Pasadena Center Operating Company to Present $32 Million Budget Proposal Anchored by Convention Center, Civic Auditorium and Ice Skating Operations

The Pasadena Center Operating Company is scheduled to present its proposed Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget to the Economic Development and Technology Committee at its meeting on Tuesday, May 19, with total revenue projected at approximately $32 million and a planned $1.8 million transfer from reserves to support capital improvement needs.

Because the Economic Development and Technology Committee is a strictly advisory body, any action it takes on the proposed budget would be a recommendation only. The City Council retains final authority over the adoption of the Pasadena Center Operating Company’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget.

The Pasadena Center Operating Company, commonly referred to as PCOC, operates the Pasadena Convention Center, the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the Convention Center parking garage, and the Pasadena Ice Skating Center. According to the budget presentation included in the agenda packet, the company’s mission is to promote Pasadena as a meeting and travel destination and to maximize economic impact through the development of meetings, conventions, entertainment events and tourism.

Under the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, operating revenue from the Convention Center and Civic Auditorium would rise to approximately $8.43 million, a 4.3% increase over the adopted Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Parking garage revenue would increase 13.2% to about $2.15 million, and ice skating revenue would rise 5% to roughly $3.47 million. Total operating revenue would reach about $14.05 million, a 5.8% increase. Adding the Transient Occupancy Tax allocation of about $13.1 million, Tourism Business Improvement District assessment of about $4.38 million, and interest earnings of $500,000, total Fiscal Year 2027 revenue would be approximately $32 million, up 4.3% over the Fiscal Year 2026 forecast.

The presentation notes that expenses would grow to keep pace with inflation, projected at 4.5%, and that Transient Occupancy Tax revenue would meet debt service payments short of a $500,000 allowance. Hotel occupancy and rates are projected to be flat compared with Fiscal Year 2026. Ice rink revenues and participation are expected to grow due to what the presentation describes as the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic bump, while the company anticipates a reduction in space and revenue related to “America’s Got Talent.” The budget includes monies set aside for future LA28 Olympic opportunities and an anticipated approximately $1.8 million transfer to reserves.

Strategic priorities under the proposed budget include growing market share of high-end convention and entertainment events, promoting Pasadena’s intellectual capital to event organizers by spotlighting Caltech, Art Center, Kaiser School of Medicine and Huntington Medical Research Institutes, and celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66 to promote domestic and international visitor interest. The plan also calls for collaboration with the City and stakeholders to capture economic opportunities related to the LA28 Olympics, an increased investment in online presence including an AI multilingual chatbot, and continued partnership with the Rose Bowl Stadium on concerts, Big 10 football and events.

The presentation also outlines alignment with the City Council’s strategic priorities, including a move toward a carbon-free future. The company has retrofitted the Conference Building, Exhibit Halls and parking structure with LED lighting, and the Ballroom and Civic Balcony lights are planned for conversion in Fiscal Year 2027. Discussions have also begun with Pasadena Water and Power to evaluate future solar installations. The presentation highlights that the company’s convention facilities and tourism marketing efforts support generating revenue, enhancing the Pasadena brand, creating vibrant events, and supporting workforce development in hospitality-related industries.

The Economic Development and Technology Committee is scheduled to meet at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, in the Council Chamber, Room S249, at Pasadena City Hall, 100 North Garfield Avenue, in Pasadena. For more information call (626) 744-7311 or visit https://www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/agendas/.