Pasadena Northwest Commission to Hear Presentation on City’s $815 Million Infrastructure Plans

Pasadena’s Northwest Commission will hear a presentation on the city’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) process covering $815 million and 79 projects for Northwest Pasadena during a special meeting on Tuesday, September 9. 

The five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) represents the city’s strategic roadmap for upgrading aging infrastructure. 

Projects range from roads and sewers to parks and public buildings. 

The city has already appropriated $222 million through Fiscal Year 2025. The appropriation in Fiscal Year 2026 is $69 million. 

Public Works Department officials will present the budget process to the commission at the Jackie Robinson Community Center meeting at 1020 North Fair Oaks Avenue in Pasadena. 

The session begins at 6 p.m.

The CIP serves as a planning document adopted one year at a time. It outlines long-term investment needs to expand, enhance and preserve city infrastructure. 

Projects are organized into 14 categories. These include municipal buildings, streets and streetscapes, transportation, parking, sewer systems and parks. 

The Northwest Commission plays a key role in reviewing all Northwest Pasadena projects. Members can submit project ideas during the annual “Call for Projects” period from Oct. 1–30. 

New projects must meet specific criteria to qualify. The minimum estimated cost is $75,000. Projects must address safety issues, maintenance needs or community demand. 

Public Works staff evaluate proposals based on funding availability, cost-benefit analysis and community support. 

They also consider infrastructure age, potential risk and equity factors. 

The Capital Improvement Program catalog covers infrastructure from street lighting and underground utilities to the Rose Bowl and Pasadena Center. Water system, electric system and technology projects are also included. 

This collaborative process allows commissioners and city employees formal input on new project ideas. 

Projects are scheduled based on priority and available funding.

The commission’s CIP subcommittee will thoroughly review the city manager’s recommended budget. The full commission then makes recommendations to present during City Council budget hearings. 

Tuesday’s presentation precedes the annual budget process, which begins with the “Call for Projects” from Oct. 1 through 30. 

The timeline extends through May when the City Council adopts the final CIP budget.