Pasadena City Council Meeting: June 15, 2026 (Photo – Screengrab, Pasadena Media)
The Pasadena City Council discussed concerns about the city’s long-term financial challenges and the funding of additional positions in the Pasadena Police Department.
By Andrew Sweet
Closed Session
During closed session, the City Council met with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), a labor union. The conference came amid public records disclosures showing union contributions to the campaigns of several councilmembers, including contributions from the IBEW.
The council reported that no action was taken during the closed session.
Public Comment
Several public comments at Monday’s meeting focused on the Turkey Tussle, a student football game and longstanding Pasadena tradition. The event is funded through the city’s general fund and hosted at the Rose Bowl. The city has recently discussed potential budget reductions due to financial constraints.
“They get the very benefit of saying they played in their backyard, not just at their high school, but actually in the Rose Bowl,” one commenter stated.
The council also heard comments opposing recent efforts by Pasadena Unified School District to remove 193 trees across 11 campuses. Parents and students urged the city to require Planning Department review of the district’s proposal. Councilmember Rick Cole, District 2, and Councilmember Tyron Hampton, District 1, both advocated for additional city-level review.
Adoption of Fiscal Year 2027
On Monday, the City Council approved a $1.4098 billion budget, including a $383.4 million general fund.
The budget allocates $227,700 for motel vouchers for eligible residents encamped on state-owned property and funds 1,089 full-time city positions. The general fund supports 14.25 new positions.
The council also approved expanding the Pasadena Health Officer position from 0.75 full-time equivalent (FTE) to 1.0 FTE.
During discussion of the budget, councilmembers debated funding additional positions in the Pasadena Fire Department and Pasadena Police Department, including a fire inspector position.
Councilmember Steve Madison, District 6, strongly advocated for adding four police officer positions to the fiscal year budget, citing personnel reductions over the past 16 years. Councilmember Gene Masuda, District 4, echoed those concerns. Acting Assistant City Manager Philip LeClair noted that the city currently funds 235 officer positions, though not all are filled.
Councilmember Cole, who expressed reluctant support for the budget plan, warned of the city’s long-term financial challenges.
“At some point we’re going to come to a place where even things that we like, need, or appreciate, things that provide valuable services, are going to have to be left on the cutting-room floor,” Cole said. “I’m frankly queasy that out of $350 million, we have spent every nickel.”
The council unanimously approved the budget, with the intent to revisit it in the coming months.
Discussion of EIFD Tax
To conclude the meeting, the council discussed establishing an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) in selected areas of Pasadena. A final vote is expected in October 2026. Mayor Victor Gordo recused himself because of a conflict of interest.
The EIFD, a financing mechanism that directs future tax increment revenue toward public infrastructure projects, was proposed by the Economic Development and Technology Committee in response to the dissolution of redevelopment agencies.
The proposed district would cover nearly 4 percent of the city and is projected to generate approximately $500 million in tax increment revenue without increasing property tax rates. The committee recommended including the 710 stub area to increase projected revenue.
Councilmember Madison, whose district includes the 710 stub, opposed including the corridor in the resolution of intention, arguing that there are “too many stakeholders” involved in the freeway’s future. Councilmember Justin Jones, District 3, expressed support for the EIFD and pointed to its success in West Carson, an unincorporated community in California.
The council approved the resolution of intention in a 6–0–1 vote, with Madison abstaining. The resolution also established a Public Financing Advisory Board, with Councilmembers Cole, Jones, and Rivas appointed to serve as board members and alternates.
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