The City Council postponed a budget workshop on Monday after a lengthy meeting filled with public comment and deliberations on a proposed safe parking program for people living in their vehicles.
The event was canceled due to an influx of speaker cards and the time needed to deliberate on the safe parking item.
“I don’t think it would be appropriate to take up an important issue like a budget workshop late in the night,” said Mayor Victor Gordo.
The Council had been scheduled to discuss budget priorities, criteria for prioritizing spending, midyear adjustment protocols and other fiscal matters identified by Councilmembers.
The Council first opened discussions on budget priorities during a workshop in December, where members reached broad consensus on several key investment areas for Fiscal Year 2027.
Upgrading and modernizing fire department facilities ranked as the top priority, followed by roadway improvements and development of a comprehensive pedestrian and bicycle safety strategy.
Councilmembers also placed a high priority on expanding services for unhoused residents, including potential investment in a year-round shelter or temporary housing. The City’s transition to carbon-free energy was also identified as a major focus area.
Economic development rounded out the list of top priorities, with an emphasis on neighborhood placemaking and strengthening local business districts.
Pasadena’s overall citywide budget totals about $1.5 billion, though only about $365 million is considered discretionary spending. The remainder is tied to long-term obligations, fixed costs and legally mandated expenditures.
The December workshop focused on how the City should allocate the discretionary portion of the budget amid rising expenses and declining revenues, including reduced federal funding.
During the discussion, City staff outlined a framework for evaluating spending priorities that included factors such as community benefit, equity, cost impacts and overall need.
Traditionally, the City’s budget process begins in the spring when the city manager releases a proposed spending plan that largely maintains the previous year’s service levels. Councilmembers have sought to begin discussions earlier in the year to give clearer guidance on spending priorities before staff begins drafting the document.
City staff are expected to use feedback from the earlier workshop as they prepare a draft budget that will return to the Council for further review and discussion in the coming months.
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