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.
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.
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The Rental Housing Board's first annual report shows 25 evictions rescinded and district data revealing Districts 6 and 7 lead in at-risk housing indicators.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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.