City Eyes Shift To In-House Parking Enforcement

Pasadena’s city government is preparing to extend a parking enforcement contract worth nearly $7.3 million while it evaluates whether to bring all such work under city control.

The City Council on Monday will consider a one-year amendment to the existing agreement with Inter-Con Security Systems, Inc. The extension would add $696,000 to the contract’s value.

The city expanded its in-house parking enforcement staff significantly in 2024. Four full-time positions grew to ten full-time officers.

The Department of Transportation now seeks a temporary measure. Extending the current contract allows time for planning without operational disruption, the department  said.

Staff must negotiate with the labor union representing city employees before changing contractor duties, the report by the Transportation Department said. That work mirrors jobs the city’s own officers perform.

The Department is coordinating with Human Resources on a potential transition plan. No timeline for completion has been announced.

Current parking enforcement combines city staff with contracted workers. Contractors primarily handle overnight parking violations and supplemental coverage citywide.

Pasadena’s parking citation revenue has averaged nearly $5 million annually over three years. The city attributes these funds to its General Fund.

The proposed contract amendment aligns with the General Plan’s Mobility Element objectives, according to the report. City Council policy prioritizes managing curb-space parking for economic vitality.

The contract began in October 2020 following a competitive selection process. Two one-year extensions followed the initial agreement period.

The current contract expired on Oct. 14, 2025. Today’s vote would extend services through October 2026.

The expansion of the Pasadena Playhouse Parking Meter Zone accompanied the staffing increase. This expanded area will receive greater enforcement coverage.

City officials framed the extension as maintaining service continuity during internal evaluation. They also emphasized avoiding disruption to current enforcement operations.