Four Decades of Northwest Community Improvements To Be Reviewed by City Commission This Week

Nearly 40 years after launching targeted revitalization efforts, Pasadena officials will present a comprehensive progress report on Northwest community improvements starting Tuesday.

The Northwest Commission will review accomplishments from 2006 to 2024 during its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Jackie Robinson Community Center.

Deputy Director Lola Osborne of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department (PRCS) will deliver the first in a series of departmental presentations. Her report focuses on human services activities.

The Northwest Community Plan began in 1985. City officials have worked since then to improve quality of life for Northwest Pasadena residents.

“The adoption of innovative approaches to address the needs of the community has ensured that Northwest Pasadena will achieve the mission,” a preliminary report for Tuesday’s meeting said.

The status reports will examine six key categories: housing, economic development, employment, infrastructure improvements, human and social services, and public safety.

After PRCS, multiple city departments will present findings over the coming months.

Other departments scheduled to present in January include Housing, Public Works, Police, Planning and Community Development, and the City Manager’s Office.

Osborne’s report addresses activities from the 2005 plan update that remained incomplete. These range from senior resource guides to youth programming and volunteer tracking.

Jackie Robinson and Villa Parke community centers serve roughly 1,500 people daily, the preliminary report said. Services include consumer education, immigration assistance, senior programs, parenting classes and recreation activities.

The Senior Commission continues publishing resource guides in multiple formats. The guides include a QR code for easy access to phone numbers and information.

A Youth Master Plan ran from 2015 to 2020. It provided a blueprint for creating a community where youth could thrive and reach full potential.

The Level Up conference for teens launched in 2016. The event features guest speakers, workshops and a resource fair on youth programs.

Senior services expanded through several initiatives. The Pasadena Elderly and Dependent Adult Liaisons (PEDAL) program addresses quality of life in long-term care facilities.

The group includes representatives from multiple city departments and Huntington Hospital. They conduct coordinated inspections and address violations.

An affordable housing program incentivizes homeowners to create rental units. The Pasadena Second Unit ADU Program offers comprehensive assistance for financing, designing and constructing accessory dwelling units.

The Northwest Commission monitors plan activities and reviews unmet needs annually. Their strategic plan mirrors objectives outlined in the community plan.

Future presentations will detail infrastructure projects, public safety improvements and economic development initiatives. The comprehensive review spans nearly two decades of community investment.

The Northwest Commission meeting takes place at 1020 North Fair Oaks Avenue.