For over 30 years, Lon Burnam has fought to revitalize Forth Worth and bring additional economic opportunities to Tarrant County. The son of the late Earl and Alma Burnam, the values of community and service were instilled in Lon at a young age.
A product of Fort Worth public schools, Lon graduated from UT-Austin and received a master’s degree from UT-Arlington. And when faced with the opportunity to move somewhere else, Lon chose to return to Fort Worth and help solve our problems.
Lon has seen first hand the struggles that Fort Worth has faced over the past few decades. As a city planner, Lon understands the complex issues that shape our neighborhoods. He has worked tirelessly to revitalize neighborhoods by promoting sustainable growth and supporting small businesses.
As our State Representative, Lon Burnam has been a champion for Fort Worth families. He has earned a reputation for being a passionate advocate for his constituents and he’s not afraid to take on any challenge. Over the past fourteen years, he has stood up to protect our children and give them opportunities to succeed.
In 1999, Lon helped create the TEXAS Grants program, to make sure that well-prepared high school graduates can attend college, regardless of their financial need. Since then, TEXAS Grants have helped tens of thousands of children from working families go to Texas colleges and universities.
Lon has also co-authored legislation to improve accountability in our public schools, reduce drop-outs, and support our teachers. But his most crucial education work came this year when he stood up against the Tea Party Republicans and fought to keep them from firing thousands of teachers and increasing our class sizes.
Lon has dedicated his life as a public servant because he believes that everyone should have the chance to succeed, not just some of us. Immigration advocates, UT-Arlington, and conservationists are just a few of the organizations who have recently honored him.
Lon has been happily married to Carol Roark for over 32 years and they live in the Fairmount neighborhood of Fort Worth. Lon is a lifetime member of the NAACP and the Sierra Club.