Pasadena Chamber Board Takes Positions on Local Ballot Measures

The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has announced its positions on several local ballot initiatives for the upcoming November election. The Board’s decisions, based on recommendations from its Legislative and Government Affairs Committee, aim to influence voter choices on measures that could impact local businesses and property owners.

Pasadena Chamber CEO and President Paul Little explained the Board’s stance on two Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) funding measures: “Everyone wants an effective, engaged and successful public school system here. These measures do not achieve that.”

The Board opposes Measure R, a $900 million PUSD facilities bond that would cost property owners up to $59 per $100,000 of assessed property value and requires a 55% majority for approval. The Chamber cites concerns over the bond’s cost, existing unpaid bonds, and lack of community outreach. They also criticize the District’s maintenance of underutilized facilities despite declining enrollment.

Similarly, the Board opposes Measure EE, a PUSD parcel tax that would impose $90 per parcel on homeowners for eight years. The tax aims to fund STEAM programs, career training, and competitive wages for teachers. People over age 65 and certain homeowners receiving Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance could be exempted from the tax.

The Chamber expressed concern about PUSD’s plan to use Measure R funds for affordable housing construction on unused District properties, an area in which, the Chamber said, the District lacks experience.

On city measures, the Board took no position on Measure PL, a $195 million library bond for repairs and upgrades to the Pasadena Central Library. The measure requires 2/3 voter approval, or 55% if Prop 5 passes.

“We do not know what else may have been considered, what options there may be and if there are other funding sources available,” Little said.

The Chamber supports Measure PF, which aims to increase flexibility in selecting representatives for the Fire and Police Retirement System Board. This measure addresses difficulties in filling Board positions due to the aging membership of the retirement system.

The Board chose not to take a position on Measure H, which proposes amendments to the City’s rent control ordinance. The measure aims to clarify legal language, address regulatory ambiguities, and align with other city departments’ practices.

Throughout its decision-making process, the Chamber Board said it considered factors such as the use of funds, trust in governing bodies, and transparent oversight. The Board also expressed concern about the impact of additional costs on rental property owners, advocating for their exemption or ability to pass costs on to tenants.

When considering measures that would impose additional costs on businesses, the Chamber Board looks at use of the money, trust in the governing body, and transparent oversight.

“With rental housing owners forced to go before an unfriendly rental housing board for increases beyond the meager amounts so far approved,” Little said, “the Chamber would like to see language in any measure that either exempts those property owners or allows them to pass the added costs on to tenants.”

The Board did not consider Measures PA, PB, or PC, which relate to changes in the selection of elected officials in case of vacancy, leadership roles among Councilmembers, and term limits.

These recommendations reflect the Chamber’s focus on supporting measures that benefit the local business community while maintaining fiscal responsibility, a statement said.