AGENDA LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING NOTICE MAY 7, 2024
PUBLIC MEETING 4:30 P.M. MEMBERS Steve Madison, Chair, District 6 Gene Masuda, District 4 Jess Rivas, District 5 Jason Lyon, District 7 STAFF Brenda Harvey-Williams, Assistant City Manager Javan Rad, Chief Assistant City Attorney Tamer Sabha, Recording Secretary MISSION STATEMENT The City of Pasadena is dedicated to delivering exemplary municipal services, responsive to our entire community and consistent with our history, culture and unique character. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Assistive Listening Devices are available from the City Clerk’s Office with a 24-hour advance notice. Please call (626) 744-4124 to request use of a listening device.
Language translation services are available for this meeting by calling (626) 744-4124 at least 24 hours in advance. Habrá servicio de interpretación disponible para éstas juntas llamando al (626) 744-4124 por lo menos con 24 horas de anticipación. Items on the agenda may not be called in order listed. Agendas and supporting documents are available on the Internet at http://www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/city-council-legislative-policy-committee/ Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the Legislative Policy Committee after distribution of the agenda packet will be posted online and listed as: “Supplemental Agenda Material Received after the Posting of the agenda”
PUBLIC COMMENT AT THE LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING FOR MAY 7, 2024 AT 4:30 P.M. WILL BE ACCEPTED IN-PERSON AND BY VIDEOCONFERENCE/TELECONFERENCE.
Link to City Meeting Policy:
cityofpasadena.net/CityCouncilMeetingPolicy
TO VIEW A LIVE STREAM OF THE MEETING:
http://pasadena.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=9 AND
WWW.PASADENAMEDIA.ORG
In order to facilitate public participation at meetings the City will accept public comment in the following manner:
1. Whether participating in-person or virtually at the meeting, members of the public may provide public comment by submitting a speaker card prior to the start of public comment on that item, at the following webpage:
www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/public-comment/
If a public comment speaker wishes to speak on more than one agenda item, please indicate which items on the online form (multiple item speakers will be handled according to the process posted on the agenda and as specified in the City meeting policy). Public comments are limited to 3 minutes each, and the Chair and Committee may limit this time if reasonable under the circumstances.
2. In-person Meeting Participation: Complete an online speaker card at the following website: www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/public-comment/ After submitting a public speaker card, members of the public may attend the meeting in-person by coming to the Pasadena City Council Chamber, Room S249 at City Hall at the date and start-time of the posted meeting.
Virtual Meeting Participation: For virtual participants, you may attend by connecting to the meeting using a computer, other electronic device, or by telephone. Please review the agenda to identify the published start time for the meeting and connect to the meeting just prior to, or at the start of the meeting.
To participate in public comment for an item and to be recognized to speak, it is required that the speaker login to the meeting using the same name or telephone number used on the Speaker Card form. This will allow City staff to locate and promote the speaker into the meeting when it is time for their public comment.
Participants’ phone calls to the Committee meeting will be recorded as part of the Committee meeting. By staying on the line and making public comment during the Committee meeting by phone, you are agreeing to have your phone call recorded. Following is the connectivity information for virtual participation:
Computer or electronic devices, join the meeting at: cityofpasadena.net/cczoom Telephone only dial-in: 1-669-900-6833, Meeting ID: 161 482 446
3. Speaker Card Help Line: If a public comment speaker needs assistance in completing a speaker card, please call the City Clerk’s Office at: (626) 744-4124.
Help line will open 30 minutes prior to the posted start time of the meeting.
4. Members of the public may submit correspondence of any length prior to the start of the meeting, at the following email address:
Written correspondence will be forwarded to the Legislative Policy Committee prior to the start of the meeting, posted online, and made part of the legislative record for the item.
LIVESTREAM WITH CAPTIONING IS AVAILABLE AT WWW.PASADENAMEDIA.ORG, AND ALSO AT WWW.CITYOFPASADENA.NET/COMMISSIONS/AGENDAS,
IF YOU NEED A REASONABLE MODIFICATION OR ACCOMMODATION PURSUANT
TO THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
BECAUSE YOU ARE UNABLE TO PARTICIPATE ELECTRONICALLY AS SET FORTH ABOVE, CONTACT THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AT (626) 744-4124 OR
[email protected].
REGULAR MEETING
AGENDA
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE
MAY 7, 2024
Public Meeting: 4:30 P.M.
Council Chamber, Pasadena City Hall
100 North Garfield Avenue, Room S249
PUBLIC MEETING - 4:30 P.M.
ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENT – Public comment will be limited to a total of 20 minutes at the beginning of the meeting and will continue at the conclusion of the meeting, if necessary. Please limit comments to 3 minutes each.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 29, 2023 – Special Meeting*
December 5, 2023 – Cancelled Meeting*
January 2, 2024 – Cancelled Meeting*
January 31, 2024 – Special Meeting*
February 6, 2024 – Cancelled Meeting*
February 28, 2024 – Special Meeting*
March 5, 2024 – Cancelled Meeting*
April 2, 2024 – Cancelled Meeting*
OLD BUSINESS
1. REVIEW OF SOUTH SAN RAFAEL FILMING GUIDELINES*
NEW BUSINESS
2. APPROVAL OF THE FEDERAL AND STATE LEGISLATIVE PLATFORMS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2024*
3. COMMISSION REQUESTED AMENDMENT TO “RULES AND
REGULATIONS” FOR THE RECREATION AND PARK COMMISSION*
4. BUDGET WORKSHOPS – FY 2025 RECOMMEND OPERATING BUDGET* a. LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT*
b. PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT*
INFORMATION ONLY
5. BRIEFING BY CHRIS GIGLIO ON FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE MATTERS
6. BRIEFING BY KYRA EMANUELS ROSS ON STATE LEGISLATIVE MATTERS
7. REVIEW OF THE TAXPAYER PROTECTION ACT INITIATIVE 21-0042A1
8. REVIEW OF RECENT HOUSING LEGISLATION IN CALIFORNIA*
9. PAST AGENDAS FOR CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS*
a. Accessibility and Disability Commission – February 27, 2024, March 26, 2024, April 23, 2024
b. Arts & Culture Commission – March 13, 2024, April 10, 2024 c. Code Enforcement Commission – April 18, 2024, April 25, 2024 d. Commission on the Status of Women – March 6, 2024, April 3, 2024, May 1, 2024
e. Community Police Oversight Commission – March 7, 2024, March 14, 2024, April 4, 2024, May 2, 2024
f. Deferred Compensation Committee – May 7, 2024
g. Environmental Advisory Commission – March 12, 2024, April 9, 2024 h. Historic Preservation Commission – April 16, 2024
i. Human Relations Commission – March 13, 2024, April 2, 2024, May 7, 2024
j. Human Services Commission – March 13, 2024, April 10, 2024, k. Library Commission – March 20, 2024, April 17, 2024, l. Northwest Commission – March 12, 2024, April 9, 2024 m. Old Pasadena Parking Meter Zone Advisory Commission – April 18, 2024 n. Pasadena Rental Housing Board – March 27, 2024, April 10, 2024, April 24, 2024
o. Planning Commission – March 12, 2024, March 27, 2024, April 10, 2024, April 24, 2024
p. Recreation and Parks Commission – April 2, 2024
q. Reconnecting Communities 710 Advisory Group – March 20, 2024, April 17, 2024
r. Transportation Advisory Commission – March 28, 2024, April 25, 2024
ADJOURN
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 29, 2023 – Special Meeting*
December 5, 2023 – Cancelled Meeting*
January 2, 2024 – Cancelled Meeting*
January 31, 2024 – Special Meeting*
February 6, 2024 – Cancelled Meeting*
February 28, 2024 – Special Meeting*
March 5, 2024 – Cancelled Meeting*
April 2, 2024 – Cancelled Meeting*
01 11/29/2023
CITY OF PASADENA
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE MINUTES
PASADENA CITY HALL
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE
COUNCIL CHAMBER – ROOM S249
NOVEMBER 29, 2023
OPENING Chair Madison called the special meeting of the Legislative Policy Committee to order at 4:48 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Staff:
Chair Steve Madison
Councilmember Gene Masuda
Councilmember Jess Rivas
Councilmember Jason Lyon
Brenda Harvey-Williams, Assistant City Manager
David Reyes, Assistant City Manager
Jen Guess, Customer Relations Manager
Tamer Sabha, Recording Secretary
Michele Bagneris, City Attorney/City Prosecutor
Mark Jomsky, City Clerk
Matt Hawkesworth, Director of Finance
Tony Olmos, Director of Public Works
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Councilmember Masuda, seconded by
Councilmember Rivas to approve the minutes of May 10, 2023, June 6, 2023, July 4, 2023 (cancellation), and August 1 , 2023 as submitted. (Motion unanimously carried) (Absent: None)
NEW BUSINESS
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS TO SUBMIT TWO CHARTER
AMENDMENT BALLOT MEASURES TO VOTERS AT THE
MARCH 5, 2024 PRIMARY MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO: 1)
CODIFY CLERICAL CHANGES TO VARIOUS SECTIONS IN THE
CITY CHARTER AND UPDATE THE ACCOUNTING METHODS
RELATED TO THE TRANSF ER FROM THE POWER FUND TO
THE GENERAL FUND; AND 2) TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES
TO ARTICLE X RELATED TO CONTRACTS, PURCHASES, AND
SETTLEMENT/CLAIMS; AND ADDITIONAL CONTRACT
SELECTION AND PROJECT DELIVERY METHODS
Matt Hawkesworth , Director of Finance , introduced the item, provided a PowerPoint presentation, and responded to questions.
Nina Chomsky, Pasadena resident , provided comments and concerns about the alternative bidding process, specifically for public and private design build projects.
Mark Jomsky, City Clerk, provided information on the two proposed Charter amendment ballot measures that will be submitted for the March 2024 Primary Election and the Charter Study Task Force that may propose future ballot measures for the November 2024 General Election, and responded to questions.
02 11/29/2023
Michele Bagneris, City Attorney/City Prosecutor , s hared the deadline for adding ballot measures to the March 2024 Primary Election will be Friday, December 8, and responded to questions.
Tony Olmos, Director of Public Works, provided information on the benefits of alternative bidding procedure s and responded to questions.
Following discussion, Councilmember Lyon suggested simplifying the language of one of the proposed ballot measures to read, “Update the accounting of the existing voter-approved transfer from the Power Fund to the General Fund to be consistent with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.”
Following discussion, on the order of the Chair, and by consensus of the Committee, staff was directed to r eview the language of the proposed ballot measures , revise the language for the
Power Fund to General Fund transfer, and include numbering or subheadings in Article X, Section 1014 to avoid confusion.
DRAFT LANGUAGE FOR ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
Brenda Harvey -Williams, Assistant City Manager, provided a PowerPoint presentation, and responded to questions.
Councilmember Lyon suggested moving the various ordinances in the Pasadena Municipal Code that relate to contracting with the City to one location so that discrimination can be viewed as a whole policy. He spoke in support of the City taking a restorative justice approach that will help build the community; and with staff receiving input from the Human Rel ations Commission on enforcement mechanism related to the City’s proposed Anti-Discrimination policy.
Chair Madison spoke in support of staff’s proposed Anti - Discrimination policy and reviewing the best practices of other cities to reflect the diversity in the community . He suggested adding a prefatory statement to the policy to read, “ Whereas the City of Pasadena is a tolerant, progressive city which wishes to promote the diversity, equity, and inclusion of all its community…”
Following discussion, the committee directed staff to:
• Review and update the language for the proposed Anti - Discrimination Policy based on feedback given by the
committee (as detailed above);
• Draft a prefatory statement to the proposed policy;
• Request input from the Human Relations Commission,
Commission on the Status of Women, and Accessibility and Disability Commission;
• Recommend options for enforcement of the policy; and
• Return to the Committee with information on existing policies and models from surrounding municipalities.
03 11/29/2023
Following further discussion, on the order of the Chair, and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
INFORMATION ONLY BRIEFING BY DAVID JONES AND KYRA EMANUELS ROSS ON
STATE LEGISLATIVE MATTERS
David Jones and Kyra Emanuels Ross, State Legislative advocates for the City, provided an update on state and local legislative matters listed below and responded to questions:
• State L egislators are on an interim recess until January 3, 2024;
• The Supreme Court of California has agreed to review the Governor’s request to pull the California Business Roundtable measure from the 2024 ballot;
• Tax revenues are coming in at a lower level than expected:
• Governor Newsom will release his proposed budget on
January 10, 2024;
• Speaker of the Assembly Rivas announced new committee chairmanships:
o Assemblymember Holden stepping down as Chair of the
Appropriations Committee on January 20 , 2024 , with
Assemblymember Wicks appointed as the new Chair of the
committee;
o Assemblymember Gabriel will Chair the Budget
Committee;
o Assemblymember Ortega will Chair the Labor and
Employment Committee;
o Assemblymember Ward will Chair the Housing and
Community Development Committee;
o Assemblymember Bryan will Chair the Natural Resources Committee; and
o Assemblymember McCarty will Chair the Public Safety
Committee.
• Governor Newsom will be proposing new legislation to make “tranq” (Xylazine) a scheduled controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, and to increase penalties for illicit trafficking of the drug; and
• Hot topics for bills next year include housing, housing density, accessible dwelling units (ADUs) , insurance reform, opioids, and climate resilience.
Following discussion and on the order of the Chair, and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
BRIEFING BY CHRIS GIGLIO ON FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE
MATTERS
Chris Giglio, Federal Legislative advocate for the City , provided an update on the following fe deral legislative matters listed below and answered questions on the following topics:
04 11/29/2023
• Progress toward approving the federal budget for Fiscal Year 2024; and
• Congresswoman Chu ’s work to extend the Department of Homeland Security BioWatch Program, a bioterrorism
monitoring program, which partners with the City.
Following discussion, on the order of the Chair and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
PAST AGENDAS FOR CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
a. Accessibility and Disability Commission – November 28, 2023 b. Arts & Culture Commission – November 8, 2023
c. Design Commission – November 14, 2023
d. Deferred Compensation Committee – November 7, 2023
e. Environmental Advisory Commission – November 14, 2023 f. Fire & Police Retirement System – November 15, 2023
g. Hahamongna Watershed Park Advisory Committee –
November 28, 2023
h. Human Relations Commission – November 7, 2023
i. Human Services Commission – November 8, 2023
j. Library Commission – November 15, 2023
k. Pasadena Rental Housing Board – November 15, 2023
l. Planning Commission – November 8, 2023
m. Reconnecting Communities 710 Advisory Group – November 15, 2023
n. Senior Commission – November 14, 2023
Following a brief discussion, on the order of the Chair and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
Brenda Harvey -Williams, Assistant City Manager, announced that the Assembly Committee on Insurance will be holding a meeting in the Council Chambers on December 13, 2023, beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Chair Madison asked staff to remind the City Council of the upcoming meeting and distribute the Assembly Committee meeting agenda when available.
ADJOURNMENT On the order of the Chair, the special meeting of the Legislative Policy Committee was adjourned at 6:23 p.m.
ATTEST:
____________________
Tamer Sabha
Recording Secretary
_________________________________
Councilmember Steve Madison, Chair
Legislative Policy Committee
12/05/2023
CITY OF PASADENA
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE MINUTES
PASADENA CITY HALL
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE
COUNCIL CHAMBER – ROOM S249
DECEMBER 5, 2023
REGULAR MEETING
The regular meeting of the Legislative Policy Committee, scheduled for Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 4:30 p.m., was cancelled as ordered on November 30, 2023, and posted by staff.
ATTEST:
____________________
Tamer Sabha
Recording Secretary
_________________________________
Councilmember Steve Madison, Chair
Legislative Policy Committee
01/02/2024
CITY OF PASADENA
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE MINUTES
PASADENA CITY HALL
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE
COUNCIL CHAMBER – ROOM S249
JANUARY 2, 2024
REGULAR MEETING
The regular meeting of the Legislative Policy Committee, scheduled for Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 4:30 p.m., was cancelled as ordered on December 28, 2023, and posted by staff.
ATTEST:
____________________
Tamer Sabha
Recording Secretary
_________________________________
Vice Mayor Steve Madison, Chair
Legislative Policy Committee
01 01/31/2024
CITY OF PASADENA
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE MINUTES
PASADENA CITY HALL
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE
COUNCIL CHAMBER – ROOM S249
JANUARY 31, 2024
OPENING Chair Madison called the special meeting of the Legislative Policy Committee to order at 4:41 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Staff:
Vice Mayor Steve Madison, Chair
Councilmember Gene Masuda
Councilmember Jess Rivas (Arrived at 4:45 p.m.)
Councilmember Jason Lyon
Brenda Harvey-Williams, Assistant City Manager
Javan Rad, Chief Assistant City Attorney
Jennifer Guess, Customer Relations Manager
Tamer Sabha, Recording Secretary
Mark Jomsky, City Clerk
Tim Wellman, Chief Assistant City Prosecutor
Arnold Lee, Assistant City Attorney
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Councilmember Masuda, seconded by
Councilmember Lyon to approve the minutes of August 29 , 2023 (special meeting), September 5 , 2023 ( cancellation), October 3 , 2023 and November 7 , 2023 , as submitted. (Motion unanimously carried) (Absent: Councilmember Rivas)
INFORMATION ONLY BRIEFING BY CHRIS GIGLIO ON FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE
MATTERS
Councilmember Rivas
arrived at 4:45 p.m.
Chris Giglio, Federal Legislative advocate for the City , provided an update on the following fe deral legislative matters listed below and answered questions on the following topics:
• Progress toward approving the federal budget for Fiscal Year 2024;
• Progress to pass bipartisan t ax bill, which would expand and extend the Child Tax Credit and Research and Development Tax Credit;
• Emergency appropriations for overseas military activities and aid for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan; and
• November 2024 General Election.
Mark Jomsky, City Clerk, confirmed that the ballot for the March 5 , 2024, Primary Election will include local City Council candidate races and local ballot measures on the first two pages of the ballot.
Following discussion, on the order of the Chair and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
02 01/31/2024
BRIEFING BY DAVID JONES AND KYRA EMANUELS ROSS ON
STATE LEGISLATIVE MATTERS
Kyra Emanuels Ross , State Legislative advocate for the City, provided an update on state and local legislative matters listed below and responded to questions:
• Governor Newsom released budget proposal with a projected $38 billion deficit;
• California Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) projects the deficit at approximately $58 billion;
• Budget subcommittees will begin to meet the first week of February;
• Franchise Tax Board collections are currently $4 billion under projections;
• Governor Newsom is focused on the passage of Proposition 1 (Mental Health Treatment Facilities) during the March Primary Election;
• November General Election to feature eleven measures and four bonds on the ballot;
• Swearing in of new State Senate President Pro Tempore, Mike McGuire;
• Legislative hot topics: retail theft, artificial intelligence, and impact fees;
• House of Origin deadline for legislative bill introduction is January 31; and
• Deadline for bill introductions is February 16, with an expected 2,500 bills to be introduced this year.
Following discussion and on the order of the Chair, and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
DISCUSSION AND REVIEW OF AB 1416 SANTIAGO;
ELECTIONS: BALLOT LABEL
Kyra Emanuels Ross , State Legislative advocate for the City, provided information on Assembly Bill No.1416 (AB 1416) and responded to questions:
City Clerk Jomsky presented a PowerPoint presentation on Assembly Bill No. 1416 , local implications, and responded to questions.
Javan Rad, Chief Assistant City Attorney, informed the Committee that the City Council may take a position on a measure of up, down, or neutral, but cannot use City resources to support or oppose measures, and responded to questions.
03 01/31/2024
Chair Madison recommended that in the future, staff agendizes ballot arguments for the Committee to conside r when the City sponsors future initiatives, best practices , and implications of proposed legislations.
Following discussion, the Committee directed the City Clerk to work with the City Attorney and agendize a discussion on the City Charter related to ballot labels, implications of AB 1416, opinions or direction from the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), prohibited mailings within 60 days of an election, and best practices of other cities following AB 1416.
Following further discussion and on the order of the Chair, and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
DISCUSSION OF ZERO BAIL LAWSUIT
Brenda Harvey -Williams, Assistant City Manager, introduced Tim Wellman, Chief Assistant City Prosecutor, and Arnold Lee, Assistant City Attorney, who presented a PowerPoint presentation on the item, and responded to questions.
Councilmember Lyon requested that City Attorney staff contact the Police Department for information on the number of cases that seek magistrate review that would otherwise be cite d, book ed, and released.
Chair Madison spoke on the Committee’s strong interest of the Los Angeles County’s “zero- bail policy”, recommended staff contact the Police Department and Public Safety Committee to discuss the matter, and requested a follow -up presentation to the Committee in six months.
Following discussion, on the order of the Chair and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
PAST AGENDAS FOR CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
a. Accessibility and Disability Commission – January 23, 2024 b. Arts & Culture Commission – January 10, 2024
c. Code Enforcement Commission – December 7, 2023
d. Commission on the Status of Women – January 3, 2024
e. Community Police Oversight Commission – January 11, 2024 f. Design Commission – January 9, 2024
g. Deferred Compensation Committee – January 10, 2024
h. Environmental Advisory Commission – January 9, 2024
i. Hahamongna Watershed Park Advisory Committee – January 23, 2024
j. Human Relations Commission – January 9, 2024
k. Human Services Commission – January 10, 2024
l. Library Commission – January 17, 2024
m. Northwest Commission – January 17, 2024
04 01/31/2024
n. Old Pasadena Parking Meter Zone Advisory Commission – January 18, 2024
o. Pasadena Rental Housing Board – January 10, 2024, January 24, 2024
p. Planning Commission – January 10, 2024, January 24, 2024 q. Reconnecting Communities 710 Advisory Group – January 17, 2024
r. Transportation Advisory Commission – January 25, 2024 s. Urban Forestry Advisory Committee – January 10, 2024
Brenda Harvey-Williams, Assistant City Manager, reported that staff is in the process of taking the Anti -Discrimination Policy to three commissions in February for their input.
Following a brief discussion, on the order of the Chair and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed
ADJOURNMENT
On the order of the Chair, the regular meeting of the Legislative Policy Committee was adjourned at 6:34 p.m.
ATTEST:
____________________
Tamer Sabha
Recording Secretary
_________________________________
Vice Mayor Steve Madison, Chair
Legislative Policy Committee
02/06/2024
CITY OF PASADENA
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE MINUTES
PASADENA CITY HALL
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE
COUNCIL CHAMBER – ROOM S249
FEBRUARY 6, 2024
REGULAR MEETING
The regular meeting of the Legislative Policy Committee, scheduled for Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 4:30 p.m., was cancelled as ordered on February 1, 2024, and posted by staff.
ATTEST:
____________________
Tamer Sabha
Recording Secretary
_________________________________
Vice Mayor Steve Madison, Chair
Legislative Policy Committee
01 02/28/2024
CITY OF PASADENA
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE MINUTES
PASADENA CITY HALL
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE
COUNCIL CHAMBER – ROOM S249
FEBRUARY 28, 2024
OPENING Chair Madison called the special meeting of the Legislative Policy Committee to order at 4:33 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Staff:
Vice Mayor Steve Madison, Chair
Councilmember Gene Masuda
Councilmember Jess Rivas
Councilmember Jason Lyon (Absent)
Brenda Harvey-Williams, Assistant City Manager
Javan Rad, Chief Assistant City Attorney
Tamer Sabha, Recording Secretary
Jason Mikaelian, Deputy Director of Planning and Community Development
Saidy Enciso, Film Program Coordinator
INFORMATION ONLY REVIEW OF SOUTH SAN RAFAEL FILMING GUIDELINES
Saidy Enciso, Film Program Coordinator, presented a PowerPoint presentation with information on general filming guidelines, proposed parking plan, frequently fil med areas, South San Rafael filming district and guidelines, and responded to questions.
Tamer Sabha , Recording Secretary, reported that the City Clerk’s Office received two letters of correspondence providing comments on the matter, which were distributed to the Committee, posted online and made part of the record.
The following individuals provided comment on the matter:
Toni Maier, representing On Location Inc.
Benjamin Harr, Pasadena resident
Careen Friedland, Pasadena resident
Jason Mikaelian, Deputy Director of Planning and Community Development, provided information on ordinance and filming guidelines, signature requirements for property owners , and responded to questions.
Chair Madison expressed concerns regarding the application of different standards and special regulations for non -code enforcement or public hearing issues. He requested that staff return with a more comprehensive presentation related to special filming restrictions and provide a copy of the notice that was sent to neighbors referenced by the public commentors.
02 02/28/2024
Following discussion, on the order of the Chair and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
BRIEFING BY CHRIS GIGLIO ON FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE
MATTERS
Chris Giglio, Federal Legislative advocate for the City , provided an update on the following fe deral legislative matters listed below and answered questions on the following topics:
• Progress toward approving the federal budget for Fiscal Year 2024;
• Congressional action toward a Gaza ceasefire resolution; and • Senator Mitch McConnell stepping down as Senate Minority Leader
Councilmember Rivas spoke in support of the Committee discussing a Gaza ceasefire resolution.
Following discussion, Chair Madison asked staff to agendize for discussion, the consideration of a Gaza ceasefire resolution , and ensure appropriate staff is present to respond to questions on the matter.
Following further discussion and on the order of the Chair, and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
BRIEFING BY DAVID JONES AND KYRA EMANUELS ROSS ON
STATE LEGISLATIVE MATTERS
Kyra Emanuels Ross , State Legislative advocate for the City, provided an update on state and local legislative matters listed below and responded to questions:
• 2,100 new bills introduced between January 1 and the
deadline for new bill introductions of February 16;
o Bill topics include: builder’s remedy , impact fees and property taxes, property tax exemption for new Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), retail theft, artificial intelligence, utility rate affordability, grocery store plastic bag ban, recommendations from the State Reparations Task Force,
and unemployment benefits for striking workers.
• State legislators focused on Primary Election taking place on March 5;
• Petition to recall Governor Newsom;
• Budget subcommittees have begun to meet to review the Governor’s proposed budget;
• California Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) revised budget deficit estimate to be $78 billion; and
• Bonds anticipated to be on the November General Election ballot include resources/water/climate bond, school education bond, housing bond.
03 02/28/2024
Following discussion and on the order of the Chair, and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
PAST AGENDAS FOR CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
a. Arts & Culture Commission – February 14, 2024
b. Code Enforcement Commission – February 1, 2024, February 15, 2024
c. Commission on the Status of Women – February 7, 2024 d. Community Police Oversight Commission – February 8, 2024 e. Deferred Compensation Committee – February 6, 2024
f. Environmental Advisory Commission – February 13, 2024 g. Human Services Commission – February 14, 2024
h. Library Commission – February 21, 2024
i. Northwest Commission – February 13, 2024
j. Pasadena Rental Housing Board – February 21, 2024
k. Recreation and Parks Commission – February 6, 2024
l. Reconnecting Communities 710 Advisory Group – February 21, 2024
m. South Lake Parking Place Commission – February 22, 2024 n. Transportation Advisory Commission – February 22, 2024 o. Urban Forestry Advisory Committee – February 21, 2024
Following a brief discussion, on the order of the Chair and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
Brenda Harvey -Williams, Assistant City Manager, informed the committee that the next regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 5 will be cancelled due to the election and asked for direction in scheduling a future special meeting. In response, t he committee decided to meet at the next regular scheduled date of Tuesday, April 2, 2024.
ADJOURNMENT On the order of the Chair, the special meeting of the Legislative Policy Committee was adjourned at 5:36 p.m.
ATTEST:
____________________
Tamer Sabha
Recording Secretary
_________________________________
Vice Mayor Steve Madison, Chair
Legislative Policy Committee
03/05/2024
CITY OF PASADENA
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE MINUTES
PASADENA CITY HALL
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE
COUNCIL CHAMBER – ROOM S249
MARCH 5, 2024
REGULAR MEETING
The regular meeting of the Legislative Policy Committee, scheduled for Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 4:30 p.m., was cancelled as ordered on February 29, 2024, and posted by staff.
ATTEST:
____________________
Tamer Sabha
Recording Secretary
_________________________________
Vice Mayor Steve Madison, Chair
Legislative Policy Committee
04/02/2024
CITY OF PASADENA
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE MINUTES
PASADENA CITY HALL
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE
COUNCIL CHAMBER – ROOM S249
APRIL 2, 2024
REGULAR MEETING
The regular meeting of the Legislative Policy Committee, scheduled for Tuesday, April 2, 202 4, at 4:30 p.m., was cancelled as ordered on March 28, 2024, and posted by staff.
ATTEST:
____________________
Tamer Sabha
Recording Secretary
_________________________________
Vice Mayor Steve Madison, Chair
Legislative Policy Committee
OLD BUSINESS
1. REVIEW OF SOUTH SAN RAFAEL FILMING GUIDELINES*
MEMORANDUM
TO: LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE
FROM: JENNIFER PAIGE, DIRECTOR OF THE PLANNING & COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
DATE: MAY 7,2024
SUBJECT: PASADENA FILM ORDINANCE AND GUIDELINES
______________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the report and provide direction to staff regarding the City’s film permitting process.
BACKGROUND:
At the February 28, 2024, Legislative Policy Committee meeting, staff made a presentation on the City’s Film Ordinance and the South San Rafael Special Filming District. Committee members requested staff to return with further information regarding the City’s existing filming regulations, the role of the Film Commissioner (originally known as the Film Liaison), properties with special filming conditions and recommendations to improve the film permitting process. This staff report is in response to the February 28th discussion.
EXISTING FILMING REGULATIONS:
In 1985, the City Council adopted Pasadena’s Film Ordinance to create procedures and regulations for filming. In 1992 and 2000, the City Council adopted General Filming Guidelines for the entire City and additional guidelines for areas that may generate more filming activity (e.g., Frequently Filmed Areas and Special Filming Districts). All commercial filming (including television, still photography, student films, director’s reels and other similar projects), whether on public or private property, require a commercial filming permit. The City’s Film Office coordinates all film production and reviews filming permits under the leadership of the Film Commissioner.
Legislative Policy Subcommittee May 7, 2024
Pasadena Film Ordinance and Guidelines
The number of filming permits issued in the City remains high. However, it has not fully recovered since the COVID-19 pandemic and recent Hollywood labor disputes:
2019 – 466 permits
2020 – 183
2021 – 242
2022 – 288
2023 – 202
2024 – 77 (through mid-April)
The City’s General Filming Guidelines outline the number of filming permits allowed per quarter per property, filming hours, signature requirements, notification requirements and operational standards. They also provide procedures for filming complaints.
Attachment A provides a summary of the City’s General Filming Guidelines.
Frequently Filmed Areas
In the late 1980s, it became apparent that some areas of Pasadena generated more filming activity, which can negatively impact neighborhoods. In response, the City Council adopted guidelines in 1992 to provide more stringent conditions for filming permits for neighborhoods identified as Frequently Filmed Areas (FFAs). Since then, the Film Commissioner has designated 12 FFAs in residential neighborhoods, with the most recent established in 2000. See Attachment B for a map showing the locations of the FFAs.
If an area of the City is experiencing filming at the maximum levels allowed, which are a total of six days per quarter for residential areas and 15 days per quarter for commercial areas, they qualify to be considered as an FFA. The Film Commissioner can then consider if the area should be designated an FFA. If designated, the Film Commissioner can also look at other factors that impact the FFA such as impacts from filming over the past 12-months, availability of on-street parking, width of streets, etc. The Film Commissioner defines the specific neighborhood boundary based on the location of the filming activity and all subsequent permits would then be subject to the guidelines of an FFA.
Properties in FFAs must comply with stricter signature requirements and street parking limitations compared to the rest of the City. Attachment A compares the requirements for FFAs and the City’s General Filming Guidelines.
Special Filming Districts
The City Council approved the South San Rafael Special Filming District (SFD) in 1992 and approved guidelines to establish other SFDs in 2000. Such districts are neighborhood initiated and located in residentially zoned areas. They may also include customized guidelines and conditions of approval. A total of four SFDs have been created: South San Rafael, Panorama Glen, Grand/Palmetto and Hudson. See Legislative Policy Subcommittee May 7, 2024
Pasadena Film Ordinance and Guidelines
Attachment B for a map showing the locations of the SFDs. The process to establish an SFD includes the following:
• Workshop #1 – Introduce the concept and process of creating an SFD. • Workshop #2 – Staff presents draft customized conditions to consider. • Approving the District and Conditions – A minimum 2/3rds of the property owners must agree to be part of the district and the guidelines. The South San Rafael SFD was also approved by the City Council.
• Revising or Disbanding the District – A minimum 2/3rds of the property owners must agree to revise or disband the district and/or the guidelines. Any changes to the South San Rafael SFD will also require approval by the City Council.
South San Rafael Special Filming District
The South San Rafael SFD includes 46 properties along South San Rafael Avenue between West Colorado Boulevard and La Loma Road. This portion of South San Rafael Avenue is developed with large estates; the street is narrow with limited space for on-street parking. Several high-profile movies and other television projects were filmed in this area in the late 1980s and early 1990s, negatively impacting residents.
The district was created in response to these concerns.
Properties in South San Rafael SFD must comply with significantly stricter signature and noticing requirements and street parking limitations compared to the rest of Pasadena.
Other Special Filming Districts
The other SFDs include Panorama Glen, Grand/Palmetto and Hudson. Properties in these districts must comply with the guidelines and requirements of FFAs. In addition, each district includes customized guidelines and conditions of approval. Examples include limiting filming on weekends, prohibiting helicopters and requiring minimum time periods between filming activities on individual properties.
Attachment A compares the requirements for SFDs, FFAs and the City’s General Filming Guidelines.
Block Agreements
Another form of filming neighborhood is Block Agreements. The Film Commissioner has approved five Block Agreements since 2000: Johnston Lake, Madison 1, Madison 2, Ninita and Elizabeth. Like SFDs, they are neighborhood initiated and include customized guidelines and conditions of approval. However, they typically do not meet the minimum criteria to be an FFA. In addition, rather than being subject to the conditions of FFAs or SFDs, they prefer a limited number of conditions to address a specific concern. In order for the Film Commissioner to approve a Block Agreement, 2/3rds of the property owners must agree to the customized guidelines and conditions.
See Attachment B for a map showing the locations of Block Agreements.
Legislative Policy Subcommittee May 7, 2024
Pasadena Film Ordinance and Guidelines
ROLE OF THE FILM COMMISSIONER:
Pasadena Municipal Code Sections 17.70.060 (Film Liaison) and 17.61.090 (Film Permits) outline the responsibilities of the Film Commissioner. The Film Commissioner reviews filming permits for compliance with the City’s Film Ordinance and various guidelines, and has the authority to deny, approve or approve any permit with conditions. In most cases, filming permits are approved if they comply with all regulations. However, properties located in FFAs and SFDs receive extra scrutiny to ensure they do not negatively impact neighborhoods.
The Film Commissioner also has the authority to establish FFAs, provided the respective area meets the criteria to be considered an FFA. The Film Commissioner is also able to revise and remove FFAs. The Film Commissioner also oversees the process to establish, revise or disband SFDs and Block Agreements, at the request of a neighborhood. Film Commissioner decisions may be appealed by anyone to the Board of Zoning Appeals, and ultimately the City Council.
PROPERTIES WITH SPECIAL FILMING CONDITIONS:
As previously noted, the Film Commissioner has the authority to add special conditions to any film permit or property. In most instances, these have been added to specific filming permits rather than standing conditions for a property. However, the Film Commissioner has added special conditions that apply on an ongoing basis for the following properties or group of properties:
• 380 S. San Rafael Avenue (added in 2000) – Signatures required from the property owners of 310 and 350 S. San Rafael Avenue for any still photography or filming.
• 1288 Oakland Avenue (added in 2015) – Additional restrictions regarding still photography, parking, lighting, public safety and crew size. • 1260, 1272 and 1274 La Loma Road (added in 2015) – Properties share driveway access. Signatures are required from all property owners along the driveway. Small-scale still photography is excluded from this requirement (fewer than 20 cast and crew with no generator).
• Prospect Crescent Properties (any property that abuts Prospect Crescent regardless of the street address, added in 2018) – Prohibits filming after 7:00 p.m. daily and all filming on weekends and holidays. • 1500, 1504, 1508, 1512, 1520 and 1530 Marengo Avenue (added in 2019) – Properties share driveway access. Signatures are required from all property owners along the driveway. Small-scale still photography is excluded from this requirement.
If a property owner wants to have a special condition revised or removed, they must submit a written request to the Film Commissioner. The Film Commissioner may uphold, revise or remove the special conditions. The decision is provided in writing and Legislative Policy Subcommittee May 7, 2024
Pasadena Film Ordinance and Guidelines
distributed to all affected property owners. The decision may be appealed by anyone to the Board of Zoning Appeals, and ultimately the City Council. The decision may also be called-up for review by a member of the City Council or Planning Commission.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND NEXT STEPS:
While the City receives few complaints about filming activities, the various guidelines in place can make the permitting and enforcement process confusing to City staff, property owners and industry professionals. In addition, the multiple layers of overlapping regulations may discourage filming activities in the City. After a thorough review of the City’s existing regulations, staff recommends the following:
• Conduct outreach to residents, property owners, industry professionals and other cities to determine best practices.
• Reevaluate FFAs and determine whether they still meet the criteria to be considered an FFA.
• Possibly consolidate FFAs and SFDs into one type of filming area. Consider requiring all new filming areas be neighborhood initiated. • Reevaluate Block Agreements including procedures to establish new Block Agreements and possibly replace Block Agreements with another program or remove entirely.
• Reevaluate the ability of the Film Commissioner to establish special conditions that apply on an ongoing basis for specific properties or group of properties. • Update the policies and procedures of the City’s Film Office and clarify the role of the Film Commissioner.
Staff will return to the Legislative Policy Committee at a later date with a summary of feedback received during outreach and a more detailed list of recommendations to streamline the film permitting process. Updates to the Film Ordinance will require Planning Commission review and City Council adoption of a Zoning Code Amendment.
Revisions to the various filming guidelines will require City Council adoption of a Resolution.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________
JENNIFER PAIGE
Director of Planning & Community
Development Department
Attachments (2):
Attachment A – Summary of General Filming Guidelines, FFAs and SFDs Attachment B – Map of Filming Areas
ATTAC HMENT A – SUMMARY OF GENERAL FILMING GUIDELIENS, FFAs AND SFDs General Filming Guidelines
(Citywide)
Frequently Filmed
Areas (FFAs)
Special Filming Districts
(SFDs)
South San Rafael Special
Filming District (SFD)
Number of Filming
Permits:
• Residential – Up to 6 days of filming per quarter per calendar year, for a maximum 24 filming days per year • Nonresidential – Up to 15 days of filming per quarter per calendar year, for a maximum 60 filming days per year. • Still Photography and Pre/Post Filming Activities – Not included as filming days.
Filming &
Still Photography:
7 AM to 7 PM No signatures required.
Signatures from 51% of abutting
properties (defined as adjacent and
directly across the street).
7 PM to 10 PM Signatures from 51% of properties within 300 ft.
Signatures from 75% of abutting
properties plus 3 additional properties in
each direction.
Before 7 AM or
after 10 PM
• Sunday to Thursday:
Signatures from 75% of
properties within 300 ft.
• Friday & Saturday: Signatures
from 90% of properties within
300 ft.
Signatures from 100% of properties within 300 ft.
Signatures from 100% of abutting
properties plus 5 additional properties in
each direction.
Notification
Requirements:
Notices shall be distributed to all
properties within 300 ft. May be
waived for small-scale activities
when all activities are on-site
and occurs between 7 AM and
7 PM.
Notices shall be distributed to all properties within
300 ft.
Notices shall be mailed to all property
owners within 1,300 ft. with affidavits a
minimum 1 week before filming activity.
Street Parking &
Public Right-of-Way:
Signatures required for
properties directly impacted.
Signatures required for properties directly impacted.
Limited to 5 trucks and 1 generator.
Signatures required for properties
directly impacted. Limited to 5 trucks
and 1 generator. Shall only park on one
side of the street. Overnight parking is
prohibited.
City Personnel: Required for activities with 20 or more cast or crew. Required for all activities.
Public Safety: Not required but can be conditioned.
Required for activities with street
parking. Can be conditioned for other
activities.
Other:
These include requirements on application procedures, fees, operations, insurance, sound and lighting.
Customized guidelines
and conditions for each
district.
380 S. San Rafael Avenue has special
signature requirements.
Planning & Community Development
South
San Rafael
4 total:
Prospect,
Prospect Square,
Prospect Crescent &
Prospect Terrace
Armada
2 total:
Madison & Oakland
Palmetto
210 Freeway
110 Freeway
PASADENA
ALTADENA
SAN MARINO
SOUTH PASADENA
LOS ANGELES
LA CANADA
SIERRA
MADRE
ARCADIA
ATTACHMENT B
MAP OF FILMING AREAS
Frequently Filmed Areas (FFAs)
(Established by Film Commissioner)
Special Filming Districts (SFDs)
(by Neighborhoods)
South San Rafael SFD
(by City Council & Neighborhood)
Block Agreements
(by Neighborhoods)
Elizabeth
Madison 1
Madison 2
Ninita
Hudson
Panorama Glen
Grand/Palmetto
Johnston Lake
Map of Filming Areas
Grand 3 total:
Filmore,
Alpine &
Miles
NEW BUSINESS
2. APPROVAL OF THE FEDERAL AND STATE LEGISLATIVE
PLATFORMS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2024*
1 CITY OF PASADENA, CALIFORNIA
2023 2024 Federal Legislative Platform
Guiding Principles
1.) Preserve and Enhance Federal Assistance to Local Governments: Declining federal funding for important domestic discretionary programs has severely limited the ability of the City to meet the needs of our most underserved citizens.
Continued reductions would do little to reduce the federal deficit, but the effects on Pasadena families would be devastating.
2.) Oppose Federal Preemption of Local Authority: Pasadena opposes federal efforts to curb the ability of local governments to address matters traditionally handled on the local level – such as the imposition of taxes and fees, enforcement of zoning and land use regulations, or the ability to ensure the safety of our residents.
Declaration on the Middle East
In March 2024, the City issued a declaration regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has claimed the lives of many individuals in the region, caused immeasurable suffering to countless persons, and continued risk of death is imminent if the release of hostages and a ceasefire does not take place. As part of the declaration, the City calls on leaders at the federal level to continue to work cooperatively with the global community to release all hostages, seek bilateral de-escalation and ceasefire, ensure timely delivery of aid to Gaza, and pursue peace in the Middle East to guard and protect the lives, health, and security of all innocent civilians.
For more information about City positions on this topic please contact the City Manager’s Office: (626) 744-4333.
State Route 710 Northern Stub RelinquishmentReconnecting Communities Funding
Through the City’s collaborative multi-year effort with Caltrans, the California Transportation Commission approved the relinquishment of the State Route 710 Northern Stub transportation network in June 2022 and transferred ownership of the 60-acre area to the City in August 2022. Going forward, tThe City will is working with community stakeholders to identify future land uses and to define the local street network. The City is supportsive continued federal and state funding for this project, which will include restoration efforts in line with the City’s Complete Streets Policy, provisions for local mobility, neighborhood connectivity, and opportunities for development in line with the City’s General Plan Guiding Principles. The City further supports funding for the U.S.
Department of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities grant program.
For more information about City positions on this topic please contact the City Manager’s Office: (626) 744-4333.
2023 2024 Federal Legislative Platform 2
Pandemic Response
Direct and timely federal aid is the only way communities such as Pasadena are able to respond to a global pandemic such as COVID-19 and maintain continuity for vital services in areas such as public health, public safety, utility services, and outreach to the City’s most vulnerable residents. The City is supportive of proposals to increase the federal cost share for the FEMA Public Assistance program to 100% for actions taken in relation to a pandemic. In addition, the City supports legislation and federal actions that would provide:
1) Direct fiscal assistance to local governments of all population sizes to address the catastrophic loss of revenue resulting from a global pandemic and similar natural disasters.
2) Direct fiscal assistance to local health jurisdictions to support expanded epidemiological functions such as case investigation, contact tracing, testing, and vaccine distribution, and services that support family and child physical, mental health and wellness harmed by a pandemic, including access to food and housing, access to primary and preventive care services, and safety.
3) Direct fiscal assistance to publicly owned utilities to credit delinquent utility bills for their affected customers.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact:
Finance Department: (626) 744-4355
Public Health Department: (626) 744-6000
Housing Department: (626) 744-8300
Water and Power Department: (626) 744-440
Early Childhood Education
Improved access to high-quality, early childhood education, including pre-school, will help develop meaningful early learning solutions that support young children and their families. It is vital for early child education programs to have consistent, well-funded and diverse resources at the federal, state and local level. The City is supportive of legislation and funding to improve access to early learning and care so that young children, especially those from low- and middle-income families, can flourish during this critical childhood developmental period.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact:
City Manager’s Office: (626) 744-4333
Housing Department: (626) 744-8300
Library and information Services Department: (626) 744-4066 Parks, Recreation and Community Services: (626) 744-4386 Public Health Department: Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health Program: (800) 304-0015
Finance
The City is concerned that the federal government has attempted to impose itself into the area of local taxation, a matter traditionally handled on the local level. Pasadena officials
2023 2024 Federal Legislative Platform 3
are better suited than the federal government to understand community needs and should have all the tools necessary to ensure the safety and health of the public while properly maintaining the public’s largest investment, its infrastructure.
The City supports:
Legislation to restore the tax break for advanced refunding bonds. Strongly opposes any effort to eliminate, or cap, the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds (including private activity bonds), one of the few tools left for local governments to finance large capital projects.
Protection of federal Build America Bonds rebates from budget sequestration or any other proposed cuts to previously issued direct pay bonds.
The City opposes:
Legislative proposals to impose limits on governmental deferred compensation plans. Attempts to exempt online travel companies from collecting state and local bed taxes when they re-sell hotel rooms to consumers shopping at their internet sites. Federal efforts to erode local authority by prohibiting state and local taxes and fees in areas such as wireless services, video services (including but not limited to, internet protocol (“IPP”) enabled, streaming, and over-the-top services), and the sale of digital goods.
Mandatory participation in Social Security for local government employees covered by other retirement and/or pension systems.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the Finance Department at (626) 744-4355.
Utilities
The City of Pasadena, through its Department of Water and Power (“PWP”), operates its own municipal utility and as a result, is subject to federal programs and oversight in a number of areas. As a provider of electricity, the City has set ambitious goals with regard to the use of renewable energy. In addition, the City Council declared a climate emergency on January 30, 2023, and set a goal to source 100% of Pasadena’s electricity from carbon free sources by 2030.
While federal resources that help us achieve these goals are encouraged, unfunded federal mandates in this area will likelymay hinder our efforts by forcing us to focus resources in ways that may not be in the best interest of our customers.
As a provider of water, the City is committed to providing safe drinking water to its customers and supports federal efforts to impose standards that are based on sound scientific principles and protocols.
The City supports:
A swift decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that contaminates such as perchlorate contamination in the City’s Sunset Reservoir drinking
2023 2024 Federal Legislative Platform 4
watergroundwater wells supply, including in the Pasadena sub-area basin initiated from the current NASA/JPL superfund site.
Increased federal investments in utility infrastructure projects such as water supply and distribution pipeline system replacement and upgrades, non-potable water reuse, water quality treatment, stormwater management, utility modernization (e.g. advanced metering infrastructure) energy storage, electric vehicle charging, power plant emissions retrofits, smart grid implementation, replacement of inefficient generators, and construction of transmission lines to access renewable energy generation. Federal initiatives that avoid duplicative climate policies and are designed to lower greenhouse gas emissions, while urging consideration of technical feasibility, costs to ratepayers, as well as the time that it will take utilities to come into compliance with proposed initiatives.
Federal initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector through increased incentives for electric vehicles and funding for associated infrastructure.
Federal initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from commercial and residential buildings through incentives and policies that support building electrification.
Federal incentives for renewable energy, such as the Clean Renewable Energy Bond (CREB) program.
Modifications to FERC transmission rate incentive policies that take into account the additional costs to ratepayers.
Hydro power reform legislation and funding to facilitate development of new hydro projects, particularly small and in-conduit hydropower development, as well as promoting more efficient hydropower re-licensing process. Federal efforts to encourage, but not mandate, increased energy and water-use efficiency as well as federal assistance to encourage or meet operational improvements within the City.
Changes to the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program to provide assistance toward 100% of the cost of a project. In addition, the City is supportive of the WIFIA program for local and regional water supply projects that help protect against drought related shortages or supply interruptions. Federal resources to address severe western drought conditions, including increased funding for non-potable water reuse infrastructure and storage. The City’s non-potable water reuse projects, which will enhance local water supply reliability and could provide approximately 10 – 25 percent of the City’s water demand by delivering additional water supplies for groundwater recharge, new development, non-potable water for landscape irrigation and industrial other uses in the future.
The Arroyo Seco Canyon Project, which came about after events related to the 2009 Station Fire in the Angeles National Forest caused significant damage to PWP’s water
2023 2024 Federal Legislative Platform 5
diversion facilities in the Arroyo Seco Canyon area. Repairs and upgrades to the stream intake structure and spreading basins are needed to allow capturing of stormwater run-off from nearby mountains that will filter into the aquifer and can be accessed during the summer monthsrecharge the groundwater basin. Ultimately, this project will restore Pasadena’s ability to utilize its long-standing surface water rights. It is anticipated the improvements will result in an average increase in recharge to the groundwater basin of about 1,000 acre-feet per year. PumpingReplenishing this local groundwater, rather than purchasing imported water will allows for increased local supply resilience and helps reduce imported water costs and other environmental impacts associated with imported wateroptimize the utilization of regional and local water resources. The project will revitalize a portion of the Arroyo Seco stream, improve ecosystem health, and enhance the experience for recreational users. EPA’s role to address constituents of concern for drinking water through reasonable protocols and sound, science-based standards.
Federal efforts to address legacy contamination issues such as Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and other chemicals, which may have been released into the environment resulting from national defense initiatives. Federal and state funding to improve California’s headwaters, which provide flow to surface and groundwater supplies, and are critical to sustain local watersheds. Funding to implement local strategies will help create more resilient forests, improve wildfire mitigation, and help provide communities with clean, reliable water. Annual appropriations for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) at the Department of Energy at least at the FY 2022 level of $550 million.
Pasadena has several energy efficiency initiatives that would benefit from the flexible funding that EECBG provides.
The City opposes:
Efforts to change the cost-based rates used by federal Power Marketing Administrations (“PMA”). Such changes would significantly increase costs for Pasadena, which entered into a 50-year contract with the Western Area PMA for hydroelectric power from the Hoover Dam.
Efforts that would allow multiple federal agencies to have regulatory authority over cybersecurity efforts related to the power system. The public-private partnership agreement between industry and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation and overseen by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), to implement mandatory cybersecurity standards should be preserved. Support bipartisan cybersecurity and information sharing legislation. Support a risk-based approach to prioritizing assets that require protection and oppose mandatory compliance with “one size fits all” security regulations that circumvent local control of City assets.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the Water and Power Department at (626) 744-4409.
2023 2024 Federal Legislative Platform 6
Public Safety
Federal assistance for local police, fire, and homeland security initiatives has been declining for several years, and as a result, communities like Pasadena have been left to maintain public safety services largely on their own. The City believes there is a place for federal contributions to local public safety and homeland security efforts.
The City supports:
Increased federal resources for law enforcement recruiting efforts, training particularly, as it relates to de-escalation and proportional use of force, and maintenance of body-worn camera programs.
Non-traditional crime prevention activities such as federal homeless assistance, mental health programs, and substance abuse initiatives. The City supports increased federal resources for these efforts to increase awareness, public education, and training opportunities as well as grant programs that provide direct funding to cities to implement local strategies.
Legislation and funding to reduce and prevent gun violence, crimes, drug use, and gang violence, and to promote public outreach and intervention programs that specifically divert juveniles from the criminal justice system. Providing local jurisdictions with federal funding to support the themes from the Pillars of 21st Century Policing.
Encouraging the Federal Aviation Administration to develop clear rules and regulations governing the use of drones and other unmanned aircraft systems in communities.
Ongoing procurement of high technology that helps mitigate dangerous situations, locate and arrest offenders, gather evidence, solve crimes, and protect public safety entities on the frontlines.
Proving resources for prisoner re-integration and restorative justice programs, prevention of human trafficking, development of additional diversion programs, and at-risk youth programs. In addition, the City supports legislation and resources to reduce recidivism, help rehabilitate recidivist offenders and expand funding for these efforts.
Federal programs such as SAFER (firefighter hiring), COPS (police hiring), Violence Against Women Act programs, gang intervention programs, Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, Urban Area Security Initiative, and State Homeland Security Grant Program.
Emergency management training as well as equipment and technology purchases necessary for day-to-day operations, disaster planning and operation of a fully capable Emergency Operations Center.
Creating a voluntary federal patient registry to collect data on the incidence of cancer among firefighters.
Seismic upgrades and other urgent upgrades to seven of the eight City fire stations.
2023 2024 Federal Legislative Platform 7
Increased funding for early warning earthquake systems. Increased federal reimbursement rates for ambulance services and emergency medical services (EMS), and additional funding for Mobile Integrated Health Programs. Increased federal reimbursement for wildfire fighting activities. Efforts to change current FEMA disaster assistance reimbursement formulas that penalize small communities in large population states; develop a reward system for communities that implement successful pre-disaster mitigation.
The City opposes:
Efforts to preempt local regulation of drone use in communities. Efforts to deny federal funding to communities that may not have the resources to enforce all federal immigration laws.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact:
City Prosecutor’s Office: (626) 744-4141
Finance Department: (626) 744-4355
Fire Department: (626) 744-4655
Police Department: (626) 744-4501
Transportation
The City urges Congress to craft a multi-year surface transportation reauthorization bill that includes the necessary resources to meet the urgent need of our multi-modal transportation system. Maintaining and improving the City’s transportation infrastructure is one of the highest priorities of Pasadena residents. Transportation projects in need of federal assistance in Pasadena that are partially or completely unfunded at this time are included below.
The City supports resources for:
Repair of the Holly Street and San Rafael: Bridges that span the Arroyo Seco. They are believed to be among the most vulnerable in the state. Additionally, the City is supportive of resources to equip Pasadena bridges with suicide prevention barriers and other deterrent measures.
Construction of a dedicated transit maintenance and operations facility to house and repair the growing fleet of Pasadena Transit buses as well as opportunities to apply for state or federal grant funding in order to maintain, at a minimum, the current fleet size in a state of good repair.
Additional federal resources, including tax credits, to assist the City in purchasing zero-emission buses and converting its existing transit fleets and other equipment to hydrogen and battery electric power, as well as hydrogen fueling and battery electric charging infrastructure to sustain a zero-emissions fleet, as well as operating funds to secure and expand services..
Efforts of the Southern San Fernando Valley Airport Noise Task Force to convince the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to consider changes to recent alternations to
2023 2024 Federal Legislative Platform 8
aircraft flight paths at Burbank and Van Nuys Airports that have had adverse noise impacts on several neighborhoods in the region.
Efforts of the Burbank Airport Authority to secure FAA funds for a terminal replacement.
Technology for the City’s Intelligent Transportation System program. Completion of the Foothill Extension of the Metro Gold A Line Light Rail System from Azusa to Montclair.
Pasadena Transit is one of the largest locally funded fixed route transit systems in Los Angeles County. This bus system connects 1.6 million annual trips (pre-COVID-19) to the regional transit network and is an essential transportation option allowing Pasadena to achieve its mobility goal of being a city where people can circulate without a car. As a locally funded transit agency in Los Angeles County, Pasadena is precluded by state statute from directly receiving most state and federal transit funds.
The options for access to state and federal funding, either formula or grant based, are extremely limited and the few that are available are met with significant competition. An increase in the opportunities to apply for federal grant funding is needed to maintain, at a minimum, the current fleet size in a state of good repair. Critical to maintaining a state of good repair is a dedicated transit maintenance and operations facility, which Pasadena currently lacks.
Funding opportunities to transition former highway corridors to neighborhood boulevards.
Use of The “Safe System Approach” to reduce collisions resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. It does so through a holistic view of the road system that helps anticipate human mistakes and minimizes the harm caused to those involved when crashes occur.
The City believes speed limits should be established at the local level based on knowledge of roadway segments, local context, goals, engineering judgment, and the Safe System Approach principles. This includes funding to support technologies, strategies and policies that advance local road safety.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the Transportation Department at (626) 744-7664.
Housing
Federal and state assistance to the City of Pasadena for the production of new affordable housing has vacillated significantly over the past decade, presenting difficult challenges as the City looks for ways to serve almost 15,0007,500 very low-income households on its Section 8 voucher waiting list. In addition, limited funding in programs such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) programs have hindered the City’s ability to provide services to low-income neighborhoods and neighbors who are experiencing homelessness.
As the federal government looks to reduce the federal deficit, theThe City urges policymakers to recognize that programs such as these have already suffered debilitating cuts and further reductions will have little effect on the deficit. Ffurther cuts, through the annual appropriations process or budget sequestration, are likely to result in the denial of
2023 2024 Federal Legislative Platform 9
Section 8 renewals, the closing of trusted community non-profit service providers, and other important pieces of the social safety net in the community. Specific actions in this area include:
The City supports:
Expansion of federal assistance to address the many issues related to homelessness in communities across the country.
Increased funding for HUD programs such as Section 8 assisted housing (including both tenant-based and project-based vouchers), CDBG, Section 108 loan program, and HOME.
Protection of the federal Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Programs that provide supportive services and housing services to seniors and disabled residents.
Enhancement of tax incentives that will promote affordable housing construction, such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and New Markets Tax Credit.
The City opposes:
Cuts to caps on use of HUD funds for administrative fees and oppose proposals to reduce administrative fees for housing assistance to non-income earning clients (this especially hurts programs for seniors and the disabled). Proposals to prohibit the repayment of HUD Section 108 loans with future CDBG allocations.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the Housing Department at (626) 744-8300.
Public Health
The City of Pasadena recognizes that many factors affect the health of the community, including changing population demographics, the built environment, healthcare services, and social determinants of health. As a result, the City utilizes a cross-departmental approach to address public health, one that promotes interdisciplinary programs such as:
youth violence prevention programs; outreach and linkage to services for people experiencing homelessness; affordable housing programs that also address mental health and substance use; and transportation improvements that support walkability and healthy food access. The nationally accredited Pasadena Public Health Department provides core public health services and functions and serves as a foundation for this collective impact approach to improve the health of populations within the City and across the region.
The City seeks federal assistance to support a collaborative interdisciplinary public health model with the Pasadena Public Health Department providing backbone support as a health strategy catalyst.
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The City supports:
Increased funding for federal programs that support public health such as the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Act programs, community health centers, bioterrorism response, communicable disease investigation capabilities, home visitation programs, immunizations, Maternal and Child Health Block Grant, chronic disease prevention programs, and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) nutrition program.
Increased funding for tuberculosis (TB) prevention and treatment programs, to identify and treat the increase in TB cases, and to make progress toward the goal of TB elimination.
Efforts to increase access to affordable health care coverage, and to increase the number of insured people.
Continued funding for U.S. Centers for Disease Control programs for community health and related public health infrastructure, including workforce retention, workforce development, and information technology.
Increased funding to address the dramatic rise in STD rates and protect funding for family planning programs that prevent the spread of HIV and STDs. Resources for mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment. To address health equity, support for legislation that protects the rights of diverse populations, the LGBTQ+ community, and of women (including reproductive rights), to support improved health outcomes.
To address social determinants of health, support for legislation that aims to identify and resolve the effects of institutional racism that drive health inequities in the population.
Violence prevention research and programs, including reducing the risk of gun violence in our community.
Federal funding to local health department jurisdictions in support of preparedness, response, and recovery activities in the event of an infectious disease outbreak, epidemic or pandemic, or natural and manmade disasters. Local, City-based collective impact initiatives to improve outcomes for child health, wellness, and education. Specifically, support for funding to prevent or mitigate the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), reduce racial disparities in infant mortality and maternal perinatal outcomes, or improve the rates of kindergarten readiness among pre-school age children.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the Public Health Department at (626) 744-6000.
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Technology
The City supports legislative initiatives and funding to promote the use of data and technology to create efficiencies, promote economic development, enhance public safety, improve transportation and mobility, improve sustainability, enhance municipal quality of life factors, and help solve other civic challenges.
The City supports:
Legislation regarding cybersecurity and information sharing reform, as well as federal resources to assist local government in meeting the challenges of cybersecurity. Federal efforts to encourage investment in expanding fiber optic technology to homes and local government input in the distribution of financial incentives to meet community-specific needs.
Federal assistance for the Interagency Communication Interoperability (ICI), a regional effort to ensure communications interoperability. Legislative initiatives and funding to advance economic and digital inclusion and equity for all constituents, including access to computers, high-speed internet, and similar technology; and to provide training in computer, cybersecurity, and technology skills.
Policies, legislation, and funding to increase the number of households and businesses which have access to low-cost or free high-speed and reliable Internet as well as low- cost or free quality, Internet-enabled technology devices and technical support. Policies, legislation, and grants that treat Internet access as an eligible utility for federal housing vouchers and other subsidies.
Policies, legislation and funding that ensure transparency, accountability and nondiscrimination of data, content, and algorithms.
Policies, legislation, and funding that promotes responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) use in government services, ensuring AI is developed and deployed transparently, with clear accountability, and without bias.
The City opposes:
Legislative and regulatory efforts to curb the ability of local governments to charge telecommunication providers fair and reasonable compensation for the use and maintenance of public rights-of-way.
Federal intrusion into local permitting and zoning laws with respect to siting of telecommunications facilities.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the Information Technology Department at (626) 744-4220.
Workforce Development
The Foothill Workforce Investment Board provides job training and job seeking services to residents of Pasadena and neighboring communities. Services are funded primarily through federal resources, but the City also provides local funding to a successful summer
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youth employment program. During the recent economic downturn, local employment and training programs were stretched thin, so federal support in this area is particularly critical in the effort to maintain and enhance a skilled workforce.
The City supports:
Implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) that allows for continued flexibility and the primacy of the one-stop system as the presumed deliverer of employment and training services, as well as strong local participation and governance in the workforce investment board process. Long-term federal investment in summer youth employment in WIOA reauthorization that would be linked to locally developed and supported summer jobs and internship efforts.
Increased federal investments in apprenticeship programs.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the City Manager’s Office at (626) 744-4333.
Parks, Recreation and Community Services
The City’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department sponsors a variety of programs for some of the City’s neediest neighborhoods and families. It also serves as the primary liaison to the Pasadena Unified School District. Working in tandem with other City departments, some important federal actions to support include increased resources for:
After-school and childcare programs.
Programs that improve recreational opportunities in the community, including those that recognize the impacts of strict water conservation measures on recreational facilities.
Parks, recreation, health, and fitness programs.
Gang-related initiatives and anti-bullying measures.
Capital improvements to aging parks and recreation facilities, as well as federal funding opportunities for facility operations and maintenance costs. Measures that maintain and strengthen funding for workforce development initiatives that provide innovative work and school-based programs.
Additionally, maintaining and enhancing the City’s parks and recreational system is a high priority for Pasadena residents, and the City has committed significant resources to offering safe and accessible recreational opportunities. Although federal assistance in the areas of recreation, preservation, and conservation has declined sharply, the City believes there is a federal role for assisting local governments with these matters.
The City supports:
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Efforts to bring back the Urban Parks and Recreation Recovery (UPARR) program, where the City believes the small federal commitment provided great benefits to a number of communities across the country.
The National Park Service proposal to protect additional lands and habitats in the area by adding the “Rim of the Valley” corridor to the existing Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, with the understanding that the proposal retains existing local land use and regulatory authorities, fire prevention policies, water rights, and utility infrastructure systems.
Federal funding and swift completion of the feasibility study for the Arroyo Seco Ecosystem Restoration Project, being conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District. Additional federal resources for local tree planting initiatives. Federal funding to combat climate change by providing funds for shade structures within City parks at parks to cover play equipment, bleachers, and other park amenities.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department at (626) 744-4386.
Library Services
In 2021, the City identified critical infrastructure needs in Pasadena’s historic Central Library. Given the importance of Central Library as a community hub the supports literacy, social welfare, and civic engagement, the City is supportive of federal funding for capital improvement projects that address life/safety issues in library buildings.
The City of Pasadena’s Central Library and nine branch libraries provide services to more than 2,000 patrons per day, sponsoring an array of activities for both adults and children.
In recent years, it has been the focus of the department to enhance its information and technology services to better meet the needs of residents. Given the increasing importance of accessing the internet for library customers without the means to do so at home, the City is supportive of any efforts to expand high speed, high-capacity broadband funding.
The City supports:
Full funding for the Library and Technology Act (LSTA) programs at the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
Federal opportunities for “early learning” initiatives to assist and expand activities associated with the City’s Office of the Young Child.
Continued IMLS funding of National Leadership grants for Library and Recruitment for Librarians for the 21st Century, and early childhood literacy programs that involve partnerships between libraries, the local school district and other community-based agencies.
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Continued funding of National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Increased funding for programs that provide and encourage training and outreach for those interested in a career in libraries.
Efforts that allow for increased flexibility with regard to copyright laws and increased access to electronic books and media.
Efforts to maintain net neutrality, open access, and intellectual freedom. Funding for resources to protect and preserve America’s historic libraries. Funding for capital improvements for life/safety concerns. Funding for public libraries serving people experiencing homelessness and/or mental illness.
Funding for libraries to provide programs and resources to those impacted by a pandemic such as those who have lost their jobs or are underemployed, those experiencing mental health issues, needing help with schoolwork, and those experiencing social isolation, etc.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the Library and Information Services dDepartment at (626) 744-4066.
Immigration
The City of Pasadena strongly believes that immigrants strengthen the community economically and culturally and welcomes their contributions to society. With regard to federal legislation aimed at reforming federal immigration laws, the City would urge Congress and the President to reaffirm, that addressing unlawful immigration in a compassionate manner is the primary responsibility of the federal government and that sufficient resources must be committed on the federal level for this purpose.
In a resolution adopted by the City Council in October 2013, the City of Pasadena hereby supports a humane and comprehensive immigration reform proposal with the following principles: provides an attainable and affordable pathway to full citizenship for the nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States; family unity as a cornerstone of our immigration system; provides due process and labor protections; allows access to key essential services such as health care; and local governments should not be mandated to enforce federal immigration laws, particularly when resources necessary to enforce local laws are already stretched. Though not a declared sanctuary city, Pasadena established a 2017 Citywide policy, which sets forth the City’s commitment to the confidentiality of information gathered for municipal purposes. The policy explicitly limits collection or dissemination of information regarding a person's religion, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin, and immigration status.
The City supports federal legislation that would protect Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This protects children who were brought to this country at a young age and are pursuing education and the American dream.
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For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the City Manager’s office at (626) 744-4333.
Campaign Finance
In September 2013, the Pasadena City Council approved a resolution that that urges Congress to propose and support, and the state legislature to ratify, a Constitutional amendment to reverse the U.S. Supreme Court ruling Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission that prohibits the government from restricting political independent expenditures by corporations, associations, or labor unions.
The resolution maintains that reversal of the decision would enable the people, through their elected representatives, to regulate campaign contributions and expenditures in all elections at the federal, state, and local levels and ensure that corporations are not entitled to the entirety of protections or "rights" of human beings, specifically so that the expenditure of corporate money to influence the electoral process is no longer a form of constitutionally protected speech.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the City Attorney’s office at (626) 744-4141.
Environmental Stewardship
The global climate is changing, and ocean water levels are rising largely due to increases in levels of greenhouse gas emissions in the environment, which affects human health and economic well-being of our communities. The City has developed a variety of programs and policies to proactively reduce its carbon footprint. In addition, the City Council declared a climate emergency on January 30, 2023, and set a goal to source 100% of Pasadena’s electricity from carbon free sources by 2030.
The City seeks to increase its role in promoting environmental stewardship and urban sustainability through activities such as the endorsement of the United Nations Green Cities Declaration, the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, and the adoption of the Urban Environmental Accords Action Plan.
As demonstrated in other sections of the Federal Legislative Platform, “Utilities” (p. 3), “Transportation” (p. 7), “Parks, Recreation and Community Services” (p. 12) and “Solid Waste Resource Management” (p. 15), the City is committed to mitigating climate change, while balancing the needs of the Pasadena community. The City supports legislation that: 1) improves the availability of renewable energy; 2) increases energy efficiency; 3) reduces greenhouse gas emissions (GHG); 4) reduces waste to landfills; 5) reduces the use of non-renewable resources in the manufacturing of products; 6) supports green buildings and advances urban planning while protecting wildlife habitats; 7) improves opportunities for environmentally beneficial jobs; 8) enhances parks and recreational opportunities; 9) increases the urban forest canopy; 10) increases affordable public transit; 11) supports cleaner emissions from vehicles; 12) improves air quality; 13) ensures and conserves safe drinking water, and 14) supports sustainable urban watershed and wastewater planning and implementation. The City also supports renewable energy derived from sustainable resources such as wind, geothermal (steam), landfill gas
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(methane produced from decomposing waste), solar, and hydroelectric facilities that can be cost-effectively procured for residents and businesses.
The City supports air quality legislation that may include strategies to mitigate emissions as well as port operations that reduce air pollution as well as relieve traffic congestion.
This is best demonstrated through Pasadena’s use of alternative fuel vehicles for the City transit services.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact:
City Manager’s Office: (626) 744-4333
Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department: (626) 744-4386 Planning and Community Development Department: (626) 744-6833 Public Works Department: (626) 744-7311
Transportation Department: (626) 744-7664
Water and Power Department: (626) 744-4409
Solid Waste Resource Management
The City of Pasadena is committed to waste reduction and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which is an important strategy for redesigning problematic waste products and packaging. This approach would also reduce the financial and environmental burdens placed on local jurisdictions for managing these products at end of life by shifting these responsibilities to the product manufacturers.
As such, the City adopted an EPR Resolution in 2010 and also included expanding product stewardship efforts and extended producer responsibility as a key initiative in the City’s Zero Waste Strategic Plan, which outlines the City’s path to achieving Zero Waste by the year 2040 through 19 waste reduction strategies. California has set a statewide goal of a 75 percent reduction in organics disposed by 2025, which is driving the City’s solid waste management plan for the next several years.
Additionally, in November 2018, China implemented a Green Sword Policy that drastically lowered the contamination level of accepted items and eliminated the import of mixed plastics and unsorted paper. These changes have affected the entire recycling market and have forced recycling programs to change to meet market demands.
Additional actions include:
Product and disposal bans: The City supports legislation aimed at reducing disposable products and packaging, including product and disposal bans for environmentally problematic materials. Legislation that does not overly burden municipalities with data capture, reporting and enforcement and which does include reasonable phase out periods is ideal.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Initiatives: Support EPR initiatives to place a shared responsibility for end-of-life product management on the producers and all entities involved in the product chain, instead of passing costs along to the general public or municipalities. Initiatives should encourage product design changes that minimize a negative impact on human health and the environment at every stage of the product’s lifecycle.
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Effective January 1, 2022, SB 1383 required California cities to recycle their organic waste, which includes food waste. Recycling and Organics Infrastructure Development:. The City is supportive of Sseeking County, State, and Federal funding and permitting support to help to facilitate local and regional organics processing capacity and fund additional program costs.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the Public Works Department at (626) 744-7311.
1 CITY OF PASADENA, CALIFORNIA
2023 2024 State Legislative Platform
Part I - Guiding Principles
1) Preserve Local Funding
The City supports the protection of existing state and local funding sources and the authorities that provide revenues to the City of Pasadena. Such areas include the protection of state-shared revenues, assets of the former redevelopment agency, development impact fees, and the ability to collect compensation for the use of the public right-of-way or City-owned facilities. The City opposes any new mandates that are unfunded and/or inadequately funded.
2) Preserve Local Authority
The City supports local decision-making authority and opposes preemption of local control. Cities are voluntarily created by the residents of a community to provide local self-government and to make decisions at a local level to best meet the needs of the community. Each community has unique needs and characteristics that are best met by policies set by its local governing body. Recently, several pieces of high-profile legislation have been introduced, which serve the purpose of superseding local discretion and land use controls generally established to maintain the immediate community’s quality of life standards. Statewide efforts to remove the ability to set policy at the local level should be opposed, while promoting legislation that allows flexibility in the City’s effort to cost-effectively meet water and energy goals and mandates. The City supports efforts that help municipalities maintain local control for reasonable development standards of land use regulation for housing, including accessory dwelling units and single family-zoned properties.
The City opposes efforts that would threaten local decision-making authority to oversee local revenue-raising measures and resources for critical services and infrastructure.
Part II - Legislative Priorities
Pandemic Response
Direct and timely aid is the only way communities such as Pasadena are able to respond to a global pandemic such as COVID-19 and maintain continuity for vital services in areas such as public health, public safety, utility services, and outreach to the City’s most vulnerable residents. The City supports legislation and state actions that would provide:
1) Direct fiscal assistance to local governments of all population sizes to address the catastrophic loss of revenue resulting from a global pandemic and similar natural disasters;
2) Direct fiscal assistance to local health jurisdictions to support expanded epidemiological functions such as case investigation, contact tracing, testing, and 2023 2024 State Legislative Platform 2
vaccine distribution, and services that support family and child physical, mental health and wellness harmed by a pandemic, including access to food and housing, access to primary and preventive care services, and safety; and 3) Direct fiscal assistance to publicly owned utilities to credit delinquent utility bills for their affected customers.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact:
Finance Department: (626) 744-4355
Housing Department: (626) 744-8300
Public Health Department: (626) 744-6000
Water and Power Department: (626) 744-4409
Early Childhood Education
Improved access to high-quality, early childhood education, including pre-school, will help develop meaningful early learning solutions that support young children and their families. It is vital for early child education programs to have consistent, well-funded and diverse resources at the federal, state and local level. The City is supportive of legislation and funding to improve access to early learning and care so that young children, especially those from low- and middle-income families, can flourish during this critical childhood developmental period.
For more information about City positions on this topic please contact:
City Manager’s Office: (626) 744-4333
Housing Department: (626) 744-8300
Library and Information Services Department: (626) 744-4066 Parks, Recreation and Community Services: (626) 744-4386 Public Health Department: Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health Program: (800) 304-0015
Abatement of Nuisance Liquor Stores
Several nuisance liquor stores in the City have been cited for illegal activities including selling alcohol and tobacco products to minors. With the passage of SB 148 (Scott) a process exists to commence the elimination of nuisance liquor stores and the associated impacts from the affected communities. The City continues to request our legislators to initiate legislation that would provide local government with more control over the abatement of nuisance liquor stores.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the City Attorney’s office at (626) 744-4141.
Density Bonus Law
The City supports changes to the current State Density Bonus law that will restore local control. These changes should allow cities to maximize their ability to protect local quality of life and retain the unique character of their communities. The City supports special consideration in meeting the State Density Bonus law for cities like Pasadena that have consistently invested in affordable housing projects/programs. Cities that have achieved appropriate housing goals, demonstrated commitments to affordable housing, 2023 2024 State Legislative Platform 3
complied with zoning requirements, and incentivized transit-oriented development, etc. should not be penalized by the imposition of state law, which diminishes local authority.
The City supports compliant cities being granted relief and/or flexibility in response to the State Density Bonus law with greater regulatory attention focused on non-compliant jurisdictions to address their affordable housing needs.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact:
Housing Department: (626) 744-8300
Planning and Community Development Department: (626) 744-6833
Technology
The City supports legislative initiatives and funding to promote the use of data and technology to create efficiencies, promote economic development, enhance public safety, improve transportation and mobility, improve sustainability, enhance municipal quality of life factors, and help solve other civic challenges.
The City supports:
Legislation regarding cybersecurity and information sharing reform, as well as state resources to assist local government in meeting the challenges of cybersecurity. State efforts to encourage investment in expanding fiber optic technology to homes and local government input in the distribution of financial incentives to meet community-specific needs.
Legislation to ensure funding for communities to offer accessible public, educational, and governmental (PEG) programming; cities’ rights to collect and audit franchise fee payments; and, for the use of PEG funds for non-capital expenditures such as operations and online support.
Legislative initiatives and funding to advance economic and digital inclusion and equity for all constituents, including access to computers, high-speed internet, and similar technology; and to provide training in computer, cybersecurity, and technology skills.
Policies, legislation, and funding to increase the number of households and businesses which have access to low-cost or free high-speed and reliable Internet as well as low- cost or free quality, Internet-enabled technology devices and technical support. Policies, legislation, and grants that treat Internet access as an eligible utility for State housing vouchers and other subsidies.
Policies, legislation, and funding that ensure transparency, accountability and nondiscrimination of data, content, and algorithms.
Policies, legislation, and funding that promotes responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) use in government services, ensuring AI is developed and deployed transparently, with clear accountability, and without bias.
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The City opposes:
Legislative and regulatory efforts to curb the ability of local governments to charge telecommunication providers fair and reasonable compensation for the use and maintenance of public rights-of-way.
Any state intrusion into local permitting and zoning laws with respect to siting of telecommunications facilities.
Any legislation that would further diminish the City’s ability to make future decisions to offer telecommunication services directly.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the Information Technology Department at (626) 744-4220.
Workers Compensation
Recent improvements to the workers’ compensation system were the result of many individual efforts seeking to resolve specific issues. The system needs additional work to continue to move toward fair and equitable programs.
The City supports legislation that would control medical and legal costs. The City opposes legislation that would repeal the recent workers’ compensation reforms, or that would exempt public safety employees from those reforms.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the City Attorney’s office at (626) 744-4141.
Employee Compensation and Terms of Employment
The City supports local control over employment decisions not already preempted by State law. Each year the legislature introduces numerous bills, which have the effect of eroding local control over employment, including such things as compensation and benefits, collective bargaining agreements, and employee rights and privileges. Inasmuch as each city is unique, it is important to maintain local control over the discretionary nuances of employment that are not already regulated by state or federal law or regulation.
The City opposes legislation that would preempt local control over employment, compensation and benefits, collective bargaining, and employee rights and privileges.
More specifically, the City opposes any bill to establish citizen compensation commissions or committees, or such compensation commissions or committees of combined membership with private citizens and any other persons or entities, when said commission or committee is charged with regulating local decision making with regard to compensation of local officials or employees. The City also opposes any bill that would limit local control over determining its own pension plans, pension financing, or the right to contract with the State Public Employment Retirement System for appropriate pension formulae and benefits available under state law. The City will continue to be proactive in tracking changes to the recently passed pension reform bill, to protect and enhance the 2023 2024 State Legislative Platform 5
positive aspects of the recent changes and to ensure the maximum flexibility in local decision making for the City and its employees.
Minimum Wage
The City finds that income inequality is a substantial economic and social issue facing Pasadena. When employees do not receive a sufficient wage for their labor, the community and taxpayers bear associated costs in the form of increased demand for taxpayer-funded services, including emergency medical services, homeless shelters, and other social services and community-based services. Therefore, the City has an interest in promoting an employment environment in Pasadena that protects government resources while promoting the health, safety, and welfare of workers by ensuring they receive a reasonable wage for the work they perform. The City has taken a position to support a minimum wage that is more aggressive than the state.
The City supports legislation that would provide funding and support to cities that established a minimum wage different from the state-mandated minimum wage, in regards to enforcement and wage theft.
Additionally, an unintended consequence of having a minimum wage different from the state-mandated wage relates to reimbursements from state funds. For example, non-profits who received state funds will only be reimbursed for hours worked at the state-mandated minimum rate and not at the higher minimum wage set by the City of Pasadena. The City would support legislation that allows for state to reimburse labor at the minimum wage required by the city in which the work is performed.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the Human Resources Department at (626) 744-4366.
Support for Affordable Housing
The City has implemented an aggressive and creative program to maximize the use of resources for the creation of housing for very low, low and moderate-income individuals and families, including the implementation of an effective Citywide inclusionary housing ordinance.
The City supports legislation that would provide additional resources for the development of affordable housing programs and/or expand code enforcement programs to protect existing housing stock. The City supports legislation that would require municipalities to provide assistance to homeless individuals that reside within their jurisdictions either directly or through the financial support of homeless service agencies that provide services within or directly adjacent to their jurisdictions. The City supports legislation reforming the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) to make development of affordable housing projects less costly and faster while minimizing legal exposure. The City opposes new regulations that would create cumbersome processes or other obstacles to the provision of homeless services, as well as any new legislation that would abridge or limit local regulatory mechanisms designed to increase affordable housing production (e.g., inclusionary housing programs). The City supports the creation of funding 2023 2024 State Legislative Platform 6
opportunities to assist municipalities in providing creative and permanent supportive housing solutions for the homeless.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact at Housing Department: (626) 744-8300.
Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA)
The City also supports measures that give municipalities more opportunities to provide input in the development of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) process.
The City also supports changes to state law that recognizes the production and protection of all housing types in the City for the State’s RHNA purposes. This includes counting production all types of residential and group care uses (where there is long-term residence), as well as converting covenanting market-rate housing to covenanted affordable housing.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact:
Housing Department: (626) 744-8300
Planning and Community Development Department: (626) 744-6833
Roadway Safety
The City supports the “Safe System Approach” to reduce collisions resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. It does so through a holistic view of the road system that helps anticipate human mistakes and minimizes the harm caused to those involved when crashes occur.
The City believes speed limits should be established at the local level based on knowledge of roadway segments, local context, goals, engineering judgment, and the Safe System Approach principles. This includes supporting technologies, strategies and policies that advance local road safety.
The City supports:
Complete Street policies that support pedestrian and bicycle facilities to reduce the potential of crashes resulting in death and serious injuries. Disabled parking policy reform to ensure future local efforts comply with ADA, allow access for the disabled, and preserve local control on how parking revenues are allocated toward accessibility improvements in public parking facilities and in the public right of way.
Parking enforcement officer safety via penalties against individuals who physically assault officers engaged in parking enforcement activities, and by allowing City employees responsible for parking enforcement to have confidentiality protection for their home addresses with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Legislative efforts that preserve local citation autonomy and enforcement of state law.
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The City opposes:
Any state efforts to mandate citation fine forgiveness, as this would threaten local funding and would remove local authority. The City is appropriately positioned to determine the need and details of such a program for its community.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the Transportation Department at (626) 744-7664. To learn more about the Safe System Approach visit https://www.transportation.gov/NRSS/SafeSystem.
Expanded Health Coverage
In Pasadena, one in ten residents doesapproximately 6% of residents do not have health insurance. People who are uninsured and underinsured face significant barriers in obtaining needed health services, often leading to needless death, disability, and increased cost of care. Social, economic, racial, and ethnic factors also contribute to significant health disparities. To address these issues, the City supports legislation to improve health coverage in a comprehensive manner provided adequate funding and cost controls are in place.
The City supports enhancement to state sponsored health care mechanisms consistent with the set of principles approved in October 2009 by the Pasadena City Council to guide comprehensive health care reform:
Reduce long-term growth of health care costs for families, individuals, businesses, and government.
Retain coverage for behavioral health services (mental health and substance abuse treatment);
Protect families from bankruptcy or debt, because of health care costs. Guarantee choice of doctors, hospitals and health plans and the choice of a private or public health care plan.
Invest in prevention and wellness.
Improve patient safety and quality of care for all Americans. Maintain coverage when someone changes or loses a job. Assure affordable, quality health coverage for all Americans. End barriers to coverage for people with pre-existing medical conditions. Eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse in government health programs. Hold insurance and drug companies accountable by ensuring that people are not overcharged for prescription drugs, or discriminated against for pre-existing conditions; and
Support public hospitals and other providers in the health care safety net so that those who fall through the cracks of expanded health coverage may still receive care, and so that surge capacity is available in case of public health emergencies; and so that 2023 2024 State Legislative Platform 8
the cultural competencies achieved by providers serving diverse populations are preserved and enhanced in a reformed health care system.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the Public Health Department at (626) 744-6000.
Mental Health and Behavioral Health
Although the City of Pasadena is not a provider of comprehensive direct mental health and behavioral health services, the City supports legislation that enhances and improves mental and behavioral health services. The World Health Organization defines mental health as: "A state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community." Several barriers to mental health care, including stigma, cost or access to appropriate care make it difficult for many individuals to achieve their best mental health. To address these issues, the city supports legislation to improve access to programs and services for mental and behavioral health.
Additionally, the City supports legislative efforts that puts mental health on par with physical health services and offers frameworks and tools that can help people with mental health and substance use disorders get care and support.
The City supports efforts for reforming state policies and enhancing programs that improves mental health and behavioral health services, including substance use disorders, by:
Reducing the time needed for residents to get an appointment or otherwise access desired services.
Improving crisis care support systems.
Ensuring mental health benefit parity with physical health services. Creating new frameworks, support structures, and other innovative programs, including court ordered services, to help people with mental health and substance use disorders get the support and care they need.
Modernizing and updating mental health definitions.
Supporting and expanding the mental health and behavioral health workforce. Training for first responders to engage safely with people living with mental illness.
Encouraging age-appropriate mental health education.
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Although the City of Pasadena does not license, regulate, or operate primary care, long- term care, or acute care hospital facilities, healthcare access and quality are key factors in improving quality of life for Pasadena residents. As such, the City is committed to exploring ways to hold federal and state regulatory agencies accountable to fulfilling their roles, as well as identifying local mechanisms to support healthcare quality. The City does operateoffers limited emergency and safety net healthcare services that interact with 2023 2024 State Legislative Platform 9
the larger private and public health care system: pre-hospital emergency medical services in the Fire Department and immunization, HIV testing, and tuberculosis treatment services in the Public Health Department.
The City supports legislation to enhance protections and care for skilled nursing facility ("SNF") residents by strengthening state regulation of SNF oversight and increased financial transparency and accountability. The City opposes legislation that would lead to a decline in SNF resident health outcomes and quality of experiences. Additionally, the City believes state policy reform should better protect SNF residents and improve the working environment for individuals who care for them.
There are more than 1,2001 licensed beds in the 15 14 skilled nursing facilities located in Pasadena that are licensed and regulated by the California Department of Public Health.
The health and safety of this medically frail population is entirely dependent on the quality of health care provided by privately-owned skilled nursing facility operators and their staff, and the ability of the California Department of Public Health to inspect, cite, and regulate them. The City supports legislation that assures the quality of health care provided at these facilities meets or exceeds state and federal (U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid) regulatory standards and is delivered ethically, responsibly, and equitably.
The City supports enhancement of state mechanisms to promote skilled nursing facility accountability, increase state capacity to investigate complaints, and improve state capability to respond to crises through:
Enhanced resident and family education to promote understanding of their legal rights.
Provision of adequate medical oversight by a licensed physician in each skilled nursing facility.
Expanded requirements for professional qualifications to ensure facilities are operated by skilled individuals with a commitment to serving our aging population. Strengthened State regulatory authority over management and contracting practices to ensure residents receive the services and resources they pay for at a fair price. Improved accountability by increasing fines and penalties for violations of state requirements.
Increased liability for poor quality of care that causes harm or death to residents. Improved State capacity to investigate complaints and capability to respond to crises.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the Public Health Department at (626) 744-6000.
Protection of Children Against Sexual Predators
Although the Police Department continues to monitor registered sex offenders, not all released offenders comply with registration requirements. The failure of offenders to register places an additional strain on Police Department resources due to the resultant need for investigations and the issuance of warrants. The City supports legislation to increase periods of incarceration for people who commit sex crimes against children, as 2023 2024 State Legislative Platform 10
well as additional law enforcement tools to track sex registrants after they are released from prison.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the City Attorney’s office at (626) 744-4141.
Incorporate the Region’s Needs in Emerging Climate Change and Sustainability Programs
As Climate Change legislation is being developed and implemented, the City of Pasadena supports legislation that provides funding for infrastructure needed to support Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) and multi-modal transportation solutions. Support efforts to encourage smart, sustainable, and equitable growth and TOC that preserve the authority of local agencies. Support initiatives that promote demand management and other greenhouse gas reduction strategies. Support legislative efforts that advocate for the connection between sustainable community strategies and funding for the projects and programs needed to support increased non-auto travel. SB 743 (2013) indicates as of July 1, 2020, that auto delay in the form of Level of Service (LOS), can no longer be considered an environmental impact under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and as outlined in the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR). In lieu of LOS, OPR proposed the use of Vehicle-Miles of Traveled (VMT) as the replacement metric. In line with SB 743, the City adopted the use of VMT for analyzing transportation impacts under CEQA in 2015.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the Transportation Department at (626) 744-7664.
Group Homes
The City supports legislation that would provide increased oversight by the state and/or reduce the potential for over-concentration of group homes within a defined geographic area. The City has concerns regarding residential care facilities that serve as “sober living” homes. Since federal law classifies recovering drug and substance abusers as handicapped and allows unrestricted location of group homes for the handicapped, local governments have little control over the placement of these sober living facilities in their communities. While the City does not oppose the presence of residential group homes in Pasadena, we believe that, like any other home or business, we should have some say over their placement within the community.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the Housing Department: (626) 744-8300.
Inverse Condemnation Law Clarification
The City supports an implementation law to give public entities guidance on the types of "public improvements" that are considered subject to inverse condemnation laws, rather than just traditional rights of action under the Government Claims Act. More specifically, trees should not be considered a public improvement as to do so would have the potential of eliminating the urban forest. In addition, regarding Pasadena’s electric and water infrastructure, the City believes that inverse condemnation law and strict liability should 2023 2024 State Legislative Platform 11
not be applied if its locally owned utility adheres to current safety and operational standards.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the City Attorney’s office at (626) 744-4141.
Public Safety
The City of Pasadena’s Police and Fire Departments and City Prosecutor’s Office are dedicated to excellence as critical and effective public safety agencies. The City supports legislation and funding to improve the safety, security, and quality of life for all Pasadena residents, businesses, and visitors. Specifically, the City supports legislation that aims to:
Ensure public safety through the assistance and rehabilitation of individuals challenged with mental illness and/or substance abuse, and resources for these efforts to increase awareness, public education, and training opportunities. Enhance state and regional initiatives to address homelessness and mental health crisis care, as well as grant programs that provide direct funding to cities to implement local strategies.
Prevent and reduce crime by assisting and providing supportive services for individuals in need and holding those accountable for crimes committed. Support legislation and funding to reduce and prevent gun violence, crimes, drug use, gang violence, and to promote public outreach and intervention programs that specifically divert juveniles from the criminal justice system. Support legislation and resources to reduce recidivism, help rehabilitate recidivist offenders, develop additional diversion programs and expand funding for these efforts.
Encourage disaster preparedness and emergency planning, including funding opportunities for emergency operations centers, emergency management training and facilities, backup generators, fire safety equipment and maintenance inspections, vegetation management, and increased staffing needs.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact:
City Prosecutor’s Office: (626) 744-4141
Finance Department: (626) 744-4355
Fire Department: (626) 744-4655
Police Department: (626) 744-4501
Sales and Use Tax
Strongly supports legislation to allow local governments to collect sales taxes on remote sales, such as online and catalog purchases based on the delivery address. California alone loses over $4 billion annually in uncollected sales and use taxes on remote sales.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the Finance Department at (626) 744-4355.
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California Public Employees’ Retirement System
The City supports a state pension system that is well funded, stable, and transparent.
Recent efforts by the CalPERS Board of Directors and its staff have indicated that they are willing to undertake additional risk to achieve unrealistic investment targets, while seeking legislation to conduct such transactions in closed session without public reporting or disclosure. The City opposes any efforts to take on additional risk in an effort to preserve or increase an unsustainable discount or investment return rate. This includes efforts to take on additional leverage/debt to achieve such rates. Additionally, the City opposes legislation that would increase or expand CalPERS’ ability to make investment decisions in closed session without complete transparency.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the Finance Department at (626) 744-4355.
Solid Waste Resource Management
The City of Pasadena is committed to waste reduction and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which is an important strategy for redesigning problematic waste products and packaging. This approach would also reduce the financial and environmental burdens placed on local jurisdictions for managing these products at end of life by shifting these responsibilities to the product manufacturers.
As such, the City adopted an EPR Resolution in 2010 and also included expanding product stewardship efforts and extended producer responsibility as a key initiative in the City’s Zero Waste Strategic Plan, which outlines the City’s path to achieving Zero Waste by the year 2040 through 19 waste reduction strategies. California has set a statewide goal of a 75 percent reduction in organics disposed by 2025, which is driving the City’s solid waste management plan for the next several years.
Additionally, in November 2018, China implemented a Green Sword Policy that drastically lowered the contamination level of accepted items and eliminated the import of mixed plastics and unsorted paper. These changes have affected the entire recycling market and have forced recycling programs to change to meet market demands:
Public Education: To minimize recycling contamination levels, educate the public about packaging materials currently accepted in municipal curbside recycling programs, and encourage them to verify resin codes on plastic materials before recycling.
Standardization of Recycling Labeling: The City will support legislation at the state and federal levels aimed at standardizing the resin code labeling on plastic packaging to make it easier to locate on the item and easier for the consumer to read. It is necessary for the labeling to be easily read by using a sufficient text size and locating the resin code in a standard location on the item. This will facilitate the proper sorting of plastics by consumers and processors and minimize contamination levels of recycled material.
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Product and disposal bans: The City will support legislation aimed at reducing disposable products and packaging, including product and disposal bans for environmentally problematic materials. Legislation that does not overly burden municipalities with data capture, reporting, and enforcement, which does include reasonable phase out periods is ideal.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Initiatives: Support EPR initiatives to place a shared responsibility for end-of-life product management on the producers, and all entities involved in the product chain, instead of passing costs along to the general public or municipalities. Initiatives should encourage product design changes that minimize a negative impact on human health and the environment at every stage of the product’s lifecycle.
Effective January 1, 2022, SB 1383 required California cities to recycle their organic waste, which includes food waste. Recycling and Organics Infrastructure Development: The City is supportive of Sseeking County, State and Federal funding and permitting support to help to facilitate local and regional organics processing capacity and fund additional program costs.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the Public Works Department at (626) 744-7311.
Part III - Funding Priorities
State Route 710 Northern Stub RelinquishmentArea – Reconnecting Communities
Through the City’s collaborative multi-year effort with Caltrans, the California Transportation Commission approved the relinquishment of the State Route 710 Northern Stub transportation network in June 2022 and transferred ownership of the 60-acre area to the City in August 2022. Going forward, the City will work with community stakeholders to identify future land uses and to define the local street network. The City is supportive state and federal funding for this project, which will include restoration efforts in line with the City’s Complete Streets Policy, provisions for local mobility, neighborhood connectivity, and opportunities for development in line with the City’s General Plan Guiding Principles.
For more information about City positions on this topic please contact the City Manager’s Office: (626) 744-4333.
Metro Gold A Line Foothill Extension: Azusa to Montclair The third phase of the Gold A Line that will extend the line from the City of Azusa to the City of Montclair and should continue to relieve congestion in the area and provide a 2023 2024 State Legislative Platform 14
greater modal choice for residents in the San Gabriel Valley. The City supports funding and/or legislation that would expedite this completion.
Pasadena Transit
Pasadena Transit is one of the largest locally funded fixed route transit systems in Los Angeles County. This bus system connects 1.6 million annual trips (pre-COVID-19) to the regional transit network and is an essential transportation option allowing Pasadena to achieve its mobility goal of being a City where people can circulate without a car. As a locally funded transit agency in Los Angeles County, Pasadena is precluded by state statute from directly receiving most state and federal transit funds. The options for access to state and federal funding, either formula or grant based, are extremely limited and the few that are available are met with significant competition. To advance the City’s commitment to providing safe and accessible transit, legislative and funding priorities are as follows:
Open up state funding opportunities to operators that are not included in any state (or federal) formula funding – for both capital and operating funds. Funding needs include the transition to provide and sustain a zero-emissions transit fleet, including infrastructure and buses as well as a transit operations maintenance facility, buses/infrastructure, and operating funds to secure and expand services.
For more information about City positions on these topics, please contact the Transportation Department at (626) 744-7664.
Utility
The City is supportive of state level funding for investments in water and energy infrastructure that may have immediate and long-lasting impacts on both the environment and the economy. This includes investments and other funding opportunities to address aging water infrastructure (such as pipeline and reservoir replacement and upgrades), non-potable water reuse and supply projects, new wells, seismic retrofits, water quality treatment, storm water management, utility modernization (e.g. advanced metering infrastructure), power plant emissions retrofits, replacements of old inefficient generators with ultra-low emissions high efficiency generators new clean energy technologies to reduce carbon emissions , construction of transmission lines to access renewable resources, smart grid implementation, energy storage, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and building electrification.
Sunset Reservoir Complex Improvements
Sunset Reservoirs #1 and #2 were constructed in 1888 and 1900, respectively, and are in need of major repairs and seismic upgrades. Collectively, they store 15.4 million gallons of water and are critical to the City’s water system. This project includes a new groundwater treatment facility. Project design and planning is currently underway.
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Groundwater Contamination in Pasadena Sub-Area
The Raymond Basin groundwater in the Pasadena sub-area has been impacted by perchlorate contamination. Efforts are underway to understand the source of the problem and determine legal responsibility. Pasadena Water and Power has constructed and is operating a treatment plant to address the known contaminants in the plume. Design and construction for additional treatment plants are underway. The treatment requirements and cost recovery will continue to evolve.
Arroyo Seco Pump-back Project
The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works (“LACPW”) initiated a sediment removal project that will restore reservoir capacity behind Devil’s Gate Dam. LACPW is also proposing a related storm water capture project that would include a new pipeline and pumping system to pump storm water held behind the dam up to the PWP owned-and-operated Arroyo Seco infiltration basins for local recharge. Percolation of storm water would improve groundwater conditions for the benefit of several communities in the San Gabriel Valley.
Non-Potable Water Reuse
The Water and Power Department plans to enhance the City’s local water supply reliability by developing non-potable water reuse projects, which will could provide approximately 10 to 25 percent of the City’s water demand by delivering non-potable water foradditional water supplies for groundwater recharge, new development, landscape irrigation and industrial other uses in the future.
Arroyo Seco Canyon Project
Events related to the 2009 Station Fire in the Angeles National Forest caused significant damage to PWP’s water diversion facilities in the Arroyo Seco Canyon area. Repairs and upgrades to the stream intake structure and spreading basins are needed to allow capturing of stormwater run-off from nearby mountains that will filter into the aquifer and can be accessed during the summer monthsrecharge the groundwater basin. These improvements will ultimately restore Pasadena’s ability to utilize its long-standing surface water rights. It is anticipated the improvements will result in an average increase in recharge to the groundwater basin of about 1,000 acre-feet per year. PumpingReplenishing this local groundwater allows for increased local supply resilience and helps optimize the utilization of regional and local water resources , rather than purchasing imported water will help reduce imported water costs and other environmental impacts associated with imported water. The project will also revitalize a portion of the Arroyo Seco stream, improve ecosystem health, and enhance the experience for recreational users.
For more information about City positions on these topics, please contact the Water and Power Department at (626) 744-4409.
Public Health Services
As one of three cities in the state with its own public health department, the City provides core public health functions including infectious disease surveillance and control, community health assessment and planning, health promotion and policy development, 2023 2024 State Legislative Platform 16
specialty clinical services, and environmental health protection and enforcement activities. The nationally accredited Pasadena Public Health Department also serves as a health strategy catalyst, the backbone organization for collective impact at the local and regional level. The Public Health Department plays a critical role in identifying and responding to outbreaks of disease and other threats to the public’s health, including threats from a bioterrorist incident or other emergency. The City supports continued promotion and community education on the value of immunizations as a method of communicable disease prevention. Additionally, the City supports expanded opportunities for funding to address chronic disease prevention and treatment for conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and other preventable health conditions, including funding for Community Health Workers (CHWs), or promotores, to reach the most vulnerable individuals in the community..
The City supports any funding that strengthens core public health capacities in all relevant areas and opposes any cuts to funding. The City also supports the practice of designating the award of specific funds directly to local health jurisdictions, rather than through county distribution processes. The City supports continued state funding to local health department jurisdictions in support of preparedness, response, and recovery activities in the event of an infectious disease outbreak, epidemic or pandemic, and natural or manmade disasters. The City supports funding opportunities for tobacco use prevention (including tobacco retail enforcement), mental health resources and substance abuse prevention and treatment. In addition, the City supports funding for city-based collective impact initiatives to improve outcomes for child health (including oral health), wellness, and educational achievement. Specifically, these efforts include preventing or mitigating the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), reducing racial disparities in infant mortality and maternal perinatal outcomes, or improving the rates of kindergarten readiness among pre-school age children.
The City also encourages the state government to provide resources to strengthen the existing public health infrastructure by: l) developing effective and coordinated community mitigation, preparedness, and response systems for bioterrorism, emergence of new infectious disease threats (such as pandemic influenza and novel coronavirus), and other public health emergencies, 2) supporting the achievement of health equity, 3) examining and addressing environmental influences on health and wellness including climate change, and 4) expansion of behavioral health and substance use prevention and recovery programs.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the Public Health Department at (626) 744-6000.
Soundwalls
The process for prioritizing soundwall projects needs to be changed to allow the flexibility to address areas of greatest community concern and highest decibel reading.
In 1998, the responsibility for soundwall projects was transferred from Caltrans to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro). Metro changed the prioritization criteria to focus on high occupancy vehicle (HOV) related projects first, which exhausted all available funding. Projects of community concern, frequently with higher decibel 2023 2024 State Legislative Platform 17
readings, will not qualify for funding for an unknown number of years. The City would like to see legislation to amend the priority criteria for soundwalls to address areas of community concern.
For more information about City positions on these topics, please contact the Transportation Department at (626) 744-7664.
Public Libraries
The City of Pasadena supports continued funding for California’s public libraries including funding to support adult literacy, early child development, and CLSA (California Library Services Act) funds that directly fund California’s Cooperative Library Systems located throughout the state, which provide low-cost regional continuing education, materials delivery to borrowing libraries, support to local libraries, and negotiated vendor rates. Maintaining funding at this very basic level ensures no further reduction in federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) funding but does not provide adequate support levels for either the California State Libraries or public libraries. Municipal and other local funding entities are called upon to make up the losses incurred by this budget reduction.
In addition, the City of Pasadena supports the California Library Association Legislative Priorities that include: support for other efforts to lower the voter approval threshold for local library bond measures and special taxes to 55% (could especially benefit Pasadena Library’s historic buildings); State Budget infrastructure funding for capital improvements in this year’s budget for historic buildings and to address critical life/safety infrastructure needs could especially benefit Pasadena’s Central Library; repeat public library infrastructure funding in following years will be essential to meet the demand/need for that type of capital improvement; State Budget funding for additional high speed, high capacity, broadband access for all public libraries in California; funding and resources for compassionate and practical solutions for individuals using libraries that are experiencing homelessness and /or mental illness; support for funding for early learning programs and services; and library afterschool programs. Additionally, the City is supportive of funding for libraries to provide programs and resources to those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as those who have lost their jobs or are underemployed, those experiencing mental health issues, needing help with schoolwork, and those experiencing social isolation, etc.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the Library and Information Services dDepartment at (626) 744-4066.
Affordable Housing
The City of Pasadena supports the creation of a permanent source of state funding for affordable housing to replace the housing funds lost through the dissolution of redevelopment. The City will maintain due diligence by tracking and analyzing potential impacts from any proposed redevelopment legislation.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact at Housing Department: (626) 744-8300.
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Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
The City’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department sponsors a variety of programs for some of the City’s neediest neighborhoods and families. It also serves as the primary liaison to the Pasadena Unified School District. Working in tandem with other City departments, some important state actions to support include increased resources for:
After-school and childcare programs.
Programs that improve recreational opportunities in the community, including those that recognize the impacts of strict water conservation measures on recreational facilities.
Parks, recreation, health, and fitness programs.
Gang-related initiatives and anti-bullying measures.
Capital improvements to aging parks and recreation facilities, as well as state funding opportunities for facility operations and maintenance costs. Support measures that maintain and strengthen funding for workforce development initiatives that provide innovative work and school-based programs.
Regarding City parks, Pasadena adopted a Citywide Park Master Plan that identified a need for parkland across the City as well as acquiring open space. There are 26 parks in the City of Pasadena. There are multiple unfunded park projects in the City’s Capital Improvement Budget. These projects include implementing park master plans for our regional, community, and neighborhood parks, and maintenance of sports fields and courts. In addition, the City is also home to the Arroyo Seco. The Arroyo Seco is on the western edge of the City of Pasadena and extends eight miles through the City. This segment is a part of a longer 22-mile corridor that makes up the entire Arroyo Seco, a major tributary of the Los Angeles River. It is the City’s largest natural open space and physically described as a deeply cut canyon linking the San Gabriel Mountains to the Los Angeles River. Pasadena supports legislation that directs state bond funds to assist with the completion of park projects and the acquisition of additional parkland and open space.
Rim of the Valley
The City supports the National Park Service proposal to protect additional lands and habitats in the area by adding the “Rim of the Valley” corridor to the existing Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, with the understanding that the proposal retains existing local land use and regulatory authorities, fire prevention policies, water rights, and utility infrastructure systems.
To alleviate the impact of extreme heat conditions within City parks, Pasadena supports funding for shade structures to cover play equipment, bleachers and other park amenities.
The City seeks funds to accommodate park patrons who are precluded from using parks during bouts of extreme heat.
For more information about City positions on this topic, please contact the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department at (626) 744-4386.
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Part IV - Energy and Water Legislative Priorities
Electricity Markets
The City of Pasadena supports energy and regional transmission market design that results in the use of the lowest cost resource on a real-time basis and effectively integrates renewable resources, while maintaining system reliability. Pasadena opposes a regionalized electric grid that does not provide real benefits to consumers, unduly burdens California consumers, or has a governance structure that marginalizes or underrepresents California’s interests. The western regional transmission market should fairly allocate transmission costs to avoid exposing California consumers to billions of dollars in costs for new transmission built outside of California, and have a fair carbon policy and carbon tracking to avoid increasing carbon emissions by allowing out of state coal to displace cleaner natural gas resources.
Environmental Stewardship
The City seeks to increase its role in promoting environmental stewardship and urban sustainability through activities such as the endorsement of the United Nations Green Cities Declaration, the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, and the adoption of the Urban Environmental Accords Action Plan. In addition, the City Council declared a climate emergency on January 30, 2023, and set a goal to source 100% of Pasadena’s electricity from carbon free sources by 2030.
The City supports legislation that: 1) improves the availability of renewable energy; 2) increases energy efficiency; 3) reduces greenhouse gas emissions; 4) reduces waste to landfills; 5) reduces the use of non-renewable resources in the manufacture of products; 6) supports green buildings and advances urban planning while protecting wildlife habitats; 7) improves opportunities for environmentally beneficial jobs; 8) enhances parks and recreational opportunities; 9) increases the urban forest canopy; 10) increases affordable public transit; 11) supports cleaner emissions from vehicles; 12) improves air quality; 13) ensures and conserves safe drinking water, and 14) supports sustainable urban watershed and wastewater planning and implementation. The City also supports renewable energy derived from sustainable resources such as wind, geothermal (steam), landfill gas (methane produced from decomposing waste), solar, and hydroelectric facilities that can be cost-effectively procured for residents and businesses.
The City supports air quality legislation that may include strategies to mitigate emissions as well as port operations, which reduce air pollution as well as relieve traffic congestion.
This is best demonstrated through Pasadena’s use of alternative fuel vehicles for the City transit service and the recognition that more state attention should be focused on the ports and the movement of goods.
Greenhouse Gas Reduction
The City fully embraces greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and has adopted an aggressive goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 75% from 1990 levels by 2030, for Pasadena 2023 2024 State Legislative Platform 20
Water and Power, its municipal electric utility. Achieving this goal through a combination of aggressive energy efficiency, decreasing use of existing coal commitments while increasing renewable resources, and retrofitting aging resources with modern technology will impose a considerable burden on Pasadena’s electric ratepayers.
In addition, the City Council declared a climate emergency on January 30, 2023, and set a goal to source 100% of Pasadena’s electricity from carbon free sources by 2030.
The City believes that statewide policy should take a holistic/integrated approach to achieving GHG reductions and focus on overall GHG reduction goals in lieu of the current “piecemeal” approach of individual resource-specific mandates like the current Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) targets. An integrated approach to achieving GHG reductions is the most direct way to impact climate change. Goals include:
Investment in energy efficiency to reduce energy use and consequently reduce GHG emissions.
Adoption of electric vehicles and supporting infrastructure to reduce vehicle emissions, which continue to be the largest contributor to GHG emissions.
Additionally, the City supports workable, affordable, and available solutions for zero emissions medium and heavy-duty fleet vehicles, while continuing to protect public health and safety.
Initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from commercial and residential buildings through incentives and policies that support building electrification.
Modernizing the existing generation fleet, which will reduce fuel use and emissions, while improving reliability.
This integrated approach to GHG reductions would result in a more cost-effective path to a low carbon electric energy sector that maintains reliability, integrates renewable resources, and provides economic and air quality benefits in communities across the State of California.
The City opposes GHG emissions reduction legislation that would add financial risk, create regulatory uncertainty, impact participation in the cap-and-trade program, penalize early voluntary action, or reduce the allocation of Low Carbon Fuel Standard credits.
Cap and Trade
The City supports the policy of administratively providing free emission allowances to retail electric utilities in proportion to their expected future emissions and to recognize potential impacts to the utility sector from transportation electrification initiatives. The City advocates for legislation that decreases the burden of cap-and- trade regulations with meaningful cost containment strategies, or that minimizes the duplicative burden of state and federal regulations on California consumers. The City further advocates for efforts to consolidate, coordinate, and streamline associated data reporting.
The City supports cap-and-trade market designs that:
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Acknowledge renewable resources as zero-carbon resources that should not bear any greenhouse gas compliance burden.
Allocate allowances that help mitigate impacts to Pasadena’s community- ratepayers while providing incentives for utilities to move to lower GHG emission portfolios.
Provide flexible compliance mechanisms such as banking and borrowing of allowances.
Allocate funds generated from cap-and-trade markets to GHG reduction-related activities instead of identifying as a revenue source for California’s General Fund. Support increasing participation under the cap-and-trade program to include multiple sectors of the economy, and multiple jurisdictions; foreign and domestic.
Distributed Generation
The City believes that Distributed Generation (“DG”) should be included in its renewable portfolio. When classified as a RPS Portfolio Content Category (“PCC”) 3 resource, DG is an undervalued resource. Additionally, in order to continue fostering the growth of DG – particularly solar, it is important that DG customers share in the costs of maintaining safe and reliable grid operation. Net Energy Metering policies and “Feed-In” tariffs should be designed to reflect operating costs to ensure that those that benefit from the grid contribute to its buildout and maintenance.
The City supports legislation and regulations providing local control and support for:
Equitable rate design and tariffs.
Balance of state and local policy implementation and ratepayer equity. Cost-effective storage integration.
Cost-effective zero carbon distributed generation and cogeneration projects, standards, permitting and local regulatory requirements for connecting resources to the local distribution system.
Ratepayer protections from deceptive or misleading sales practices by third-party leasing companies.
Energy Efficiency and Demand Reduction
The City believes that energy efficiency and demand reduction programs provide significant energy savings and peak demand reduction. The City supports funding opportunities and incentives for the evaluation and initiation of new cost-effective demand reduction programs to offset residential and commercial energy use and costs.
Renewable Portfolio Standard
The City of Pasadena supports California’s goal of achieving 60% RPS by 2030 but cautions against continued increases in RPS requirements at the expense of electric reliability. RPS procurement requirements should not limit procurement choices and 2023 2024 State Legislative Platform 22
must also consider the unique circumstances, existing commitments, and customer needs of each utility. As SB 100 (de Leon 2018) is implemented and as increasingly aggressive RPS legislation is considered, the City strongly supports legislation that improves procurement flexibility, minimizes over-procurement of energy, and limits stranded investments that could adversely impact the utilization of Pasadena’s local power plant as well as existing energy procurement contracts.
Through long-standing, strategic, integrated planning processes, the City has maintained sufficient long-term energy supply resources to meet forecasted retail energy demands and reserve obligations through 2027. As the requirement for renewables increases, fully resourced utilities like Pasadena Water and Power could be forced to “dump” energy purchased or generated from resources financed with tax- exempt municipal bonds, or strand publicly financed assets.
The City supports:
Broader strategies for compliance and considerations for market and operational challenges so that RPS legislation can meet intended environmental goals, protect ratepayers from unnecessary economic impacts, and provide fully resourced utilities an alternative to opting out of RPS compliance. Including all renewable distributed generation as Portfolio Content Category 1 (PCC-1) resources considering California’s increasingly aggressive RPS climate. Including large hydropower as an eligible resource under the RPS program. Accessing a broader renewable market that is the most cost-effective and feasible way for utilities to meet California’s ambitious mandates while protecting ratepayers.
The City opposes:
RPS legislation that extends California Energy Commission (“CEC”) jurisdiction over Publicly Owned Utilities (“POU”). Local elected governing bodies, such as the City Council, are best positioned to determine the appropriate means for local utilities to achieve GHG reductions.
RPS or GHG reduction targets that would adversely impact electric reliability., including any prohibitions on using natural gas-fired generation as necessary to mitigate electric transmission and distribution system constraints. Targets must be practical to so that utilities are able to protect both ratepayer funds and public safety while encouraging environmental protection.
Specific RPS targets or carve-outs for specific technologies and encourages elimination of PCCs as increases to RPS targets are contemplated in order to maximize available resources and efficiencies.
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Utility Operations
Cyber and Physical Security
Pasadena supports a risk-based approach to prioritizing assets that need to be protected and opposes mandatory compliance with “one size fits all” security regulations that circumvent local control of City assets. The City supports the development of standard guidelines and best business practices to reduce vulnerabilities in cyber and physical security, and utility industrial control systems.
Regulatory Reporting
Pasadena has a history of conservation efforts through the use of electronic correspondence and regulatory reporting. The City supports efforts to eliminate unnecessary and duplicative reporting requirements and streamline regulatory reporting and data submittals to multiple state regulatory agencies, while still ensuring meaningful public transparency.
Green Job Training
The City is committed to energy efficiency and environmental quality and constantly explores opportunities to integrate green skills and certifications into existing traditional utility jobs. In collaboration with Pasadena Water and Power, the City enthusiastically promotes career pathway programs and job training for green industries, including smart grid and solar industries.
Water Financing
The City supports the use of statewide bonds as a sustainable option to manage California water resources that support regional and local priorities.
Low- Income Water Rate Assistance
Water service is a critical “lifeline” service and affordability is a central element to water access. When costs make water unaffordable, it can pose serious health and safety issues. The City supports locally administered low-income water rate assistance programs, and legislation that would enable public agencies, at their discretion, to develop and implement lifeline water rates for low-income households.
Proposition 218 Reform
The City supports Proposition 218 reform efforts to enhance the ability of public water agencies to finance storm water and recycled water infrastructure, provide flexibility for the establishment of conservation-based tiered rate structures, prevent cost shifts from one customer group to another, and allow public agencies - at their discretion, to implement lifeline water rates for low-income households.
In 1996, California voters approved Proposition 218 (“Prop 218”), which added Article XIII D to the California Constitution. Section 6 of the Article requires that water rates for any class of water users be proportionate to the cost of providing that service. The City believes public water agencies should be accountable for the 2023 2024 State Legislative Platform 24
revenues they generate through rate setting, and that revenues should be commensurate with the costs of providing service, but the strict proportionality and other provisions of Proposition 218 constrain the ability of local water agencies to finance recycled water and storm water infrastructure through typical, ratepayer- funded infrastructure financing methods. This issue is compounded, both by environmental regulations under the Clean Water Act that make it increasingly necessary to capture and manage storm water, and California’s historic drought requiring utilization of all available water sources.
Public Goods Charge/Water Tax
The City opposes efforts to mandate a state water public goods charge unless funds remain within the local community, while it supports the creation of an appropriate source of State funding (e.g., the General Fund) for sensible and long-term solutions to address statewide water needs.
The City also supports beneficiary pays methodologies to prevent taxes or fees, particularly those imposed on Pasadena’s community-ratepayers, to fund infrastructure improvements or the costs of other water-related policies.
Water Infrastructure
Delta Conveyance
The City supports Delta Conveyance enhancement, as part of a comprehensive approach for making California’s water supply reliable and sustainable. This includes updating the State’s aging infrastructure to transport at least 6,000 cubic-feet-per- second of water for the State Water Project, promoting the effective management of water supply, and respecting the protective measures of the Delta ecosystem. The City supports state and federal funding for water ecosystem projects that are cost- effective. Direct beneficiaries and “cost causers” should share in the funding of infrastructure projects that provide long-term benefits to California and its inhabitants.
Protection of the State Water Project and Colorado River Supplies The State Water Project (“SWP”) and Colorado River supplies are the primary drinking water source for more than 19 million Southern Californians. Currently, the majority of Pasadena’s water supply is imported from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (“MWD”), which is dependent on theprimarily SWP supplies and Colorado River supplies. The City supports funding opportunities and legislation that will improve reliability, access and affordability of both sources.
Reservoir Rehabilitation
The City identified its reservoir facilities as being vulnerable to seismic damage in the event of an earthquake occurring in the Sierra Madre fault system. Funding will be sought for the rehabilitation these reservoir facilities, which will increase the water system’s reliability and water quality.
2023 2024 State Legislative Platform 25
Water Resources
Pasadena supports local control and determination of water resource selection priorities consistent with reliability, water quality, and sustainability objectives. Pasadena opposes legislation and regulations that mandate specific selection criteria or priorities for water resource selection. The City developed a Water System and Resources Plan, which will establish strategies for managing Pasadena’s local and imported water resources.
Conservation and Water Use Efficiency
The City of Pasadena supports statewide policies and funding that maximize efficient water use and reduce water waste in California while reflecting local conditions, demand hardening, and historic conservation efforts. Pasadena supports a long-term conservation framework that recognizes California’s climate diversity, past investments by water suppliers, and is based on an integrated water management approach including projects that both improve water supply reliability and reduce water demands. Pasadena opposes legislation and regulations that mandate specific water conservation targets or mechanisms that do not take these factors into account, including overall cost impacts. The City also supports water use efficiency requirements being applied proportionally across all water-use sectors.
Drought
The City believes state and federal tax incentives should encourage customer participation in drought relief efforts. Through the Water and Power Department, the City promotes the use of drought-tolerant landscaping and supports state funding for turf replacement programs. Short-term emergency conservation regulations should be based on current regional hydrologic conditions and the actual needs of the local water management system.
Environmental Planning
The City supports administrative or legislative action to streamline permitting processes and improve the clarity and workability of CEQA. Specifically, efforts to streamline provisions that would result in meaningful reform.
Greywater
The City supports expanding the utilization of greywater as an alternative to potable water for irrigation and landscaping purposes. Fundamental to this expansion are standards for commercial and residential greywater systems developed with the concurrent goals of protecting public health and water quality.
Groundwater and Surface Water
The City supports legislation and regulation that promote responsible groundwater and surface water management while recognizing existing water rights:
Land use policies that preserve and protect groundwater recharge basins. Increased use of storm water and recycled water for the recharge of groundwater basins in a manner that does not degrade groundwater quality. 2023 2024 State Legislative Platform 26
Science-based policies that protect people from the impacts of groundwater contamination.
Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (“IRWMP”)
The City supports the IRWMP as a regional planning effort that will address water supply and water quality needs and objectives by integrating strategies and projects that may include water conservation and recycling, desalination, conjunctive use, flood management, storm water and urban runoff quality, wastewater quality, habitat restoration and protection, wetland enhancement and creation, recreation, open space, sustainable urban watershed, and other water resources management initiatives.
Non-Potable Water Reuse
The City supports legislation, regulatory policy, and funding to encourage and support California’s use of non-potable water reuse as an alternative water supply.
The City promotes non-potable water reuse as a resource rather than a waste and supports funding opportunities for access to non-potable water reuse supplies and for the implementation and construction of a non-potable water reuse distribution system.
Pasadena opposes legislation and regulations that mandate targets or use of specific non-potable water reuse sources.
Non-Potable Water for Direct Potable Reuse
The City promotes consolidation and simplification of non-potable water statutes and supports the development of uniform non-potable water criteria for direct potable reuse.
Safe Drinking Water
Regulations on safe drinking water are becoming increasingly stringent on local jurisdictions associated with water departments, and on local and regional water districts. The City supports funding opportunities for contaminated groundwater treatment facilities in order to comply with water quality regulations. The City also supports legislation that revises water quality testing standards based on scientific data as well as legislative and regulatory activities that will help ensure a fair and balanced compliance and enforcement structure for potable and related water discharges. Additionally, the City supports legislation to address constituents of concern for drinking water through reasonable protocols and sound, science-based standards.
Water-Energy Nexus
The City recognizes the interdependence of water and power. Water deliveries depend on sustainable electric power, while power assets rely on sustainable water deliveries. The City supports water-energy initiatives that promote sustainability, support the local economy, and improve quality of life:
Policies that recognize and support the significant impact that water conservation, water use efficiency, and water recycling can have in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
2023 2024 State Legislative Platform 27
Federal and state funding for water-energy conservation projects and programs including greenhouse gas reductions (e.g., the Governor’s drought package and cap and trade funds).
Policies that recognize hydropower as a domestic source of climate-friendly renewable energy that also benefits flood control, water supply, air quality, and the economy.
Energy intensity policies and programs that recognize the need for water utilities to have flexibility in defining supply portfolios that both address local and regional needs, and reliance on diverse water sources to help ensure long-term sustainability.
For more information about City positions on these topics, please contact the Water and Power Department at (626) 744-4409.
NEW BUSINESS
3. COMMISSION REQUESTED AMENDMENT TO “RULES AND
REGULATIONS” FOR THE RECREATION AND PARK
COMMISSION*
NEW BUSINESS
4. BUDGET WORKSHOPS – FY 2025 RECOMMEND OPERATING
BUDGET*
a. LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT*
b. PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT*
NEW BUSINESS
4. BUDGET WORKSHOPS – FY 2025 RECOMMEND OPERATING
BUDGET*
a. LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT*
Department of Libraries and Information Services
Department of Libraries and
Information Services
FY 2025 Recommended
Operating Budget
Legislative Policy Committee
May 7, 2024
Presented by Tim McDonald, Library Director
and Chinua Obaze, Management Analyst III
Libraries and Information Services
Departmental Overview
2 Present
• 14 locations
• Full leadership team
• Decentralized operations
• Increased reliance on staff for access to collections and services Libraries and Information Services
FY 2024 Accomplishments
• Central Library Earthquake Retrofit and Building Repairs Project – Schematic Design
• Jefferson Branch Library - Expansion
• Summer Reading 2023
• Lunch at the Library
• Career Online High School
3 Libraries and Information Services
Appropriations by Category
4 Category
FY 2022
Actuals
FY 2023
Actuals
FY 2024
Adopted
FY 2025
Recommended
%
Change
Personnel $8,053,476 $8,225,218 $9,416,957 $10,027,149 6.5% Services & Supplies $2,117,675 $2,945,551 $3,222,891 $2,608,847 -19.1% Capital Outlay $0 $147,747 $0 $0 0.0$
Internal Services $2,982,701 $3,510,542 $3,919,790 $4,148,348 5.8% Debt Service $225 ($7) $0 $0 0.0%
Grand Total $13,154,077 $14,829,051 $16,559,638 $16,784,344 1.4%
87.70 87.70 0.00
Libraries and Information Services
Significant Changes from FY 2024 Budget
5 • Personnel expenses have increased by 6.5% due to filling previously vacant positions
• The budget for Services and Supplies has been reduced by 19% from the previous fiscal year to lower overall costs o Removal of prior-year one-time enhancement requests
o Identification of areas where spending could be cut,
without compromising essential functions
Libraries and Information Services
Overview of Funds
6 Fund FY 2025
Beginning
Balance
Revenues Expenses FY 2025
Ending
Balance
FY 2026
Forecast
FY 2027
Forecast
FY 2028
Forecast
212 – Library
Services Fund
$13,432,298 $16,167,027 ($16,784,344) $12,823,981 $12,967,026 $12,911,322 $12,694,119 • Revenue sources – General Fund (78%), Library Special Tax Fund (19.6%), and other (2.4%)
• Parcel Tax Assessment completed in FY23 for renewal of Library Special Tax
• Library Special Tax Funds - $3,169,953
• 9% of adopted budget used for maintenance and growth of Library collection and in service of Library Patrons (consistent with Library Special Tax Ordinance)
• Cannot be used for
Capital Improvements
Libraries and Information Services
Major Initiatives in FY 2025
7 • Central Library Earthquake Retrofit and Building Repairs Project will be the main initiative for the next 5 years.
• Staff will adapt services to meet community needs during Central Library closure.
• The Library is the lead Department for the implementation of the 2022 Early Child Development Policy and its related Key Initial Activities.
Libraries and Information Services
8 Operations Outlook
• Increasing Community Engagement
• Maximizing Library Visits
• Promoting Circulation of Electronic Media
Libraries and Information Services
Questions
• Questions?
9 • Questions?
NEW BUSINESS
4. BUDGET WORKSHOPS – FY 2025 RECOMMEND OPERATING
BUDGET*
b. PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT*
Planning and Community
Development Department
FY 2025 Recommended
Operating Budget
Legislative Policy Committee
May 7, 2024
Planning and Community Development Department
FY 2024 Accomplishments
• Updated the Central District Specific Plan
• Completed Key Zoning Code Amendments
▪ Emergency Shelters
▪ Low Barrier Navigation Centers
▪ Safe Parking
▪ Modifications for Individuals with Disabilities
▪ ADUs
▪ Research and Development Facilities
• Continued ePermitting Implementation
• Created ADU Standard Plans
• Implemented Rotating Art Program- Series IV
2 Planning and Community Development Department
Appropriations by Category
3 Category
FY 2022
Actuals
FY 2023
Actuals
FY 2024
Adopted
FY 2025
Recommended % Change
Personnel 10,640,918 11,526,171 13,146,592 13,835,828 5.2% Services & Supplies 4,023,291 3,546,958 5,546,973 5,759,613 3.8% Capital Outlay 37,658 372,000 0 0
Internal Srvc Chrg 2,462,961 2,815,303 3,260,678 3,405,541 4.4% Debt Service 75 -6 0 0
Grand Total 17,164,903 18,260,425 21,954,243 23,000,982 4.8% FTE 84.00 87.00 3.00
Planning and Community Development Department
Significant Changes from FY 2024
Adopted Budget
4 • Personnel:
▪ Salaries, Benefits and MOU Adjustments: $496,492
✓ 3.0 FTEs Approved via FY24 Q2 Clean-up Report $347,832 » (2) Building Inspectors, (1) Permit Technician (Fire) ▪ PERS Increase: $260,385
▪ Workers’ Compensation Allocation: ($67,641)
• Services and Supplies:
▪ Net Increase to Consultant & Other Contract Services $64,473 ✓ Plan Review, Arborists, Land Surveyors etc. $54,473
✓ Robinson Park Capital Public Art Project $110,000
✓ Central Library plan check services $250,000
✓ Reduction in EIR Consultant Use ($350,000)
▪ Increase to Grants-in-Aid $50,000
▪ Increase to Fiscal Agent/Bank Fees and Charges $50,000 Planning and Community Development Department
FY 2025 Priorities
• General Plan Implementation
New/Updated Elements:
▪ New- Environmental Justice Element (Summer 2024)
▪ Update- Safety Element (Summer 2024)
Specific Plan Updates:
▪ Lamanda Park (Summer 2024)
▪ North Lake (Summer/Fall 2024)
▪ East Pasadena (Winter 2024)
▪ Fair Oaks Orange Grove (Spring 2025)
5 Planning and Community Development Department
FY 2025 Priorities
• Code Amendments
▪ Adaptive Reuse Ordinance (Summer 2024)
▪ Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (Summer 2024 )
• Citywide Historic Resource Survey
▪ Continue community engagement
▪ Complete and Present Historic Context Statement
✓Including potential additional context development
following field survey
▪ Initiate Reconnaissance Survey Phase
6 Planning and Community Development Department
FY 2025 Priorities
• Continue ePermitting Implementation
▪ 90% of residential subtrade (MEPs) permits available online ▪ 80% of building permit types available online
✓ New construction, ADUs, Additions, Tenant Improvements, Seismic Retrofit, General
• Expand ePermitting Services
▪ Remodels, reroofs, window replacement, block walls, and temporary structures
• Expand Express Permit Portal
▪ Residential PV Solar Systems
▪ Residential Bath and Kitchen Remodels
▪ 60% of all permits issued will be available instantly ✓ Residential MEPs, Reroof, Interior Remodel, PV Solar
7 Planning and Community Development Department
FY 2025 Priorities
• Permitting Improvements
▪ Plan Check review times
▪ How inspections are scheduled and conducted
▪ How applicants are notified
▪ On-Site notification
8 Planning and Community Development Department
Overview of Funds
9 Fund
FY 2025
Beginning
Balance
Revenues Expenses
FY 2025
Ending
Balance
FY 2026
Forecast
FY 2027
Forecast
FY 2028
Forecast
204 – Building Services
Fund
$19,530,166 $12,927,474 $11,761,033 $20,696,607 $20,934,313 $21,090,219 $21,202,592 613 – Cultural Trust
Fund
$2,214,061 $824,392 $435,595 $2,602,858 $2,925,945 $3,258,082 $3,599,761 Planning and Community Development Department
Overview of Funds
Building Services Fund (204)
• Types of Funds / Revenue Resources
▪ Building Plan Review, Inspections, Building Permitting ✓ Department implements targeted fee studies as needed
• Fund Restrictions
▪ California Government Code §66014-66017
✓ Building & Safety charge for costs of doing business
▪ California Government Code §50076
✓ Fees may not be levied for unrelated revenue purposes • Work Plan to Maintain Solvency
▪ Reduce Expenditures
✓ Building & Safety Consultant Expenditures
▪ Increase Revenues
✓ Permit Revenues
10 Planning and Community Development Department
Overview of Funds
11 Cultural Trust Fund (613)
• Types of Funds / Revenue Resources
▪ 20-25% of the 1% Public Art In-Lieu Fees
▪ Other Agency Administered Revenue
✓ Fee Ordinance Adopted in 1998
• Fund Restrictions
▪ Restricted for Arts-Related Programs & Expenses, including up to 25% of personnel costs
INFORMATION ITEMS
8. REVIEW OF RECENT HOUSING LEGISLATION IN CALIFORNIA*
MEMORANDUM
TO: Legislative Policy Committee Meeting
FROM: Jennifer Paige, Director of Planning and Community Development DATE: May 7, 2024
SUBJECT: Recent Housing Legislation in California
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) identified significant housing challenges throughout the state in its 2018 housing assessment, and issued policy recommendations aimed at increasing production, lowering housing costs, and increasing accountability and enforcement for local jurisdictions to produce adequate housing supply. As a result, the state legislature has passed numerous bills in recent years addressing these recommendations. Continuing this trend, the 2023 legislative session resulted in the passage of a new package of housing and other planning related legislation.
An information presentation on the bills was presented to the Planning Commission at a special meeting on March 12, 2024. A summary of the bills is attached. Staff can also do a presentation on the bills to the Legislative Policy Committee, if requested.
Attachment A: 2023 New Housing Legislation Summary
DISCLAIMER: This document is intended solely as a technical overview of new housing-related legislation. It is not intended to serve as legal advice regarding any jurisdiction's specific policies or any proposed housing development project. Local staff should consult with their city attorney or county counsel before taking any action to implement these changes.
ATTACHMENT A: 2023 New Housing Legislation Summary
This document was prepared for the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Regional Housing Technical Assistance (RHTA) program, in collaboration with the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), to be shared with local planning staff. This document was further edited to apply to the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) region and the City of Pasadena. Below is a summary of significant housing legislation that was passed in the 2023 legislative session and subsequently signed into law by Governor Newsom. All bills become effective on January 1, 2024, unless otherwise noted.
Table of Contents
Processing Requirements (SB 4, SB 423, SB 684, AB 821, AB 1218, AB 1490).................................................................2 SB 4: Affordable Housing on Faith and Higher Education Land (Government Code § 65913.16). ..................................... 2 SB 423: Modifications to Streamlined Approval (Government Code § 65913.4) ............................................................... 3 SB 684: Subdivisions for 10 Units or Fewer (Government Code §§ 65852.28, 65913.4.5, 66499.41). .............................. 4 AB 821: General Plan and Zoning Consistency (Government Code § 65850). .................................................................... 6 AB 1218: Replacement Housing Requirements (Government Code §§ 65912.114, 65912.124, 65940, 66300, 66300.5, and 66300.6) ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6 AB 1490: Affordable Adaptive Reuse Projects (Government Code §§ 65913.12 and 65960.1) ......................................... 7 California Environmental Quality Act (AB 1449, AB 1633, SB 69) ................................................................................ 8 1 AB 1449: Affordable Housing CEQA Exemption (Public Resources Code § 21080.40) ..................................................... 81 AB 1633: Certain CEQA Violations Made Violations of the Housing Accountability Act (Government Code § 65589.5(h)) ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 8 SB 69: CEQA Notices of Determination (Public Resources Code § 21152) ......................................................................... 9 Density Bonus (AB 1287, SB 713, AB 323) ................................................................................................................ 104 AB 1287: Additional Density Bonuses (Government Code § 65915) ............................................................................. 104 SB 713: Definition of “Development Standard” (Government Code § 65915) .............................................................. 105 AB 323: Sale of Affordable Units (Government Code § 65915) ..................................................................................... 105 Accessory Dwelling Units (AB 976, AB 1332) ........................................................................................................... 116 Parking (AB 894, AB 1317, AB 1308) ........................................................................................................................ 127 AB 894: Shared Parking (Government Code § 65863.1) ................................................................................................ 127 AB 1317: Unbundled Parking (Civil Code § 1947.1) ....................................................................................................... 127 AB 1308: Parking for Single-Family Home Remodels (Government Code § 65863.3) ................................................... 128
Processing Requirements --------------------------------------------------------------- (SB 4, SB 423, SB 684, AB 821, AB 1218, AB 1490)
SB 4: Affordable Housing on Faith and Higher Education Land (Government Code § 65913.16).
SB 4 requires that, upon the request of an applicant, a housing development project be a “use by right” on land owned by an independent institution of higher education or a religious institution if specified criteria are met.
Significant Provisions
To qualify for this “use by right” provision, the development site must meet the following requirements:
1. The land must be owned on or before January 1, 2024 by an independent institution of higher education or a religious institution;
2. The parcel must satisfy the requirements of Government Code §65913.4(a)(2)(A)-(B), (a)(6)(B)-(K), and (a)(7) (SB 35 Streamlined Ministerial Approval);
3. The development cannot be adjoining any site where more than 1/3 of the square footage on the site is dedicated to light industrial uses;
4. The housing units on the development may not be located within 1,200 feet of a site that is currently a heavy industrial use or where the most recent permitted use was heavy industrial, within 1,600 feet of a site that is either a site that is currently a Title V industrial use or where that was the most recent permitted use, and for a site where multifamily housing is not an existing permitted use, the housing units must not be located within 3,200 feet of a facility that actively extracts or refines oil or natural gas;
5. At least 80% of the development’s total units, except for a manager’s unit, must be for lower income households, up to 20% may be for moderate-income households and the units that are rented must be restricted for 55 years. The units that are sold must be restricted for 45 years or participate in an equity sharing agreement;
6. The development must comply with objective development standards that are not in conflict with the provisions of the statute;
7. If the development project requires demolition of existing residential units, or if residential units have been demolished in the last 5 years, it must comply with the replacement housing provisions in Government Code §66300(d) (Housing Crisis Act), whether or not the project is located in an affected city or county;
8. The applicant must certify that the project is either a public work or, if it includes more than ten units and is not in its entirety a public work, the applicant will ensure all construction workers are paid prevailing wages and other labor requirements provided in the statute are met;
9. The applicant must complete a Phase I environmental assessment and, if warranted, a Phase II environmental assessment;
10. If the development is 500 feet from a freeway, regularly occupied areas of the building must have air filtration media; and
11. The site may not contain tribal cultural resources that could be affected by the development and cannot be mitigated.
Housing developments eligible for by right approval under this statute may include certain ancillary uses on the ground floor: childcare centers and facilities operated by community-based organizations for recreational, social, or education services in single family residential zones; and in all other zones the development may include commercial uses that are permitted without a conditional use permit or planned unit development permit. A project that is eligible as a use by right includes any use that was previously existing and legally permitted on the site if it meets specified criteria: the total square footage of nonresidential space does not exceed the amount that previously existed or was permitted by a
conditional use permit; the total parking requirement for the nonresidential space does not exceed the lesser of the amount existing or required by a conditional use permit; and the new uses abide by the same operational conditions as contained in the previous conditional use permit.
Housing developments eligible for approval are allowed the following density: (1) if the development is located in a zone that allows residential uses, it shall be allowed the default density specified for lower income housing in the community’s housing element and a height of one story above the maximum height otherwise applicable; however, if the local government allows for greater residential density or building heights on an adjoining parcel, the greater density or building height shall apply; (2) if the project is located in a zone that does not allow residential uses, the development project shall be allowed a density of 40 units per acre and a height of one story above the maximum height otherwise applicable; however, if the local government allows for greater residential density or building heights on an adjoining parcel, the greater density or building height shall apply, but the project may not use an incentive, waiver, or concession to increase the height of the development to greater than specified in the statute.
The proposed development must provide off-street parking of up to 1 space per unit, unless a state law or local ordinance provides for less parking, in which case that standard shall apply. However, a parking requirement may not be imposed if the parcel is located within 1/2-mile walking distance of a high-quality transit corridor or a major transit stop, or there is a car share vehicle located within 1 block of the parcel.
Approval of the development project under SB 4 is subject to expiration timeframes, modification requirements, necessary public improvements, and approval of subsequent permits as specified in SB 35.
Design review may be conducted by a local government’s planning commission or equivalent board or commission responsible for review and approval of development projects, or the city council or board of supervisors, as applicable.
The design review must be objective and focused on assessing compliance with criteria required for streamlined, ministerial review of projects, and reasonable objective design standards published and adopted by ordinance or resolution by a local jurisdiction before submittal of the development.
SB 423: Modifications to Streamlined Approval (Government Code § 65913.4) SB 423 amends the streamlined, ministerial approval process (generally known as the “SB 35” process) for qualifying multifamily and mixed-use affordable housing projects in most localities.
Significant Provisions
SB 423 expands the jurisdictions to which SB 35 may apply to include a locality that has not adopted a housing element that has been found in substantial compliance with housing element law by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). SB 423 also extends SB 35 to the Coastal Zone, with certain exceptions, and removes the prohibition against an SB 35 project being located within a high or very high fire hazard severity zone as indicated on maps adopted by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. However, unless the site has adopted specified fire hazard mitigation measures, the SB 35 streamlined, ministerial process is prohibited in very high fire hazard severity zones (as determined by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection) and the statutorily defined state responsibility area. The SB 35 streamlined, ministerial process is also not applicable to housing development applications on sites within an equine or equestrian district (and meeting certain other requirements) submitted on or after January 1, 2024, but before July 1, 2025.
Previously, to be eligible for the SB 35 ministerial approval process, any project (rental or for-sale) in a jurisdiction that did not issue enough above moderate-income housing building permits was required to dedicate a minimum of 10% of total number of units to households making at or below 80% of area median income (AMI). With the SB 423 changes, rental projects in a jurisdiction that (i) did not issue enough above moderate-income housing permits or (ii) has not adopted a housing element that has been found in substantial compliance with housing element law by HCD or (iii) has not submitted an Annual Progress Report to HCD are now required to provide either (i) at least 10% of the total units to households making at or below 50% of AMI or (ii) comply with the locality’s inclusionary ordinance where that ordinance requires greater than 10% of the units to be dedicated to households making at or below 50% AMI. If the local
inclusionary policy requires units that are restricted to households with incomes higher than 50% AMI (in jurisdictions subject to the 10% requirement) or 80% AMI (in jurisdictions that have not met their very low or low income RHNA), then providing the 10% at 50% AMI or 50% at 80% AMI, as applicable, is deemed sufficient to satisfy the local inclusionary requirement.
SB 423 eliminates the ability of the local government to conduct public oversight of the development; design review may still be conducted by the planning commission or other equivalent board or commission responsible for design review.
However, if the development is in a moderate resource area, low resource area, or an area of high segregation and poverty, the local government is required to provide for a public meeting before the City Council within 45 days of receiving a notice of intent before the development proponent submits an application for the proposed development.
If the local government’s planning director or equivalent position determines the housing development project is consistent with objective planning standards, SB 423 requires approval of the development. The California Department of General Services may act in place of a local government for determining a development’s compliance with and eligibility for the SB 35 streamlined, ministerial process when the development is located on land owned by or leased to the state.
SB 423 requires a development proponent to certify to the local government that certain wage and labor standards will be met, including that all construction workers will be paid prevailing wages. These requirements do not apply to a project that consists of 10 or fewer units and is not a public work. Requirements to use a skilled and trained workforce have been substantially modified. Projects with over 50 units must also comply with apprenticeship requirements. Those more than 85 feet high must use a skilled and trained workforce unless qualified contractors are not available.
SB 684: Subdivisions for 10 Units or Fewer (Government Code §§ 65852.28, 65913.4.5, 66499.41).
SB 684 creates a streamlined approval process for development projects of 10 or fewer residential units on urban lots under 5 acres by adding 3 new sections to the Government Code. Local ordinances may be adopted to implement the provisions of SB 684 and the 3 statutes discussed below, which shall not be considered a project under the California Environmental Quality Act.
Significant Provisions
Parcel Maps; Tentative and Final Maps (Government Code § 66499.41) SB 684 requires local agencies to ministerially consider, without discretionary review or a hearing, a parcel map or a tentative and final map for a housing development project that meets certain size, density, and other requirements. The proposed subdivision must result in ten or fewer parcels and the proposed development project contains ten or fewer residential units. The lot to be subdivided must be zoned for multifamily development, not larger than 5 acres, substantially surrounded by qualified urban uses, as defined in the statute, and located either in a city that includes some portion of an urban area or in an urbanized area or urban cluster in a county with a population greater than 600,000. The newly created parcels may not be smaller than 600 square feet, unless otherwise authorized by the local agency in an ordinance. The parcels must comply with applicable objective standards of the Subdivision Map Act, be served by a public water system and municipal sewer system, may not have been created by an urban lot split (Government Code §66411.7), and must comply with the housing development provisions added by this bill (Government Code §65852.28). If a parcel has been created through this subdivision, a local agency is not required to permit further subdivision through an urban lot split (Government Code §66411.7).
The lot proposed to be subdivided may not be located on a site that is any of the following:
1. Prime farmland or farmland of statewide importance;
2. Wetlands;
3. In a very high fire hazard severity zone;
4. A hazardous waste site (with limited exceptions);
5. Within an earthquake fault zone, unless the development complies with applicable seismic protection building codes;
6. In a special flood hazard area (with limited exceptions);
7. In a regulatory floodway;
8. Land identified for conservatio n in a community conservation plan, habitat conservation plan, or other natural resource protection plan;
9. Habitat for certain protected species; or
10. Under conservation easement.
Other requirements include the average total area of floor space of the proposed housing units cannot exceed 1,750 net habitable square feet, and that the proposed housing units must be one of the following: (a) constructed on fee simple ownership lots, (b) part of a common interest development, (c) part of a housing cooperative, or (d) owned by a community land trust. The housing development on the lot proposed to be subdivided cannot require demolition or alteration of housing (1) subject to a recorded covenant restricting affordability levels, (2) subject to local rent or price control, or (3) occupied by tenants within the preceding 5 years from the date of application, or (4) on a parcel where an owner withdrew accommodations from rent or lease within 15 years before the date of project application. Lots do not need to comply with any local requirements for size, width, depth, or dimensions of a parcel.
The project must comply with the local agency’s inclusionary ordinance, if such ordinance has been adopted, objective zoning and design standards that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the bill, result in at least as many units as the maximum allowable residential density, unless the parcel is identified in the jurisdiction's current housing element, in which case the project must result in at least as many units as projected for that parcel in the housing element and at the affordability levels and subject to a recorded affordability restriction of at least 45 years, and a local agency is not required to allow development of an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit.
Finally, in jurisdictions that have adopted a compliant housing element, SB 684 shall not apply to sites located in a single- family residential horse keeping zone.
Section 66499.41 goes into effect on July 1, 2024, except for the subsection related to sites in single family residential horse keeping zones, which goes into effect on January 1, 2024.
Housing Development Project Applications (Government Code § 65852.28) Local agencies may impose objective zoning standards, subdivision standards, or objective design standards that do not conflict with this section or the ministerial subdivision provisions of SB 684.
However, a local agency may not impose objective zoning, subdivision, or design standards that:
1. Physically preclude the development of a project built to densities deemed appropriate to accommodate housing for lower income households as specified in Housing Element Law (Government Code § 65583.2(c)(3)(B))
2. Apply solely or partially because the subdivision or development was approved under this Section;
3. Require a setback between units, except as required in the California Building Code;
4. Require enclosed or covered parking;
5. Impose side and rear setbacks inconsistent with SB 9 (Government Code § 65852.21(b)(2)(B));
6. Impose parking requirements inconsistent with SB 9 (Government Code § 65852.21(c)(1)); or
7. Impose a floor area ratio standard of less than 1.0 for projects with 3-7 units or 1.25 for projects with 8-10 units.
Section 65852.28 goes into effect on July 1, 2024.
Building Permits (Government Code § 65913.4.5)
SB 684 provides that, for housing development projects consisting of 10 or fewer units, local agencies shall issue building permits based on the tentative or parcel map and its conditions of approval if the applicant has (1) received a tentative map approval or parcel map approval for the subdivision, and (2) submitted a building permit application that the local agency deemed complete pursuant to Government Code § 65913.3 (applications for post entitlement phase permits). At
the time of issuance, any dedication, improvement, and sewer requirements identified in the tentative map approval must be guaranteed.
Section 65913.4.5 also authorizes local agencies to:
• Condition issuance of the building permit on submission of a recorded covenant and agreement that states the applicant agrees that the building permit is issued on condition that a certificate of occupancy or equivalent final approval for the building will not be issued unless the final map has been recorded; and • Require security in an amount no greater than 300% of the total estimated cost of the improvements or the acts to be performed, in the form of bonds, instrument of credit when a public agency provides at least 20% of the financing for the portion of the agreement requiring security, pledge from a financial institution that the funds necessary to carry out the agreement are on deposit and guaranteed for payment, or a letter of credit, to ensure faithful performance of the requirements contained in the tentative or parcel map or conditions of approval.
The local agency may deny issuance of a building permit, tentative map, or development approval if the building official makes a written finding, based on a preponderance of the evidence, that construction of the proposed structure before recordation of a final map would have a specific, adverse impact to public health and safety and for which there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the impact.
Section 65913.4.5 goes into effect on July 1, 2024.
AB 821: General Plan and Zoning Consistency (Government Code § 65850).
AB 821 addresses what happens when a zoning ordinance is not consistent with the general plan when a project application that does not fall within the Housing Accountability Act and is consistent with the general plan, but not the zoning, is submitted. A local agency must either amend the zoning ordinance within 180 days of receipt of the development application to be consistent with the general plan; or, if the zoning ordinance is not amended within that time period, the local agency must process the development application and apply objective general plan standards, but not inconsistent zoning standards.
Any resident or property owner may bring an action in superior court to enforce compliance with the provisions of AB 821 within 90 days of either the enactment or amendment of a zoning ordinance or the agency’s failure to comply with this section.
AB 1218: Replacement Housing Requirements (Government Code §§ 65912.114, 65912.124, 65940, 66300, 66300.5, and 66300.6)
AB 1218 amends the Housing Crisis Act to expand replacement housing and relocation assistance requirements that apply when housing units are demolished. AB 1218 adds Government Code Sections 66300.5 and 66300.6, which now covers all the replacement housing and relocation requirements.
Significant Provisions
Under existing law, the following demolition protections apply to housing development projects that will require the demolition of residential units:
• The project must replace all existing or demolished protected units; • Any existing tenants must be allowed to occupy their units until 6 months before start of construction, with proper notice; and
• The developer must provide income-eligible occupants of any protected units with relocation benefits and a right of first return for a comparable unit affordable to the household in the new development.
A "housing development project" is a use consisting of (1) residential units only, (2) a mixed-use development with at least 2/3rds of the square footage designated for residential use, or (3) transitional or supportive housing. AB 1218 extends these protections to all development projects and to sites where protected housing units were demolished in
the last 5 years, unless all of the following conditions are met: (i) the project is an industrial use; (ii) the project site is entirely within a zone that does not allow residential uses; (iii) the applicable zoning was adopted before January 1, 2022; and (iv) the protected units that are or were on the project site are or were nonconforming uses.
Further, for development projects that are not housing development projects, AB 1218 provides that the required replacement housing must be developed prior to or concurrently with the development project and must be located within the same jurisdiction. The development proponent may contract with another entity to develop the replacement housing.
Finally, under current law, notice must be provided to existing occupants of units to be demolished 90 days before requiring the occupant to move, in accordance with Relocation Assistance Law requirements. AB 1218 amends these notice requirements, as described below.
AB 1490: Affordable Adaptive Reuse Projects (Government Code §§ 65913.12 and 65960.1) AB 1490 provides incentives, such as guaranteed permit turnaround times, for statutorily defined “extremely affordable adaptive reuse projects” (i.e., motel and hotel conversions).
Significant Provisions
For qualifying "extremely affordable adaptive reuse projects,” AB 1490 provides that a city's or county's planning agency must provide development determinations within 60 days of submittal of the completed proposal for the development project for projects of 150 or fewer housing units, and within 90 days for projects of 150 or more units. The application is “deemed consistent” if the jurisdiction does not respond within these timeframes.
To qualify for adaptive reuse incentives, multifamily housing development projects must satisfy certain criteria (i.e., be an “extremely affordable adaptive reuse project”), including:
• Occupancy of 100% of non-managers' units must be restricted to lower income households, with at least 50% of units dedicated to very low-income households, subject to a recorded deed restriction; • The development must involve retrofitting and repurposing a building that currently allows temporary dwelling or occupancy, and be entirely within the envelope of the existing building; • The site must be an infill parcel, but not a site or adjoined to any site where more than 1/3 of the footage on the site is dedicated to industrial use;
• Housing developments of 50 units or more must provide onsite management services; and • The housing development does not eliminate any existing open space on the parcel.
A local agency may impose objective design review standards for a housing development project submitted pursuant to AB 1490, except that it may not impose or require the curing of any preexisting conflict with: (i) maximum density requirements; (ii) maximum floor area ratio requirements; (iii) requirement to add additional parking; or (iv) requirement to add additional open space. A local agency may deny a project that satisfies the above criteria if the project is on or adjoining an industrial-use site and the local agency makes a finding that the development would have an adverse effect on public health and safety.
Finally, any local source of funding that can be used for affordable housing development must include adaptive reuse (i.e., the retrofitting and repurposing of an existing building to create new residential units) as an eligible type of project.
California Environmental Quality Act ----------------------------------------------- (AB 1449, AB 1633, SB 69)
This section summarizes bills amending the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
AB 1449: Affordable Housing CEQA Exemption (Public Resources Code § 21080.40) AB 1449 exempts from CEQA numerous public agency actions for an “affordable housing project,” as defined below.
Significant Provisions
If a housing development meets the requirements to be considered an “affordable housing project,” then the issuance of an entitlement; lease, conveyance, or encumbrance of public agency land (including any action to facilitate the lease, conveyance, or encumbrance of public agency land or land to be purchased by a public agency); actions to provide financial assistance; and rezoning, specific plan amendments, or general plan amendments required for construction of an affordable housing project, are all exempt from CEQA.
Additionally, to qualify for the exemption, the affordable housing project must be subject to a recorded California Tax Credit Allocation Committee regulatory agreement and adequately served by existing utilities or extensions, and the public agency must confirm that:
i) The project site meets the requirements of Government Code 65913.4(a)(6)(B)-(K); ii) The development proponent has completed a phase I environmental assessment and specified mitigation if a recognized environmental condition or hazardous substances are found; iii) If the site is vacant, the project site does not contain tribal cultural resources that could be affected by the development and could not be mitigated; and
iv) If multifamily housing is not a permitted use on the project site, the project cannot include housing within 500 feet of a highway, within 3,200 feet of an active facility that extracts or refines oil or natural gas, or within a very high fire hazard zone.
AB 1633: Certain CEQA Violations Made Violations of the Housing Accountability Act (Government Code § 65589.5(h))
AB 1633 amends the Housing Accountability Act to expand the definition of disapproval of a housing development project to include certain circumstances when a public agency fails to make determinations under CEQA or requires additional analysis before approving CEQA documents.
Significant Provisions
This legislation is intended to prohibit public agencies from using CEQA as a means of delaying or denying project approvals. Under AB 1633, applicants may utilize the remedies of the HAA to sue local agencies that use CEQA as a means to disapprove or delay a housing development.
AB 1633 amends Government Code Section 65589.5(h) to expand the definition of “disapprove the housing development project” to include (1) a failure to make a determination on whether a project is exempt from CEQA, or an abuse of discretion as defined in the legislation; or (2) the failure to adopt a negative declaration, addendum or to certify an EIR under certain circumstances.
The protections of AB 1633 only apply if there is substantial evidence in the record that the project meets the environmental eligibility standards for streamlining under SB 35 (Government Code §65913.4). Additionally, development projects utilizing this provision must be either:
a) Within 1/2-mile walking distance from a high-quality transit stop; b) Located in a very low vehicle travel area;
c) Proximal, meaning within 1-mile (or 2 miles in a rural area) to 6 or more amenities as specified in the legislation such as a bus station, ferry terminal, pharmacy, supermarket, public library, school; or d) Parcels where at least 75% of the perimeter adjoins parcels that are developed with urban uses.
The density of the housing development must also meet or exceed 15 dwelling units per acre, and the parcel must be in an “urbanized area” as defined by Public Resources Code Section 21071. This includes cities where the population of the city plus 2 contiguous cities equals at least 100,000, and some County islands and areas within urban growth areas.
If the basis for the protections afforded by AB 1633 is that the development is exempt from CEQA, there must be substantial evidence in the record that the housing development is eligible for a CEQA exemption.
If the basis for the protection is that the public agency failed to adopt a negative declaration, addendum or EIR there must be a negative declaration, addendum or EIR or other comparable document prepared that if adopted would satisfy the requirements of CEQA, the public agency must have held a meeting to adopt the CEQA document, and the public agency either committed an abuse of discretion or failed to decide whether to adopt the CEQA document or require additional study. Abuse of discretion involving the preparation of an environmental review document means the public agency failed to adopt the appropriate CEQA document in bad faith without substantial evidence in the record to support a fair argument that further environmental analysis or study is required, and the public agency decided to require further environmental study.
Applicants must give the public agency timely notice that the agency’s action or inaction violates these provisions. If a public agency determines that a developer is not exempt from CEQA, the applicant must give notice within 35 days of the date the local agency gave the applicant notice of the determination. If the public agency has not taken any action on an exemption, timely notice from the applicant means notice given at least 60 days after the project application has been accepted as complete or deemed complete. If the public agency fails to adopt or certify an environmental review document, timely notice means notice given within 35 days of the public agency determining to require additional study.
If the public agency has not taken action on an environmental review document, timely notice means notice given within the time periods set out in CEQA for the preparation of the applicable environmental review document, or if there is no time period in CEQA, within 180 days.
Once a notice is received from an applicant, the local agency has 90 days to make the appropriate determination but may extend that time period if the notice involves a finding of exemption under CEQA for another 90 days by giving the applicant notice of the need for an extension. The legislation does not provide an option to extend the 90-day response period for notices related to the adoption, approval, or certification of an environmental review document. For applicant notices related to CEQA exemptions, the public agency is required to file the applicant’s notice with the County Clerk, and the County Clerk is to post the notice.
AB 1633 also provides additional protections for local government sued by opponents of a housing development project by limiting the circumstances under which the court may award attorneys’ fees to the opponents. The statute states that attorneys’ fees should rarely be awarded if the local agency acted in good faith in approving a housing development project.
SB 69: Notice of Exemptions (Public Resources Code § 21152) SB 69 requires that when a local agency files a notice of determination or notice of exemption, as applicable, with the county clerk of each county in which a project is located that it will also file the notice of determination with the State Clearing House in the Office of Planning and Research. The notice, including any subsequent or amended notice, must be posted by the Office of Planning and Research within 24 hours of receipt in the office and on the State Clearinghouse internet website and remain posted for 30 days.
Density Bonus ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- (AB 1287, SB 713, AB 323)
AB 1287: Additional Density Bonuses (Government Code § 65915) AB 1287 increases the maximum density bonus to nearly 90% for the inclusion of more very low income, low income, or moderate-income housing.
Significant Provisions
AB 1287 requires a local jurisdiction to grant an additional density bonus where:
1. The housing development would not restrict more than 50% of the total units to moderate-income, lower income, or very low-income households;
2. The housing development does any one of the following: (i) provides 24 % of the total units to lower income households; (ii) provides 15 % of the total units to very low- income households; or (iii) provides 44 of the total units to moderate income-households; and
3. The development provides 5% to 10% additional very low-income units, or 5% to 15% additional moderate-income units. In that case, the development is entitled to an additional density bonus of 20 % to 38.75%. For instance, a development with 25% very low-income units (15% plus 10%) is entitled to a total density bonus of 88.75% (50% bonus for 15% very low income, plus 38.75% bonus for an additional 10% very low income).
The bill also changes the definition of “maximum allowable residential density” or “base density” to mean “the greatest number of units allowed under the zoning ordinance, specific plan, or land use element of the general plan, or if a range of density is permitted, means the greatest number of units allowed by the specific zoning range, specific plan, or land use element of the general plan” and removes from the same definition the provision stating that the greater density prevails if the density allowed under the zoning ordinance is inconsistent with the density allowed under the land use element of the general plan or specific plan.
AB 1287 also increases the number of incentives and/or concessions for 100% lower-income projects from 4 to 5 and requires a jurisdiction to grant at least 4 incentives and/or concessions for a for-sale housing development project that provides either a total of 16% very low-income units or 45% moderate-income units.
Currently, density bonus law states that a local government may require reasonable documentation from an applicant to establish eligibility for a requested density bonus, incentives, concessions, waivers, reductions of development standards, and parking ratios. AB 1287 modifies this provision, such that a local government may not request reasonable documentation to establish eligibility for waivers. However another provision (Section 65915(j)(1)) appears to still allow reasonable documentation of eligibility for concessions.
SB 713: Definition of “Development Standard” (Government Code § 65915) SB 713 modifies the definition of “development standard” to provide that it includes “a regulation that is adopted by the local government or that is enacted by the local government’s electorate exercising its local initiative or referendum power, whether that power is derived from the California Constitution, statute, or the charter or ordinances of the local government.”
AB 323: Sale of Affordable Units (Government Code § 65915) AB 323 provides that any for-sale unit(s) that qualified an applicant for the award of a density bonus must be (i) sold to and occupied by a very, low, or moderate-income household for an affordable housing cost and subject to an equity sharing agreement, or (ii) if any such unit is not purchased by an income-qualified household within 180 days after the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, then it is sold to a qualified nonprofit housing corporation pursuant to a
recorded contract that satisfies the requirements of Revenue & Taxation Code Section 402.1(a)(10). For the purposes of the latter, “qualified nonprofit housing corporation” must meet all of the following criteria:
1. Has a determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service affirming its tax-exempt status pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3);
2. Not a private foundation (as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 509);
3. Based in California;
4. All of the board members of the nonprofit corporation have their primary residence in California; and
5. The primary activity of the nonprofit corporation is the development and preservation of affordable home ownership housing in California; and
6. Incorporates within its initial purchase contracts a repurchase option requiring a subse quent purchaser of the property that desires to resell or convey the property to offer the qualified nonprofit corporation the right to repurchase the property prior to selling or conveying that property pursuant to an equity sharing agreement or affordability restrictions on the sale and conveyance of the property ensuring at least 45 years of affordability.
This bill also adds Section 714.7 to the Civil Code to prohibit a developer from selling any for-sale unit constructed pursuant to a local inclusionary ordinance to a purchaser that does not meet the income eligibility requirements unless such unit is not purchased by an income-qualifying household within 180 days of the issuance of the certificate of occupancy. In such case, the developer may sell the unit(s) to qualified nonprofit housing corporation as defined.
Violations of this new Civil Code Section 714.7 are punishable by a civil penalty of up to $15,000 for each violation.
Accessory Dwelling Units --------------------------------------------------------------- (AB 976, AB 1332)
AB 976 (Government Code § 65852.2) makes permanent the prohibition on owner occupancy requirements for accessory dwelling units. Owner-occupancy is still required to construct a junior accessory dwelling unit.
AB 1332 (Government Code § 65852.27) requires local agencies to develop a program to preapprove accessory dwelling unit plans by January 1, 2025. The program must meet the following requirements:
1. The local agency must a ccept accessory dwelling unit plan submissions for preapproval without restricting who may submit plans for preapproval.
2. The review must be based on the standards in Government Code Section 65852.2.
3. The local agency may charge the applicant for the preapproval of plans the same fees that the local agency would charge an applicant seeking approval of an accessory dwelling unit.
4. The local agency must post the preapproved accessory dwelling unit plans and the contact information of the applicant of a preapproved accessory dwelling unit plan on the local agency’s internet website. The plan must be removed from the website within 30 days of receiving a request for removal from the applicant.
The local agency must approve or deny an application for a detached ADU ministerially without discretionary review within 30 days from the date the local agency receives a completed application if the application either (1) utilizes a plan for an accessory dwelling unit that has been preapproved by the local agency within the current triennial California Building Standards Code rulemaking cycle, or (2) utilizes a plan that is identical to a plan used in an application for a detached accessory dwelling unit approved by the local agency within the current triennial California Building Standards Code rulemaking cycle.
Parking --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (AB 894, AB 1317, AB 1308)
AB 894: Shared Parking (Government Code § 65863.1)
AB 894 allows underused parking lots to satisfy parking requirements on a different site.
Significant Provisions
When at least 20% of a development’s parking spaces are not occupied during the period in which shared parking is proposed, the owner may propose entering into a shared parking agreement to satisfy the parking requirements on another site, if the parcels sharing the parking are on the same, or contiguous parcels, separated by no more than 2,000 feet of travel by the shortest walking route, or if there is a plan for shuttles or other means to move people between the parking lot and the serviced site. If the underutilized parking is not used by the receiving parcel to meet the local agency’s parking requirements, the local agency must accept the shared parking agreement.
If the underutilized parking is being used by the receiving parcel to meet the local agency’s parking requirements, the local agency must approve the shared parking agreement if the agreement includes a parking analysis using peer- reviewed methodologies developed by a professional planning association and the agreement either secures the long- term provision of parking or allows periodic review and approval by the local agency. If the shared parking agreement does not include a professional planning association study and the local agency has not adopted an ordinance that provides for shared parking agreements, the local agency must decide whether to approve or deny the shared parking agreement. Prior to acting on a shared parking agreement, if the parties to the shared parking agreement include developments of at least 10 residential units or at least 18,000 square feet, the local agency must notify all property owners within 300 feet of the proposed shared parking agreement and, if a request for a meeting is received within 14 days, hold a public meeting. Additionally, in certain publicly funded projects, the public agency providing the most funding must examine the feasibility of shared parking before funding is granted for parking lots or garages.
AB 1317: Unbundled Parking (Civil Code § 1947.1)
AB 1317 requires that parking be separately leased to tenants in 10 counties starting in 2025.
Significant Provisions
Residential rental properties with 16 or more units for which a certificate of occupancy was issued after January 1, 2025, and are located in 1 of 10 specified counties must “unbundle” parking from rent. Unbundling parking means that the parking will be leased under a separate contract (e.g., rental agreement addendum or separate rental agreement), and the cost of parking will not be included in the price of rent. Tenants have the right of first refusal for parking spaces; spaces that are not claimed by the tenants can be leased to other on-site users or off-site residential uses on a month- to-month basis. Failure of the tenant to pay the fee associated with parking may not constitute the basis for an unlawful detainer action, but the owner may revoke the tenant’s right to the parking if the associated fees remained unpaid for 45 days after the date on which they were due. The requirements do not apply to 100% affordable housing projects or to townhouses and row houses. In ABAG’s jurisdiction, only Alameda and Santa Clara Counties are subject to this requirement. San Diego County is excluded. In the SCAG area, only Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura Counties are subject to this requirement.
AB 1308: Parking for Single-Family Home Remodels (Government Code § 65863.3) AB 1308 provides that if an owner of a single-family home seeks to remodel, renovate, or add to the single-family home and the single-family home will not exceed any maximum size limitations (e.g., height, lot coverage, floor-to-area ratio) imposed by local zoning regulations, then the public agency cannot increase the minimum parking requirement as a condition of approval.
INFORMATION ITEMS
9. PAST AGENDAS FOR CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS *