City Council Scheduled to Vote on Budget at Monday’s Meeting

The City Council will close the public hearing on the City’s budget on Monday and deliberate on the City’s sweeping $1.5 billion Fiscal Year 2026 budget, concluding its annual review and public hearing process.

In California, City Councils are required to pass a budget before June 30 for the fiscal year beginning on July 1.

The proposed budget outlines funding priorities for every city department, major capital improvement projects, and affiliated agencies.

The budget has been described by Finance Director Matthew Hawkesworth as the most challenging budget in years. Hawkesworth told the City Council the budget has changed week to week.

The budget includes $943.6 million in operating appropriations for city departments, with an additional $109.7 million allocated to the Pasadena Center Operating Company, Pasadena Community Access Corporation, and Rose Bowl Operating Company. Combined, operating appropriations total approximately $1.05 billion.

Another $446.1 million is earmarked for capital improvement projects, pushing the total citywide appropriation to a record-setting $1.499 billion—the largest in Pasadena’s history.

The budget reflects continued investment in core services and infrastructure, with an emphasis on technology, housing, public safety, and climate resiliency.

The Water and Power Department is slated to receive $230.4 million for system upgrades and maintenance, while Public Works is budgeted $37.5 million for street and facility improvements. The Transportation Department would receive $28.5 million to support mobility and traffic safety upgrades.

The Rose Bowl Operating Company is also scheduled to receive $12.8 million in capital funding for facility maintenance and improvements.

In terms of departmental operations, Water and Power leads with $361.5 million, followed by the Police Department at $121.4 million, Public Works at $95.8 million, and the Fire Department at $77 million. The Housing Department would see a notable increase, with $48.8 million allocated to support expanded housing services, and Parks, Recreation and Community Services is budgeted at $29.8 million.

Public hearings on the budget remain open during each regular Council meeting until final adoption. In the lead-up to the vote, city departments and affiliated agencies are presenting their individual budgets to relevant City Council committees. The first of these departmental workshops took place on May 6.

The full Fiscal Year 2026 Recommended Operating Budget is available for public review online at CityOfPasadena.net, at the City Clerk’s Office, and at both the San Rafael and Hastings Branch Libraries.