Cole, Lyon Praise Mayor’s State of the City Address

Councilmembers Rick Cole and Jason Lyon praised Mayor Victor Gordo’s State of the City speech on Monday.

Speaking to Pasadena Now shortly after the speech, Lyon said the mayor was direct about the city’s financial headwinds while laying out a clear set of priorities for the year ahead.

“The Mayor was very candid about the fiscal challenges we’re facing. I appreciated his enthusiastic support of the five budget priorities identified by the City Council,” Lyon said. “Even in these lean times, we are committed to moving forward on fire resiliency, clean energy, a year-round homeless shelter, improving our roads and traffic safety, and investing in our economic development. I’m optimistic about the year ahead.”

The mayor is required to make a speech addressing on the City’s budget every year. Gordo met the City Charter mandate but also addressed other issues impacting the City.

Gordo’s address, titled “Rising Together,” reflected on a year marked by overlapping crises, including recovery from the Eaton Fire and the impact of federal immigration raids in the region. He repeatedly stressed unity, resilience and what he called a commitment to “One Pasadena,” urging residents to continue supporting one another as the city rebuilds and prepares for economic uncertainty.

Councilmember Justin Jones, who presented opening remarks to the audience and Vice Mayor Jess Rivas, who introduced Gordo, also spoke on social issues.

“As I sat down to think about what I would like to share with you tonight, my heart and my mind were with our fellow Americans in Minnesota,” said Rivas. “Though federal agents descended on Pasadena this past summer and are still here, it is not at the scale nor intensity that we are seeing there. Minneapolis has been an American city under siege and terrorized by the federal government.”

Jones said across the country—and including moments here at home—some of our neighbors have been made to feel uncomfortable in their own communities and uncertain in their own homes.

“That reality should concern all of us,” said Jones. “As we approach Black History Month, we are reminded that progress is never guaranteed—it must be protected. History teaches us that when dignity is challenged, communities move forward not through division, but through unity, courage, and care for one another.”

Gordo detailed progress in fire recovery efforts, including expedited rebuilding permits, waived fees and debris removal coordination, while also acknowledging the emotional toll the disasters and raids have taken on the community.

He pledged that Pasadena police do not assist in the enforcement of federal civil immigration laws and said the City would continue standing with affected residents.

Cole said the speech captured a shared outlook among Council members.

“The mayor and vice mayor spoke for all of us on the Council and our shared determination as a community to overcome the damage done this year by fire and ICE,” Cole said. “Mayor Gordo’s emphasis on ‘One Pasadena’ and ‘rising together’ are the hallmarks of what it will take to overcome the challenges ahead. Pasadena is resilient.”

Gordo also outlined Pasadena’s fiscal position, pointing to slower economic growth, uncertainty in state and federal funding, and the importance of maintaining strong reserves. He said the City’s general fund has grown modestly and that Pasadena has built up historically high reserves to help weather future emergencies and economic shifts.

Looking forward, the mayor highlighted five Council-identified priorities: enhanced fire prevention and modernization of the fire department, roadway improvements, creation of a year-round homeless shelter, advancing Pasadena’s goal of 100% carbon-free energy by 2030, and implementing the City’s economic development strategic plan.

Closing his remarks, Gordo said Pasadena’s recovery would continue to require cooperation across neighborhoods, businesses and city government, telling residents that while challenges remain, “nothing can stop us” if the community continues to work together.