City Committee to Review Wildfire Recovery Bill

The Pasadena City Council will consider a state bill that would create a county-led authority to manage recovery from January’s devastating Los Angeles wildfires.

Senate Bill 549 would establish the Resilient Rebuilding Authority for the Los Angeles Wildfires. The authority would coordinate recovery efforts across all jurisdictions affected by the January 2025 fires.

The City Manager is recommending the council “watch” the legislation. The bill empowers Los Angeles County as an agency, not cities or local jurisdictions within the county.

The proposed authority would handle multiple responsibilities. These include fund administration, rebuilding coordination, land banking and workforce support.

The authority would issue and manage various funding sources. These include tax-increment financing, federal and state loans and grants, and philanthropic contributions.

It would also manage logistics between public and private reconstruction efforts. This includes coordination with contractors, utilities and local governments.

Other responsibilities include purchasing lots for land banking with options for returning residents. The authority would work with builders to ensure properties meet resilient standards.

The legislation seeks to create economies of scale by acquiring equipment and materials in bulk. It would partner with trades for workforce development and provide temporary housing for workers.

The bill would enhance financing options for families and businesses through subsidized financing and grants. It would promote reconstruction of lost rental housing, including accessory dwelling units and affordable housing.

A City Manager report noted concerns about the legislation. For one, the bill does not recognize cities and their rights to govern in planning, development and rebuilding administration.

Several cities impacted by the fires have chosen to defer to the county for permit processing and rebuilding. However, Pasadena continues to support recovery with its own staff and programs.

The City Manager said the bill may be inconsistent with the city’s intent for recovery.

The legislation acknowledges the necessity of a special statute. It cites unique challenges posed by the January 2025 wildfires that cannot be addressed by general statute, the City Manager added.

SB 549 was introduced Feb. 20, 2025, to create a Second Neighborhood Infill Finance and Transit Improvements Act District. It was amended June 23 to add the wildfire recovery authority provisions.

The Legislative Policy Committee will review the bill at its July 1 meeting. The meeting begins at 4:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall.