BURBANK WORKING TO ATTRACT HIGH-TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES.

Byline: Dave McNary Daily News Staff Writer

WANTED: Computer companies sought by famous media city. Benefits include living in same neighborhood as Mickey Mouse and Wile E. Coyote.

That was the message from a top Burbank official at a Wednesday breakfast meeting of business people in the city Johnny Carson loved to tease. Vice Mayor Stacey Murphy said Burbank - renowned as home to The Walt Disney Co., Warner Bros. and NBC's West Coast operations - wants to diversify its employment base.

``We are very interested in attracting computer companies,'' Murphy told an audience of about 50 at a presentation hosted by City National Bank.

Murphy explained that the recruitment of high-tech firms is part of an effort by city officials and redevelopment staffers to deal with the city's loss of 12,000 heavy manufacturing jobs, mostly from the departures of Lockheed Corp. and Zero Corp.

Murphy said the strategy, which also includes trying to attract major car dealerships for their retail tax strength, makes sense because it would help insulate Burbank's economy from project-driven employment fluctuations typical of media companies. As for altering Burbank's reputation as a worldwide media hotbed, Murphy indicated she is not concerned, adding, ``I think diversifying could enhance our image.''

Murphy said the city, which currently has 92,000 jobs and 104,000 residents, began pursuing the diversification strategy during the past year. But it's likely Burbank will remain a media hub for the foreseeable future, what with more than 700 media-entertainment companies in the city.