Pasadena Legislative Policy Committee to Review FY 2026 Budgets, Charter Amendments

The Pasadena Legislative Policy Committee will meet Monday to review recommended operating budgets for fiscal year 2026 from several city departments and discuss implementation of recently approved City Charter amendments.

The May 6 meeting, scheduled for 4:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, will feature presentations from five departments: Libraries and Information Services, Planning and Community Development, City Attorney’s Office, City Council, and the Office of the City Clerk.

The Libraries and Information Services Department will present a $16.65 million budget, slightly decreased from the previous year’s $16.78 million. The department’s priorities include the Central Library seismic retrofit construction phase, modernization of branch libraries, and expanded community engagement programs.

“Our operations continue to recover since the Central Library closure,” Library Director Tim McDonald is expected to report, noting that while usage metrics have risen over the past year, they remain significantly below pre-closure levels.

The Planning and Community Development Department will request a $24.29 million budget, representing a 5.6% increase from FY 2025. The department is seeking $737,500 in additional funding for fire recovery efforts following last year’s Eaton Fire, with resources dedicated to helping residents navigate rebuilding processes.

Key priorities for the department include continuing General Plan implementation, specific plan updates for North Lake, Fair Oaks Orange Grove, and East Pasadena, and launching Phase II of the citywide historic resources survey.

The City Attorney’s Office will present a budget with an 8.3% increase in personnel costs, partly due to filling two previously vacant positions. The department is also requesting a $25,000 enhancement to increase funding for the Independent Police Auditor contract.

The committee will additionally consider implementation of recently approved City Charter amendments, including preparation of an ordinance to codify the process for filling City Council district vacancies by appointment and establishing a Council Compensation Committee.

The meeting agenda also includes informational briefings on federal and state legislative matters by Chris Giglio and Kyra Emanuels Ross, respectively, and a discussion of the City Council retreat.

Public comments will be limited to three minutes per speaker and can be provided in person or virtually by connecting to the meeting through the city’s website.