
Official bio: Mission Viejo website
Photo: official www.missionviejo.gov (source).
Votes on divided items (25)
| Date | Item | Vote | Outcome | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-05-26 | and (3) Adopt Resolution 26-26 Amending the FY 2025/26 Capital Improvement Program. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 3-1 passed | record |
| 2026-04-28 | 16) for geotechnical services for CIP (341), in an amount not to exceed $57,300.00. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 3-1 passed | record |
| 2026-02-10 | Multisport Festival as described in Exhibit D and provide direction to City staff. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-1 passed | record |
| 2025-12-09 | Member Kelley, to appoint Council Member Goodell to serve as Mayor Pro Tem in 2026. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 3-1 passed | record |
| 2025-11-11 | $50k for the 250th Anniversary of America as a separate motion at a future meeting. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-1 passed | record |
| 2025-11-11 | djusting the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Budget to Assign Additional General Fund Reserves. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-1 passed | record |
| 2025-10-28 | (d) Establishing Terms of Office and Election Dates for the City Council Districts. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 3-1 passed | record |
| 2025-09-23 | t a two-year term shall be considered a full term at the next City Council meeting. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 3-2 passed | record |
| 2025-09-23 | d Deposit Schedule with Team Netherlands. City Council Minutes 6 September 23, 2025 On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-1 passed | record |
| 2025-09-09 | Bucknum to approve the recommended action. City Council Minutes 6 September 9, 2025 On roll call, said motion failed by the following vote: | Yes | 2-2 failed | record |
| 2025-04-22 | o provide funding from City reserves for the Sierra Recreation Center Rehabilitation On roll call, said motion failed by the following vote: | No | 1-3 failed | record |
| 2025-04-08 | the Implementation of the Flock Safety Automated License Plate Recognition System. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-1 passed | record |
| 2025-03-25 | the installation costs of approximately $2,540 after they have paid for the signage. On roll call, said motion failed by the following vote: | Absent | 2-1 passed | record |
| 2025-01-28 | 0. Motion died for lack of second. City Council Minutes 4 January 28, 2025 On roll call, said original motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-1 passed | record |
| 2024-12-10 | econded by Mayor Kelley to appoint Wendy Bucknum to serve as Mayor Pro Tem in 2025. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-1 passed | record |
| 2024-07-09 | the most humane means possible for the health, safety and welfare of the community. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-1 passed | record |
| 2024-06-25 | ective July 1, 2024, and Authorized Position Schedule to be Effective July 6, 2024. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-1 passed | record |
| 2024-05-14 | d Community Services Mark Nix to meet with the Dutch NOC at the 2024 Olympic Games. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-1 passed | record |
| 2024-04-23 | ttendance by representatives of the City and/or Sport & Economic Tourism Committee. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-1 passed | record |
| 2024-04-09 | p 2 (1) Los Oso, (2) Performing Arts Center, and (3) Golf Course parking structure. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-1 passed | record |
| 2024-04-09 | ed by Council Member Goodell, to move the previous question and end the discussion. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-1 passed | record |
| 2024-03-26 | ursuing purchase and sales agreement for the CVS property or the Big Lots property. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-1 passed | record |
| 2024-02-27 | icipants goody bag with coupons for local restaurants and business within the City. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-1 passed | record |
| 2024-02-27 | dell, to approve an additional in-kind $10,000 to be matched by private sponsorship. On roll call, said motion failed by the following vote: | Yes | 2-3 failed | record |
| 2024-01-23 | re (Proposition 1) and omit wording referring to “multi- family residential zones”. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 3-1 passed | record |
Most recent votes
| Date | Item | Vote | Outcome | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-07-14 | , seconded by Council Member Ruesch to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-07-14 | issue a purchase order to Stotz Equipment for a not to exceed amount of $93,936.05. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-07-14 | y tax allocation pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code sections 99(b)(6) and 99.02. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-07-14 | the most humane means possible for the health, safety and welfare of the community. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-23 | , seconded by Council Member Kelley to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-23 | $700,000.00, and with the option to extend the agreement for two additional years. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-23 | Viejo Agreement for Contract Services for the Mission Viejo Thrives Grant Program. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-09 | , seconded by Council Member Kelley to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-09 | ee schedule. The correct version is attached to the resolution as the fee schedule. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-09 | ewly elected Council Members on December 8, 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-09 | amount not to exceed $35,000 for overtime related to special enforcement services. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-05-26 | seconded by Council Member Ruesch, to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-05-26 | and (3) Adopt Resolution 26-26 Amending the FY 2025/26 Capital Improvement Program. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 3-1 passed | record |
| 2026-05-12 | seconded by Council Member Ruesch, to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-05-12 | ssion Viejo General Plan, as Required Pursuant to Government Code Section 65302(g). On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-05-12 | identified in the Housing Plan of the City's 6th Cycle (2021-2029) Housing Element. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-28 | seconded by Council Member Kelley, to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-28 | 16) for geotechnical services for CIP (341), in an amount not to exceed $57,300.00. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 3-1 passed | record |
| 2026-04-28 | or Pro Tem Goodell, to approve the Proposed State and Federal Legislative Platform. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-14 | seconded by Council Member Ruesch, to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-14 | Bike/Pedestrian Trail Open Space Project CIP 22333 and Adjustments in Certain Funds On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-14 | solution 26-02 Approving Receipt and Use of CDBG funds for Affordable Housing Loan. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-03-24 | seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Goodell, to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-03-24 | n made by Council Ruesch, seconded by Council Member Kelley, to receive the report. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-03-24 | e" and schedule the adoption for the City Council's next scheduled regular meeting. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-02-24 | sion. Motion made by Mayor Bucknum, to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-02-24 | list of Resources to the City's Website with the Government web pages listed first. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-02-24 | taff to plan and coordinate a City of Mission Viejo America 250 Celebration Parade. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-02-24 | m Adjustments by the Community Services Commission for the Senior Mobility Program. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-02-10 | seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Goodell, to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-02-10 | exceed $559,689.00 for transportation engineering services for the subject project. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-02-10 | 2026 Orange County Multisport Festival in Mission Viejo on Sunday, April 26, 2026. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-02-10 | Multisport Festival as described in Exhibit D and provide direction to City staff. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-1 passed | record |
| 2026-02-10 | rtain Revenue Sources and Operating and Capital Improvement Program Appropriations. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-01-13 | seconded by Council Member Ruesch, to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-01-13 | ppoint Council Member Ruesch to the Orange County Fire Authority Board of Directors On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-01-13 | es and Council Member Vasquez as alternate. City Council Minutes 6 January 13, 2026 On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-12-09 | Bucknum, seconded by Mayor Ruesch, to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-12-09 | on with the Resolution and the NOA process. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: City Council Minutes 6 December 9, 2025 | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-12-09 | Viejo, and (3) authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement on behalf of the City. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-12-09 | Viejo, and (3) authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement on behalf of the City. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-12-09 | Member Kelley, to appoint Council Member Goodell to serve as Mayor Pro Tem in 2026. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 3-1 passed | record |
| 2025-11-11 | seconded by Council Member Kelley, to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-11-11 | de by Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum, seconded by Council Member Kelley, to divide question. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-11-11 | and Re-Budget of Certain Revenues from Fiscal Year 2024/25 to Fiscal Year 2025/26. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-11-11 | djusting the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Budget to Assign Additional General Fund Reserves. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-1 passed | record |
| 2025-11-11 | $50k for the 250th Anniversary of America as a separate motion at a future meeting. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-1 passed | record |
| 2025-10-28 | seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum, to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-10-28 | Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum, to approve Mission Viejo Library Display Schedule for 2026. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-10-28 | Alcohol Beverage Consumption" Regulation at City facilities for a community event. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-10-28 | (d) Establishing Terms of Office and Election Dates for the City Council Districts. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 3-1 passed | record |
| 2025-10-14 | seconded by Council Member Kelley, to approve the Consent calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-09-23 | seconded by Council Member Kelley, to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-09-23 | ifornia Fire Code relative to local climatic, topographic, and geologic conditions. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-09-23 | d Deposit Schedule with Team Netherlands. City Council Minutes 6 September 23, 2025 On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-1 passed | record |
| 2025-09-23 | t a two-year term shall be considered a full term at the next City Council meeting. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 3-2 passed | record |
| 2025-09-09 | seconded by Council Member Kelley, to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-09-09 | by Reference the 2025 California Fire Code, with Certain Amendments and Deletions. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-09-09 | mend Chapter 3.16 of the Mission Viejo Municipal Code Regarding Demands and Claims. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-09-09 | Bucknum to approve the recommended action. City Council Minutes 6 September 9, 2025 On roll call, said motion failed by the following vote: | Yes | 2-2 failed | record |
| 2025-08-26 | seconded by Council Member Goodell, to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Absent | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-07-08 | seconded by Council Member Kelley, to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-07-08 | e by Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum, seconded by Council Member Kelley, to receive and file. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-07-08 | $68,458.00, and (2) adopted Resolution 25-28 Amending FY 2025/26 Operating Budget. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-07-08 | tee, Legislative Committee, Policy Committees and Technical Working groups support. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-06-24 | seconded by Council Member Kelley, to approve the consent calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-06-24 | ating Funds and approvals of process and commencement for the FY 2025/26 only items On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-06-10 | r Kelley, seconded by Mayor Ruesch, to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Absent | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-06-10 | mal Services, Library, Planning, and Recreation Programs and Oso Creek Golf Course. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Absent | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-05-27 | seconded by Council Member Kelley, to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-05-27 | SZ) maps, without revisions, pursuant to California State Law and Related Findings. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-05-27 | amount not to exceed $35,000 for overtime related to special enforcement services. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-04-22 | seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum, to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-04-22 | o provide funding from City reserves for the Sierra Recreation Center Rehabilitation On roll call, said motion failed by the following vote: | No | 1-3 failed | record |
| 2025-04-08 | seconded by Council Member Kelley, to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-04-08 | al Code Titled "Group Home and Sober Living Home Regulations" and Related Findings. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-04-08 | the Implementation of the Flock Safety Automated License Plate Recognition System. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-1 passed | record |
| 2025-03-25 | seconded by Council Member Goodell to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Absent | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-03-25 | lectrical installation services for the Atrium building Air Conditioning Equipment. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Absent | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-03-25 | the installation costs of approximately $2,540 after they have paid for the signage. On roll call, said motion failed by the following vote: | Absent | 2-1 passed | record |
| 2025-03-11 | , seconded by Council Member Kelley to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-03-11 | 2026 and $151,874 in 2026-2027 as recommended by the Community Services Commission. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-02-25 | seconded by Council Member Kelley, to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-02-25 | l Year 2024-2025 Budget for Costs Related to Capital Improvement Project CIP 01756. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-02-25 | with Water Conservation Grant of $170,899.99 from the Metropolitan Water District. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-02-11 | conded by Council Member Goodell to approve the Consent Calendar as outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-01-28 | conded by Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum, to approve the Consent Calendar as outlined below. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-01-28 | 0. Motion died for lack of second. City Council Minutes 4 January 28, 2025 On roll call, said original motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 4-1 passed | record |
| 2025-01-14 | ove the Consent Calendar as outlined below. City Council Minutes 3 January 14, 2025 On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-01-14 | uncil Member Vasquez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum, to appoint Ross Kesselman. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-01-14 | by Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum, seconded by Council Member Kelley to appoint Steve Park. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-01-14 | n made by Mayor Ruesch, seconded by Council Member Kelley to appoint Brent Cranmer. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-01-14 | uncil Member Kelley to appoint Joseph Blum. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: City Council Minutes 8 January 14, 2025 | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-01-14 | Council Member Kelley, seconded by Council Member Goodell to appoint Robert Breton. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-01-14 | Council Member Vasquez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum to appoint LaVal Brewer. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-01-14 | ayor Pro Tem Bucknum, seconded by Council Member Goodell to appoint Peter Molinari. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-01-14 | on made by Mayor Ruesch, seconded by Council Member Goodell to appoint Gary Disney. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-01-14 | r Kelley to appoint himself to the Orange County Fire Authority Board of Directors. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-01-14 | yor Pro Tem Bucknum to appoint Saga Conroy. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: City Council Minutes 6 January 14, 2025 | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-01-14 | e by Council Member Kelley, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum to appoint Pam Smith. On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote: | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
† Recorded in the minutes as a unanimous vote with attendance listed; individual positions follow from the unanimous result. All other rows are explicit roll calls from the official record.
Campaign funding (2022 cycle)
Where the money comes from
Council Brief's grouping of the employer/occupation each donor self-reports on FPPC Form 460 — a categorization of those self-reported fields, not an official designation and not a claim about influence. Bar length is contribution total.
Largest contributors
| Contributor | Employer / occupation (as reported) | Total |
|---|---|---|
| H McNeish | Confluent Development | $2,000 |
| Brad Ahrens | Concord Development Partners | $2,000 |
| Community Legacy Fund Local PAC | $1,000 | |
| Lincoln Club of OC State PAC C/O Campaign Compliance Group | $1,000 | |
| South OC Economic PAC #1351921 | $500 | |
| Sempra Energy | $250 | |
| Robin Robinson | Fuscoe Engineering | $225 |
Itemized contributions of $100+ to this official's controlled campaign committee, as disclosed on FPPC Form 460 under California's Political Reform Act. Official filing. We publish the funding record as public fact and draw no inference about any vote.
Compiled from official adopted minutes and meeting records; every line links to its source document. This is a neutral public record — Council Brief does not rate or endorse officials.