Council Approves Support for Governor’s Letter Seeking $39.7 Billion in Federal Funding to Aid Recovery After January Firestorms

The Pasadena City Council unanimously agreed to submit a letter to congressional leadership supporting Gov. Gavin Newsom’s request for $39.7 billion in federal funding to aid recovery efforts related to the Eaton and Palisades fires.

The catastrophic fires, fueled by hurricane-force winds, destroyed over 16,000 structures and severely impacted multiple communities throughout the region.

Seventeen people were killed and 9,000 structures destroyed as the fire scorched more than 14,000 acres.

“California is doing everything it can to expedite the recovery process,” Newsom wrote, citing a series of executive orders aimed at fast-tracking cleanup and reconstruction. This includes suspending environmental regulations and providing tax relief. However, he stated that the scale of the destruction requires federal support to complement state efforts.

Mayor Victor Gordo will sign a letter on behalf of the City Council. The City Council will receive a copy of the language in Gordo’s letter.

On Feb. 21, Newsom requested a supplemental federal appropriation to assist in the recovery efforts following the devastating firestorms.

In the letter addressed to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, Newsom emphasized the urgent need for federal aid to support both immediate recovery efforts and long-term rebuilding.

The California Congressional Delegation, including Reps. Ken Calvert, Norma Torres, Josh Harder, David Valadao, Pete Aguilar, and Mike Levin, were also copied on the request.

The money would be used to help restore the region’s infrastructure, homes, businesses, and communities. Newsom noted that while the state is actively responding and assessing the damage, the full economic impact of the firestorms may take years to fully determine.

The funding request breaks down into several key areas, including business recovery and housing restoration.

The state is seeking an additional $5.29 billion for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Disaster Loan Assistance Program to provide low-interest loans to businesses, homeowners, and renters. California also seeks an increase in loan limits, including raising the real property loan cap to $2 million.