Pasadena · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pasadena public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Urban Coyote Conflict Management
Pasadena is holding a free coyote workshop Saturday so wildlife experts can explain coyote behavior and how to keep them out of your yard. A new city-commissioned report also points to overflowing trash and litter as a big reason coyotes stick around. Translation: better trash habits may be part of the fix.
Flock surveillance technology
Multiple speakers raised concerns about the city's Flock license plate readers, data sharing with federal agencies, and a proposed $3.6 million real-time crime center in the budget, urging a moratorium and a comprehensive privacy program. The Flock discussion continues at the April 15 Public Safety Committee meeting.
Rose Bowl lease dispute
Speakers urged the council to pause eviction proceedings against the 80-year-old Rose Bowl Riders equestrian group and meet with its leadership, saying communication has broken down.
Rent stabilization fair-return delays
The Rental Housing Board's first annual report shows 25 evictions rescinded and district data revealing Districts 6 and 7 lead in at-risk housing indicators. Councilmembers pressed for performance metrics and acknowledgment of the rocky rollout.
Motel voucher shortage and homelessness enforcement data
The point-in-time count was received and filed but referred to the Homeless and Housing Planning Committee. A housing advocate reported over 300 unsheltered residents, fully subscribed motel vouchers, and asked for monthly public dashboards and more funding.
November 2026 ballot measure positions
Facing a structural deficit, the council is weighing new taxes for the November ballot. It unanimously directed staff to draft a fire-focused parcel tax covering station rebuilds, a new station, headquarters and a training center, and will revisit a parking tax next week. Housing advocates pushed a real property transfer tax for affordable housing instead.
Local hiring goals on city construction contracts
Councilmembers pressed for real local hiring on the library project and Lyon said he'll bring a community benefits agreement policy forward. The city manager agreed to monthly reports and real-time payroll tracking.
Caltrans tenants and AB 2329
Multiple tenants described decades of deferred maintenance, health hazards, and pressure in the Caltrans home sale process, urging the city to demand a moratorium on sales and removal of Caltrans and Veterans Realty Group from the process.
City Budget Workshop Postponed
The budget workshop continuation didn't happen because the safe parking hearing ran so long — budget priorities and mid-year adjustment protocols will be taken up another night.
State Route 710 relinquishment
The council set the direction for redeveloping the 50-acre former 710 freeway stub: at least 1,800 homes, a new boulevard and linear park, tax-increment financing, and a carbon-neutral district designation. Restorative justice elements for the displaced neighborhoods were split off for a later meeting. Actual construction is years away — this vote starts the entitlement and environmental review process.
Earthquake Retrofit Grants for Apartment Owners
Pasadena apartment owners who’ve been ordered to earthquake-retrofit their buildings can now apply for state grants to help cover the work. That could mean lower retrofit costs getting passed on to renters.
Rental Housing Board fee authority dispute
An apartment association spokesman told the council that proposed new rent board fees for parking, pets and short repairs exceed the city charter's authority and could trigger litigation.
Arboleda Drive and Mesita Road Landmark Districts
Public hearings were set for August 17 on designating two new landmark districts with matching overlay zoning.
Health Department Reorganization
Pasadena is reorganizing its city-run health department into four divisions. Since it’s one of only three city-run health departments in California, the shake-up could change how local health programs are delivered. If you use city health services, pay attention to how the new structure rolls out.
North Lake Specific Plan implementation
A zoning ordinance to implement the 2025 North Lake Specific Plan and redraw its boundaries was held after Vice Mayor Rivas disclosed a possible conflict of interest. It will come back once the conflict question is resolved.
Year-Round Homeless Shelter Funding
The council set aside about $2 million as a first step toward a year-round shelter, a top council priority. Staff will make it a standing item at the Housing committee and bring a work plan with location, population, and opening target details.
City Manager Hiring
Pasadena's next City Manager might be an insider! An employee is pushing for promoting from within, saying it'll keep morale high and provide stability when things are shaky.
Small Business Support
Pasadena is launching its first Small Business Week to give local entrepreneurs a boost. Expect workshops on landing city contracts, improving online marketing, and networking with established business owners.
Minimum Wage Increase
Pasadena’s minimum wage is set to rise to $18.57 an hour on July 1, 2026. That means bigger paychecks for some workers and higher payroll costs for local employers.
Collaboration on Afterschool and Summer Programs
The city's ASAP program and PUSD's expanded learning program already share school sites, and joint use agreements let the city run youth sports, aquatics, and pickleball at district gyms and fields. Board members pushed the city to add academic enrichment to summer recreation programs, and Councilmember Cole raised the need to plan the future of the Jefferson School lease collaboratively.
Free Compost Giveaway
Pasadena is giving away free compost to residents. It's a great way to boost your garden's health and get some free supplies from the city.
Alcohol Sales Hours
Want to keep the party going later in Pasadena? A state bill that could allow bars to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. is back on the table. This could mean a big change for nightlife in the city.
Rumored Amazon AI data center on Bradley Street
Residents warned about a reported 168,000-square-foot Amazon AI data center at 2964 Bradley Street and demanded a full EIR and guarantees Amazon pays its own utility costs. Staff said no application has been filed yet; the council will take up data centers at the Municipal Services Committee.
City Manager Retirement
Pasadena's top boss, City Manager Miguel Márquez, is retiring. This means the city will soon be looking for a new leader to steer the ship.
Rent Control Appeal
Rent control in Pasadena is still up in the air! The city and landlord groups are duking it out in court, and the outcome could mean big changes for how much renters pay and how much landlords can charge.
Potential Litigation
Pasadena's City Council is huddling behind closed doors to decide if they should sue someone. We don't know who or why, but this could mean big legal bills for the city.
Personnel Appointment
Pasadena has a new leader for its Power and Water department. This appointment will shape how your electricity and water services are managed in the future.
Lawsuit Against Utility Company
Pasadena's suing SoCal Edison because they say the utility's negligence caused the Eaton Fire. The city wants Edison to pay for all the public property, like roads and trees, that got wrecked.
Daylighting Law
Pasadena's got a new rulebook for digging up streets! This 'daylighting law' sets new guidelines for when and how construction crews can get their hands on our roads.
Rent Control Policy
South Pasadena decided against rent control, meaning renters and landlords won't see any changes to current housing rules. This decision comes after the city reviewed the potential impacts of such a policy.
Landslide Risk
Pasadena's facing a serious landslide threat, and experts warn it might be too late to prevent it. This means big safety worries and potentially huge repair bills for the city.
Scam Alert
Scammers are posing as the City of Pasadena, trying to trick businesses into paying fake license fees. Don't get caught by this phony operation!
Landlord-tenant Regulations
Pasadena landlords now have to pay tenants if they evict them without a good reason. This new rule aims to protect renters from unexpected moves and financial strain when they haven't broken any lease terms.
Rent Control
Pasadena just got rent control, thanks to a big community push! This win could change how much people pay for housing, and the article explains how they made it happen.
New City Staff
Pasadena's city hall is getting some new faces in leadership roles. These new hires could bring fresh ideas and potentially change how things are done around town.
Personnel change
Heads up, South Pasadena! Your Public Works Director is suddenly out of the picture. This raises questions about the future of ongoing and upcoming city projects.
Cannabis License
Pasadena is putting the brakes on new cannabis shops, rejecting a plan for MedMen to open a store. Looks like the city isn't keen on expanding its dispensary options right now.
Public Health Order
Pasadena's 'Safer At Home' order is still active! This means you need to know the rules to stay safe and avoid any fines. It's all about keeping the community healthy.
Smoking Regulations
Pasadena is tightening its grip on smoking, with new rules set to limit where people can light up. Keep an eye out for updated signage, as you'll need to be more mindful of designated smoking areas soon.
City Manager Appointment
South Pasadena has a new City Manager, Stephanie DeWolfe! This appointment is a major move that will shape how the city operates moving forward.