Pasadena City Council Meeting: July 20, 2026

At the July 20, 2026 regular meeting of the Pasadena City Council, the council discussed a proposed 10% parking tax, estimated by staff to raise about $5 million, as a possible alternative if it does not advance a fire parcel tax. By a 4–3 vote, it directed staff to prepare the parking-tax option for the ballot only if the council decides not to proceed with the fire tax; the fire-tax decision was left for August 3. Staff outlined a fire department plan estimated at about $230 million over 10 years, including station replacement, a training center, additional ambulances and other equipment. Council members discussed possible rates of 17, 20, or 24 cents per developed square foot, debt financing, exemptions, a sunset, maintenance-of-effort requirements, and oversight; no fire-tax measure was approved, and discussion will continue.

The council also approved its consent calendar without objection, which included transit-related items. During discussion, a council member cited roughly $150 million in planned capital investment in the bus system, including a new bus yard and hydrogen fueling station and 35 buses, with funding described as primarily state grants; a public speaker supported the short-range transit plan. No vendor selection or contract award was identified in the transcript. Separately, the council unanimously passed first reading of an ordinance repealing restrictions on SB 9 applications in the specified Eaton fire hazard area, and approved the fiscal-year 2026–27 tax rate for voter-approved Central Library general-obligation bonds.