Pasadena Police Department Requests $121.4 Million Budget for 2026

The Pasadena Public Safety Committee will hold a special meeting today to discuss budget proposals for the city’s Police Department and Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, with significant increases requested for both departments.

The Police Department’s proposed budget of $121,420,884 represents a 9.3% increase from the previous fiscal year, with $111,285,954 coming from the General Fund. A key enhancement request includes $72,000 for equipment and supplies to establish an Equipment Mechanic position at the Police Department.

Among the department’s priorities for the upcoming fiscal year are the development of a strategic plan by January 2026, modernization of equipment and technology, and expanded training opportunities. The department plans to leverage Asset Forfeiture Funds to lease/purchase two helicopters over 10 years to replace the aging OH58 Bell helicopters from the early 1970s that currently assist with patrol and traffic operations.

Additional Police Department priorities include developing the Active Intelligence Center (AIC), a high-tech hub to monitor, analyze, and direct resources to criminal activity in real time, which is considered critical infrastructure preparation for LA28. The department is also increasing its footprint of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) and modernizing recordkeeping systems in emergency vehicles and the 9-1-1 Center.

The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department is seeking a $29,827,312 budget, a 9.7% increase from FY 2025. The department has requested $700,000 to replace 11 pieces of equipment, including five mowers, two loaders, two tractors, and two trailers that average 20 years in age.

Department priorities include identifying fiscal and operational efficiencies, developing training programs, creating a work plan for deferred park maintenance projects, and continuing sustainability initiatives. The department is also exploring revenue opportunities, including a gradual return to pre-COVID fee structures for youth programs starting in FY 2027, which could potentially increase revenue by $613,045.

The meeting will be led by committee members Mayor Victor M. Gordo (Chair), Councilmember Tyron Hampton (District 1), Councilmember Justin Jones (District 3), and Councilmember Steve Madison (District 6). It will take place at 4:00 p.m. in the Pasadena City Hall Council Chamber, Room S249, at 100 North Garfield Avenue. The agenda includes roll call, public comment, approval of minutes from previous meetings, and the budget workshop presentations.

The public can attend in person or participate virtually through the city’s online portal. To submit public comments, residents must complete an online speaker card at www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/public-comment/ prior to the start of public comment. A speaker card help line will open 30 minutes prior to the meeting by calling (626) 744-4124.

Virtual participants can connect via computer or telephone at cityofpasadena.net/cczoom or by calling 1-669-900-6833 with Meeting ID: 161 482 446. Participants should note that phone calls to the meeting will be recorded as part of the Committee meeting.

The public may also submit correspondence of any length prior to the start of the meeting via email to tsabha@cityofpasadena.net, bgao@cityofpasadena.net, or ediaz@cityofpasadena.net.

The meeting will be broadcast live on cable Channel 3 and streamed online at http://pasadena.granicus.com/mediaplayer.php?publish_id=9 and www.pasadenamedia.org. Livestream with captioning is available at www.pasadenamedia.org and www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/agendas.