Old Pasadena Management District Seeks Business Improvement District Renewal

The Old Pasadena Management District presented its renewal plans to the Pasadena Economic Development and Technology Committee on Tuesday, April 15, emphasizing its two and a half decade history of preserving and promoting the historic downtown area.

With property owner voting set to begin in May, the District highlighted that majority of business enterprises in Old Pasadena are small, independent operations rather than national chains.

“About 75% of the businesses in Old Pasadena are small, independent mom-and-pop businesses. And while our nationals have a whole team of people to be able to navigate that process, the small folks just don’t, and they also don’t have the working capital to spend months doing it,” said Steve Mulheim, president of the Old Pasadena Management District.

The District, established in 1999, by California law needs to go through a process every 10 years for property owners to reaffirm they want to continue paying the property tax assessment and receiving services the District provides.

The renewal process begins with collecting petition signatures from property owners, followed by City Council consideration on May 19, then a formal ballot process concluding July 14.

Mulheim presented the District’s $3.1 million budget proposal, with almost 75% allocated to cleaning, safety, and beautification programs.

The remaining funds would support marketing, business development, and administration.

New features in the renewal plan include increased cleaning and safety staffing hours, updated equipment, expanded marketing efforts, and a new business relations manager position.

Committee Chair Tyron Hampton inquired about potentially expanding the District beyond its current boundaries to include Norton Simon Museum and other facilities across the 210 Freeway, which Mulheim indicated would be welcome additions if those property owners expressed interest.

The business improvement District said it has demonstrated significant economic impact, with sales increasing 95% over the past decade to nearly $730 million annually, outpacing both the central District (65% growth) and citywide (49% growth) increases.

Old Pasadena now accounts for approximately 17% of total city sales and attracted almost 7 million visitors in 2023, making it “by far the number one visitor destination within the city,” according to Mulheim.

During his presentation, Mulheim noted that their surveys and focus groups identified parking as a concern for visitors, despite his view that “there’s plenty of parking available” but “you may not get a space right in front of the store you want to go to.”

Mulheim expressed confidence in the renewal process, noting, “At our last renewal, it was 97% approval in our ballot process.”

Councilmember Steve Madison praised the District’s success, noting, “You’ve done a marvelous job in your position at Old Pasadena Management District. And you and your members are really to be commended for what continues to be a big success story.”

During the meeting, Economic Development Director David Klug also provided updates on new business openings, including the Panini Kabob Grill at The Paseo, the AC Hotel which opened April 1 with 194 rooms, and a recently opened Sweet Red Peach dessert shop. He highlighted the city’s “Build it in Pasadena” campaign, which has generated over one million impressions and a 400% increase in engagement targeting tech and innovation companies.

The Committee also heard about various community engagement events, including fire recovery efforts for local businesses affected by the Eaton Fire, and addressed potential affordable housing development at the former Kaiser Permanente property on North Lake Avenue.