Pasadena · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pasadena public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Eaton Fire repair construction tax exemption
A resident urged the council to press the governor for a property insurance emergency declaration, warning neighbors are losing coverage and being squeezed on vegetation clearance.
Vice mayor appointment process
The council adopted a policy making clear the vice mayor role follows the long-standing practice of the longest-serving member who hasn't yet served, after a messy deviation four years ago.
Electric revenue refunding bonds
The council finalized an update to the city's electric utility rate ordinance on second reading.
Council Meeting Day Change to Tuesdays
Voters and watchers of city government should note council meetings will now regularly fall on Tuesdays, per a unanimously adopted ordinance.
Electric bond refinancing
Refinancing up to $104 million in electric debt is expected to save about $6.8 million in interest; a resident urged that savings go directly to ratepayer bill relief amid compounding rate hikes.
Commissioner term limits and vacancies
A new ordinance limits commissioners to two four-year terms (three for operating companies), aiming to bring new voices in — but opponents noted the city already has roughly 100 vacancies and struggles to recruit. A one-year look-back review was added.
LIUNA Local 777 labor negotiations
City workers in LIUNA Local 777 told the council the city's offer — under $1 an hour for most members — isn't keeping up with costs, and employees are leaving for better-paying cities. The council took up negotiations in closed session.
ASME City Workers' Contract Negotiations
City workers represented by AFSCME packed the chamber asking for raises better than the offered 1%, saying Pasadena has become a training ground as employees leave for higher-paying cities. They highlighted their work through windstorms, COVID and the Eaton Fire.
Parking tax as revenue option
A proposed 10% tax on commercial parking that would raise about $5 million a year and needs only a majority vote. Councilmember Cole wanted it prepared as a backup to the fire parcel tax, but the council split 4-3 against, with critics saying it's unbaked and could hurt local shopping districts.
FY 2027 Budget and Structural Deficit
The city faces a structural deficit and is weighing how to fund five council priorities — fire facilities, roads, homeless shelter, carbon-free energy, and economic development. Residents slammed the draft capital budget for underfunding solar and storage while proposing a $33 million PWP headquarters; staff promised a clarifying document before next week's capital budget hearing.
Vacancy tax and affordable housing funding
Advocates urged the council to expedite study of a vacancy tax like Oakland's, which raised $4.7 million in its first year, to fund affordable housing and homelessness prevention as federal dollars dry up.
Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District
The council started forming an EIFD that could capture up to $230 million in future property tax growth to fund infrastructure in the 710 corridor and specific plan areas — no new taxes, but a long-term commitment. Madison abstained, wanting community outreach on the 710 first.
Credit Card Convenience Fee
The new fee schedule adds a 2.75% surcharge on most card payments. Cole objected as nickel-and-diming; the council adopted it but will revisit e-check alternatives at Finance Committee.
Ethical Investment Policy Amendment
Speakers from Pasadena for Palestine pressed the council to explicitly name Gaza and Palestine in the forthcoming revision of the city's ethical investment policy, ahead of a May 11 decision.
Council Compensation and Reimbursement Policy
The compensation ordinance first reading was held a week so a dependent-care reimbursement policy with guardrails can come with it. Madison flagged an $18,000 family care allowance and huge disparities in district office spending ($72,000 vs. $1,100).
Shared Federal Advocacy for Mandated Services
City and school leaders are teaming up to lobby federal officials for funding on vital programs like special education, housing, and public health.
FY 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program budget
The $3.2 billion capital budget hearing opened, and climate advocates said it shortchanges the city's carbon-free electricity goals — funding only a fraction of needed solar and storage while labeling unrelated maintenance as carbon-free spending. Councilmember Cole demanded alternatives on artificial turf, solar funding, and street maintenance before the May 4 adoption.
Electric rate increases
Pasadena Water and Power won approval for phased electric rate increases totaling roughly 22% compounded by March 2027 — the first comprehensive increase since 2016 — to fund grid upgrades and rising costs. The council committed to revisit whether the third phase is needed, and low-income customers get expanded bill assistance.
Airbnb Tourism District Assessment Collection
The city will now collect tourism business improvement district assessments through Airbnb, capturing tax revenue from short-term rentals.
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.
LA County half-cent sales tax measure (AB 1768)
The council declined to take a position on the county's proposed half-cent sales tax, instead directing staff to study it. Councilmember Madison estimated Pasadena would send $22 million a year to the county but get back only a fraction, while Councilmember Jones noted 27,000 Medi-Cal residents could lose care without gap funding.
Insurance crisis and Zone Zero advocacy
A resident urged the council to press the governor for a property insurance emergency declaration, warning neighbors are losing coverage and being squeezed on vegetation clearance.
Fair campaign practices agreement update
The council updated its voluntary campaign ethics pledge so candidates must get written consent before listing supporters' names and streets — a change pushed by the Commission on the Status of Women to protect domestic violence survivors and undocumented residents. The mayor worried it could discourage candidates from signing.
Council vacancy appointment process ordinance
The council introduced an ordinance spelling out how to fill a district seat vacancy when less than two years remain on the term — a first reading with adoption to follow.
City workforce recruitment, retention and vacancies
The city's vacancy rate dropped to 7.9% from 9.7%, and HR highlighted onboarding improvements, local hiring, and a Gallup engagement survey. Councilmembers want a career-development path for all 2,300 employees and better park safety specialist coverage.