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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.