AG
ENDA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING NOTICE
APRIL 15, 2025
PUBLIC MEETING 5:00 P.M.
ME
MBERS
Tyron Hampton, Chair District 1
Jessica Rivas, District 5
Steve Madison, District 6
Jason Lyon, District 7
S
TAFF
David Klug, Economic Development Director
Dion O’Connell, Assistant City Attorney
Betty Gao, Recording Secretary
M
ISSION 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.
I
n 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.
Lang
uage 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) 74
4-4124 por lo menos con 24 horas de anticipación.
I
tems on the agenda may not be called in order listed.
A
gendas and supporting documents are available on the Internet at https://www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/city-council-economic-development-technology/ Mat
erials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the Economic Development and Technology 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 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
COMMITTEE MEETING FOR
APRIL 15, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. WILL BE ACCEPTED IN-PERSON AND BY VIDEOCONFERENCE/TELECONFERENCE.
Li
nk to City Meeting Policy:
cityofpasadena.net/CityCouncilMeetingPolicy
T
O 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:
b
[email protected]
C
orrespondence will be forwarded to the City Council 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, WWW.CITYOFPASADENA.NET/COMMISSIONS/AGENDAS,
I
F 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].
CI
TY OF PASADENA
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING OF THE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
AP
RIL 15, 2025
PUBLIC MEETING 5:00 P.M.
PASADENA CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBER
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE, ROOM S249
NO
TICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the regular meeting of the Economic Development and Technology Committee, will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber to discuss matters on the attached agenda. ____
_________________
Tyron Hampton, Chair
Economic Development and
Technology Committee
I HEREBY CERTIFY that this agenda in its entirety, was posted on the Internet at https://www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/city-council-economic-development-technology/ and on the Council Chamber Bulletin Board, Room S249, and the Bulletin Board in the rotunda area; City Hall, 100 North Garfield Avenue, this 10
th day of April 2025 by 5:30 p.m. and that copies hereof were emailed or delivered to each member of the City Council and to each local newspaper of general circulation, radio or television station requesting notice in writing, all of which recipients are identified on the distribution herein below.
K
atrine Panoyan
City Manager’s Office
DISTRIBUTION:
City Council Los Angeles Times
City Manager Pasadena Journal
City Attorney Pasadena Now
Public Information Officer Pasadena Star News
Pasadena Weekly La Opinion
Pasadena Independent
REGULAR MEETING
AGENDA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
APRIL 15, 2025
Public Meeting: 5:00 P.M.
Council Chamber, Pasadena City Hall
100 North Garfield Avenue, Room S249
PUBLIC MEETING – 5:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
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
• JANUARY 21, 2025 - CANCELED MEETING*
• FEBRUARY 18, 2025 – CANCELED MEETING*
• MARCH 18, 2025 – REGULAR MEETING*
NEW BUSINESS
INFORMATION ONLY
1. OLD PASADENA MANAGEMENT DISTRICT PRESENTATION
2. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE BY DAVID A. KLUG, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR*
ADJOURN
*Attachment
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• J
ANUARY 21, 2025 – CANCELED MEETING*
01 01/21/2025
CITY OF PASADENA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE MINUTES
PASADENA CITY HALL
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE
COUNCIL CHAMBER – ROOM S249
JANUARY 21, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
The special meeting of the Economic Development and Technology Committee, scheduled for Tuesday, January 21, 2025 , at 5:3 0 p.m., was cancelled as ordered on January 16, 2025, and was posted.
A
TTEST:
____
________________
Betty Gao
Recording Secretary
____
______________________
Councilmember Tyron Hampton, Chair
Economic Development and Technology Committee
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• F
EBRUARY 18, 2025 – CANCELED MEETING*
01 02/18/2025
CITY OF PASADENA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE MINUTES
PASADENA CITY HALL
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE
COUNCIL CHAMBER – ROOM S249
FEBRUARY 18, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
The special meeting of the Economic Development and Technology Committee, scheduled for Tuesday, February 18, 2025 , at 5:30 p.m., was cancelled as ordered on February 13, 2025, and was posted.
A
TTEST:
____
________________
Betty Gao
Recording Secretary
____
______________________
Councilmember Tyron Hampton, Chair
Economic Development and Technology Committee
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• MARCH 18, 2025 – REGULAR MEETING*
01 03/18/2025
CITY OF PASADENA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE MINUTES
MARCH 18, 2025 – 5:00 P.M.
REGULAR MEETING
OPENING Chair Hampton called the meeting of the Economic Development and Technology Committee to order at 5:08 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
S
taff:
Councilmember Tyron Hampton, Chair
Vice Mayor Jessica Rivas (Absent)
Councilmember Steve Madison
Councilmember Jason Lyon
David Klug, Director of Economic Development
Jennifer Paige, Director of Planning and Community Department Jason Mikaelian, Deputy Director of Planning and Community Development
Guille Nunez, Senior Planner of Planning and Community Development Deborah Membreno, Project Manager
Dion O’Connell, Assistant City Attorney
Betty Gao, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENT Sonja Berndt, Pasadena resident, urged the Committee to take immediate action by working with Rabbi Joshua Grater, Executive Director of Friends in Deed, and the County to utilize available motel rooms for interim housing and address homelessness in Pasadena.
In response to public comment, Councilmember Lyon asked staff to agendize hotel conversion ordinance at a future Committee meeting for consideration and discussion.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Councilmember Lyon, seconded by Councilmember Madison, to approve the minutes of January 29, 2025, and February 27, 2025 (Cancelled Meeting) as submitted. (Motion Unanimously approved) (Absent: Vice Mayor Rivas)
OLD BUSINESS ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (AUD) FEE REDUCTIONS AN
WAIVERS
Jennifer Paige , Director o f Planning and Community Development, provided introductory comments, and Guille Nunez , Senior Planner of Planning and Community Development, summarized the agenda report as part of the PowerPoint presentation, with both responding to questions.
In response to Councilmember Lyon’s inquiry on fee waivers for ADUs for family members, Jason Mikaelian, Deputy Director of Planning and Community Development, mentioned that family members do not generate rental income to offset construction costs.
Councilmember Lyon stated his support of the staff recommendation, however expressed concerns with the high fees association with building an ADU.
02 03/18/2025
Chair Hampton asked staff to share the fee reduction information with Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD).
The Committee thanked staff for their great and expeditious work on the item.
Betty Gao, Recording Secretary, reported that one letter of correspondence was received by the City Clerk’s Office, which was distributed to the Committee, posted online, and made part of the public record.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Lyon, seconded by Councilmember Madison, to approve the staff recommendation . (Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Vice Mayor Rivas)
INFORMATION ONLY TECH MARKETING CAMPAIGN
David Klug, Director of Economic Development, provided introductory comments, and Deborah Membreno, Project Manager , presented a PowerPoint presentation on the tech marketing campaign, including providing information on campaign timeline, goals, key messages, and next steps, and responded to questions.
Chair Hampton suggested expanding ad postings to areas throughout Los Angeles, outside of Pasadena, and incorporating the Pasadena rose logo into ad campaigns to strengthen the City’s branding.
In response to Chair Hampton’s inquiry on expansion of postings, Mike Schaffer, CEO of Echo Factory, mentioned the focus is at LAX and other surrounding airports as well as ride shares.
Following discussion, on the order of the Chair, and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE BY DAVID A. KLUG,
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Chair Hampton announced that this item will not be considered and will be agendized at a future Committee meeting.
ADJOURNMENT: On the order of the Chair, the meeting of the Economic Development and Technology Committee was adjourned at 5:57 p.m.
A
TTEST:
____
________________
Betty Gao
Recording Secretary
_________________________________
Tyron Hampton, Chair
Economic Development and Technology Committee
INFORMATION ONLY
2. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE BY DAVID A. KLUG, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR*
M
EMORANDUM
D
ate: April 15, 2025
T
o: Economic Development and Technology Committee
Fr
om: David A. Klug, Economic Development Director
S
ubject: Economic Development Update
T
he Economic Development Division is committed to supporting a thriving local economy. This memo provides an update on market conditions and the Division’s efforts.
1. Business Development
a. Notable Openings & Successes
i. Panini Kabob Grill i
s now open at 300
E. Colorado Blvd. Suite 114, at The
Paseo. Visit them for Mediterranean
cuisine made with high-quality, fresh
ingredients.
ii. S weet Red Peach i s now open at 319
S. Arroyo Pkwy. Suite 6, bringing their
famous peach cobbler and other
delicious desserts to Pasadena. All
the baked goods at Sweet Red Peach
are baked from scratch.
iii. B
essy's Boutique , located at 1 353 N. Lake Ave., officially reopened after closing due to the Eaton fire. The reopening will unveil new women's clothing pieces and accessories.
iv. T he AC Hotel open ed on April 1 at 19 S. Madison Ave. The hotel offers 194 rooms designed for business and leisure travelers, featuring a rooftop bar and a prime location near the Rose Parade route
v. E ngel & Völkers op ened a Pasadena office at 345 E. Colorado Blvd, Suite 130. The company offers real estate services and provides clients with experienced advisors to help navigate the home-buying process.
b. Business Attraction & Retention
Launched in February 2025, Pasadena’s “Build it in Pasadena” campaign has generated over one million impressions and a 400% increase in engagement, significantly boosting traffic to the city’s Economic Development website. The campaign promotes Pasadena as a hub for deep tech innovation, emphasizing its access to top-tier
research institutions like Caltech and JPL,
world-class talent, and a supportive
business environment. Developed by
local firm Echo-Factory, it aims to attract
companies and investors in fields such as
bioscience and quantum computing, with
future efforts focused on targeted media
outreach and expanding awareness
outside Southern California.
2. Business Support and Networking
a. Valued Partners Breakfast
The Economic Development team will host a breakfast for robotics and tech companies and leaders on Wednesday, April 30, at Brookside Golf Club. This event will provide an opportunity for companies to meet and engage with City leadership, share their concerns and opportunities, and explore potential collaborations. The main goal is to have a conversation with our business community and better understand their needs.
b. S
mall Business Fire Recovery Pop-Up
On Wednesday, March 19, Economic Development staff hosted a free small business recovery pop-up in partnership with Pasadena Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Pasadena Women’s Business Center (WBC), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and Foothill Workforce Development Board (FWDB). Expert advisors provided 1:1 on counseling to over 25 businesses on topics like SBA loans, marketing support and more.
c. Pasadena Restaurant Resilience Pop-Up
The Pasadena Restaurant Resilience Pop-
Up took place on April 8, at Cafe Santorini,
64 W. Union St. The event provided an
opportunity for restaurant owners and
operators to connect, share experiences,
and receive free one-on-one advising.
Participants had the chance to meet with
industry experts for personalized advising
sessions. The event successfully
supported local restaurant businesses
through valuable advice and facilitated
networking opportunities.
3. Community Engagement Events
a. Playhouse Village Association (PVA) Annual Meeting
On April 2nd, Economic Development staff attended the PVA Annual Meeting at Oh LA LA Restaurant & Bakery. During the meeting, PVA leadership and partners reflected on the association's past achievements and initiatives for 2024. The event honored retiring board members, and recognized local businesses that made exceptional contributions to support the victims of the Eaton fire. Special mention was given to Magic Cleaners and Laundry for providing free dry cleaning services, and Home Brewed Bar for offering thousands of cups of coffee to first responders at the Pasadena Rosebowl command post.
b. 434
-470 North Lake Avenue Community Engagement Event
Staff hosted a community meeting on March 27 to discuss the future of the
2.38-acre site at 434-470 North Lake Avenue, with nearly 150 attendees. The meeting focused on gathering input for a mixed-use, Transit-Oriented Development that will include affordable housing and health care services, guided by the North Lake Specific Plan. Under the State Surplus Land Act (SLA), at least 25% of the units must be affordable housing, with priority given to proposals offering the greatest number of affordable units and the deepest affordability.
The City formally acquired the property on November 7, 2023, and released a Request for Information (RFI) on March 19, 2024, to gauge developer interest. The City Council declared the property as Surplus Land on July 8, 2024, and released a Notice of Availability (NOA) to affordable housing developers on July 24, 2024. The 60-day response period closed on September 23, 2024, with 13 responses received. A good-faith negotiation period began on September 24, 2024. Staff will continue negotiations with developers, incorporating community feedback to ensure the project meets local needs.
c. Neighbors & Friends Ribbon Cutting Event
Staff attended a ribbon cutting event for Neighbors & Friends , located in Old
Pasadena at 88 E. Union St. on March 28. Neighbors & Friends is LA’s first build-your-own cheese box bar. The shop offers artisanal foods, personalized entertaining products, and handcrafted gifts from underserved makers. It serves as a community hub, celebrating local artisans and redefining the food and beverage retail space.
d. CALED Award of Merit
The City of Pasadena Economic Development Division has been selected to receive the Award of Merit for the Pasadena Economic Development Strategy. The award will be presented at the Celebrating Success Luncheon on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
4. Tech, Startups & Science
a. Caltech is hosting a webinar series focused on environmental impacts following the 2025 Los Angeles fires, starting with lead contamination. The first session, titled "Conversations After the Fires," took place on Thursday, April 10. Geochemist Francois Tissot and graduate students Merritt McDowell and Isaac Aguilar will present their analysis of ash, soil, and water samples to assess lead levels released by the fires. The webinar will be moderated by Caltech science writer Lori Dajose. Caltech researchers, including those at JPL, began collecting and analyzing environmental data immediately after the
fires broke out. The free event is open to the first 3,000 Zoom registrants, with additional viewers able to watch via YouTube. The series is organized by Caltech Science Exchange, the Resnick Sustainability Institute, and the Linde Center for Global Environmental Science.
5. Eaton Emergency Business Recovery
Economic Development staff has been actively supporting businesses and individuals by offering personalized guidance, resources, and introductions to relevant organizations. The team has been sharing valuable information, such as grants, loans, and technical assistance, through multiple channels, including the City website, newsletters, social media, and direct outreach. Staff has also been convening discussions with state, regional, and community partners, while keeping City Council Liaisons informed.
a. Reach Out WorldWide and Langham Huntington Hotel
On Thursday, April 10, Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW), and the Langham Huntington Hotel came together to showcase their ongoing efforts to support survivors of the Eaton Fire. The collaboration, which includes the Eaton Fire Collaborative, the City, and the Langham Huntington Hotel, has been providing much-needed assistance to fire-affected families three months after the disaster. A donated retail space has been the hub for distributing donated furniture and curated care packages. These packages, filled with essentials like new clothes, toiletries, linens, and household items, have been critical in helping survivors rebuild their lives. Mayor Gordo, along with Cody Walker and John Brotherton of ROWW, a representative from the Langham Huntington Hotel, and a survivor family, gathered to highlight the community's collective efforts and the ongoing support for those impacted by the fire.
b. Eaton Fire Collaborative
On Wednesday, March 19, the Eaton Fire Collaborative held a press conference at the Rose Bowl Stadium, bringing together over 80 community groups, nonprofits, and local, state, and county officials. The event introduced the Collaborative's mission to guide recovery and rebuilding efforts following the Eaton Fire. Key speakers highlighted the formation of a Long-Term Recovery Group, designed to ensure a coordinated, community-driven response to support the affected areas of Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre. The Collaborative is committed to providing clear, reliable information, countering misinformation, and prioritizing the voices of those most impacted by the fire. The collective aim is to rebuild stronger, honoring the resilience and beauty of the local communities.