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.
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.
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.
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.
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).