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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.