Pasadena City Hall, April 29, 2025 (Photo – Colorado Boulevard)
At the Special City Council meeting on April 28, the City of Pasadena began its review of the City Manager’s Recommended Fiscal Year (FY) 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Each department receiving CIP funding presented updates on completed projects, current work, and future project proposals, including cost estimates. The new CIP is expected to be approved at the next City Council meeting on May 5.
By Chase Jones
The meeting began with a presentation from Greg de Vinck, Director of Public Works. De Vinck outlined the purpose of the CIP, total projected budget figures, and the proposed project appropriations for FY 2026. He clarified that a fiscal year covers a 12-month period but does not align with the calendar year (January 1–December 31).
The recommended CIP outlines 218 projects over five years, with a projected total cost of $2.4 billion. Of that, $446 million is proposed for FY 2026 to fund 119 projects—some ongoing and others new. To date, $880 million has been appropriated through the current fiscal year, while $1.1 billion remains unfunded. Additionally, there are 48 unfunded future projects estimated at $430 million. All proposed projects align with the City of Pasadena’s General Plan.
Department of Public Works
The Department of Public Works oversees projects related to:
- Municipal buildings and facilities
- Streets and streetscapes
- Street lighting
- Sewers and storm drains
- Park maintenance and landscaping
- The Arroyo Seco
It also provides oversight and construction management for four other CIP sections: Transportation, Parking, Electric Undergrounding, and Rose Bowl Improvements.
For FY 2026, the department plans to manage 59 projects totaling $538 million. Of these, 29 projects—including five new ones—are recommended for $230 million in appropriations. To date, $109 million has been appropriated through FY 2025, with $199 million in projects still unfunded.
Department of Transportation
Joaquin Siques, Director of Transportation, presented next. In FY 2025, the department completed five projects totaling $13.6 million. The department oversees two CIP sections: Parking and Transportation, which is divided into three sub-sections—Transit, Active Transportation/Complete Streets, and Traffic Operations/Signals & Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).
- Transit: $126.7 million funded out of $225 million requested
- Active Transportation/Complete Streets: $163.4 million in total project costs, with $118 million already funded
- Traffic Operations/ITS: $33.3 million funded out of $69.4 million
The Parking section had only one project in FY 2025, with a total cost of $12.1 million—$4 million appropriated through FY 2025 and $1 million through FY 2026. No new Parking projects are planned for FY 2026.
Rose Bowl Operating Company
Steve Haderlein, President of the Rose Bowl Operating Company (RBOC), introduced the company’s FY 2026 capital budget, totaling $28.5 million. The projects focus on improvements at the Rose Bowl Stadium and Brookside Golf Club.
“The goal is to improve fan experience, maintain the stadium at a high level, and preserve the golf course as a high-quality destination,” said Haderlein.
Derrick Doolittle, RBOC General Manager, followed with details on completed FY 2025 projects, which included restroom upgrades, technology improvements, and safe-standing areas in the stadium. He also reviewed projects proposed for FY 2026, pending funding.
Pasadena Center Operating Company
Michael Ross, CEO of the Pasadena Center Operating Company (PCOC), shared updates on two active projects for FY 2026, with a combined cost of $20.8 million. The department is requesting funding for only one of them.
A $3 million appropriation is recommended to continue renovations at the Civic Auditorium. Compared to the $8.9 million approved for FY 2025, this request is modest. The exterior requires major waterproofing to address leaks around the outdoor plaza and Hall C. Planned improvements also include ballroom lighting and electrical upgrades, parking structure repairs, and general maintenance.
Pasadena Water and Power
Lynne Chaimowitz, Assistant General Manager of Pasadena Water and Power (PWP), outlined the department’s FY 2026 plans and highlighted achievements from FY 2025.
She cited the Parke Well and basketball court at Villa Park as a successful collaboration with the Parks and Recreation Department.
“As we work on things underground and unseen, we also make sure to reinvest in the visible infrastructure. That basketball court is a great example,” said Chaimowitz.
Other key FY 2025 projects included five water main replacements, improvements to the Ross Booster Water Station, and upgrades to water quality lab equipment.
For FY 2026, PWP has 27 projects planned at an estimated total cost of $425 million—26 continuing from FY 2025, and one new project. So far, $124.6 million has been appropriated, with an additional $53.8 million recommended for funding.
Department of Information Technology
Phillip Leclair, Chief Information Officer, gave a brief presentation on the Department of Information Technology (DoIT), which handles the city’s technology infrastructure.
FY 2025 accomplishments included the installation of new security cameras, data center expansions, Wi-Fi maintenance, and upgrades to the City Council Chamber’s AV equipment.
For FY 2026, DoIT has 10 projects totaling $27.1 million. Five projects are ongoing from FY 2025 at a cost of $20 million. The remaining five, totaling $7.1 million, are currently unfunded. However, $1.5 million is recommended to support two new projects: the DoIT Equipment Lifecycle Replacement Project and the City Fiber Network Expansion Project.
Adjournment in Memory of Peggy Sisson
Mayor Victor Gordo closed the meeting by requesting adjournment in memory of Peggy Sisson, longtime Pasadena childcare coordinator.
“She understood something profoundly important… that investing in our young residents is investing in our future,” said the mayor, reflecting on her impact in the community.
He shared a personal memory, noting that Sisson had served as the team mom for his Little League baseball team.
“[She] ensured I made it to practices and other activities I might not have otherwise attended, since both of my parents worked two jobs,” said Gordo.
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