AG
ENDA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING NOTICE
DECEMBER 16, 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
DECEMBER 16, 2025 AT 5:00 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:
Correspondence 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,
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].
CITY OF PASADENA
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING OF THE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
DECEMBER 16, 2025
PUBLIC MEETING 5:00 P.M.
PASADENA CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBER
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE, ROOM S249
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the regular meeting of the Economic Development and Technology Committee, will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 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 11
th day of December 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.
Katrine 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
DECEMBER 16, 2025
Public Meeting: 5:00 P.M.
Council Chamber, Pasadena City Hall
100 North Garfield Avenue, Room S249
The City Council may take action on any item listed on this agenda as it deems appropriate following consideration and discussion of the matter.
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
• OCTOBER 21, 2025 - REGULAR MEETING*
NEW BUSINESS
INFORMATION ONLY
1. INTRODUCTION TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN CITY OPERATIONS*
2. ADAPTIVE REUSE*
3. CUTS IN COUNTY AND FEDERAL HOMELESS PROGRAMS FUNDING**
4. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE BY DAVID A. KLUG, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR*
ADJOURN
*Attachment
**Attachment to be submitted
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• OCTOBER 21, 2025 – REGULAR MEETING*
01 10/21/2025
CITY OF PASADENA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 2025 – 5:00 P.M.
MEETING
OPENING Chair Hampton called the meeting of the Economic Development and Technology Committee to order at 5:03 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Staff:
Councilmember Tyron Hampton, Chair
Vice Mayor Jessica Rivas
Councilmember Steve Madison (Absent)
Councilmember Jason Lyon
David Klug, Director of Economic Development
Jim Wong, Director of Housing
Jason Mikaelian, Deputy Director of Planning and Community Development
Lillian Mensah, Planner
Deborah Membreno, Project Manager
Jennifer O’Reilly-Jones, Program Coordinator III
Dion O’Connell, Assistant City Attorney
Betty Gao, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENT Anthony Manousos, representing Making Housing and Community Happen (MHCH), urged the Planning Department to estimate potential transfer tax revenue to support affordable housing funds.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Vice Mayor Rivas, seconded by Councilmember Lyon, to approve the minutes of September 16, 2026 , as submitted. ( Motion unanimously approved) (Absent: Councilmember Madison)
NEW BUSINESS FEASIBILITY STUDY ON INCLUSIONARY HOUSING ORDINANCE
Jason Mikaelian, Deputy Director of Planning and Community Development, provided introductory comments, and both Lillian Mensah, Planner, and Nathan Schmitt, Economist from AECOM (City consultant), summarized the staff memo as part of the PowerPoint presentation on the item, including providing information on inclusionary housing ordinance background, policy context, market analysis, feasibility analysis , alternative opportunities, and workforce housing; with all responding to questions.
Chair Hampton asked staff to provide additional data regarding California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) appeals and oversight of inclusionary housing ordinances from surrounding cities.
Betty Gao, Recording Secretary, reported that two letters of correspondence were received by the City Clerk’s Office, which were distributed to the Committee, posted online, and made part of the record for this item.
02 10/21/2025
Matthew Morfin, Pasadena resident, advocated to lower unit threshold requirement to 5-9 units related to an Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (IHO).
Fiona Morfin, Pasadena resident, thanked Chair Hampton for making WIFI available throughout Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) and for affordable housing in the City.
The following individuals spoke on vacancy tax, transfer tax, commercial development linkage fee, and/or provided other related comments on the matter:
Bert Newton, Pasadena resident
David Sorri, Pasadena resident
Mark Vinzani, Los Angeles resident
David Baer, San Fernando resident
The following individuals advocated to increase the inclusionary requirement percentage, and/or provided other related comments on the matter:
Donna Sider, representing Justice Commission, Pasadena Mennonite Jill Shook, representing MHCH
Councilmember Lyon voiced support for further study of an expedited permitting process, lowering the inclusionary unit threshold, implementing a commercial development linkage fee, and exploring residential and commercial property vacancy taxes.
Vice Mayor Rivas thanked staff and supported the listed alternative studies. In response to Vice Mayor Rivas’ inquiry on in-lieu fee, Jim Wong, Housing Director, provided information on project data from 2019 ordinance amendment, indicating no significant impact from the prior fee increase, and responded to questions.
Chair Hampton echoed Councilmember Lyon’s comments in support of further study on property vacancy tax. He expressed support for the proposed policy alternatives and advocated for fee reductions and expedited permitting for nuisance properties. In addition, he asked staff to provide additional information on the feasibility of establishing a Pasadena-specific Area Median Income (AMI).
Following discussion, the Committee requested that staff provide an update on the item at a future Committee meeting, including providing the information and direction to staff as detailed above.
Following further discussion, and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
03 10/21/2025
INFORMATION ONLY COMMUNITY DE VELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT
David Klug, Director of Economic Development , provided introductory comments, and Deborah Membreno, Project Manager, presented a PowerPoint presentation on the item, including providing information on the program’s background and information, eligibility and selection criteria, timeline, with both responding to questions.
Following a brief discussion, on the order of the Chair, and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
CONSIDERATION OF THE 2026 POINT IN TIME HOMELESS COUNT
Jim Wong, Housing Director, provided introductory comments, and Jennifer O’Reilly -Jones, Program Coordinator, presented a PowerPoint presentation on the item, including providing information on U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requirements, biennial unsheltered counts, 2025 unsheltered count cost and benefits, with both responding to questions.
Councilmember Lyon expressed neutral sentiments regarding the proposed biennial count and commented on the possible removal of volunteers from future counts.
Chair Hampton expressed opposition to the proposed bi ennial homeless count, citing concerns on the sentiments and engagement of community volunteers.
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
David Klug, Economic Development Director, summarized the staff memo as part of his oral presentation, including providing information on business developments, conferences, special events, technology startups and science, real estate updates, and responded to questions.
Chair Hampton and Councilmember Lyon shared their experience with attending the Los Angeles Technology Week at the Pasadena City College.
ADJOURNMENT: On the order of the Chair, the meeting of the Economic Development and Technology Committee was adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
04 10/21/2025
_________________________________
Tyron Hampton, Chair
Economic Development and Technology Committee
ATTEST:
____________________
Betty Gao
Recording Secretary
INFORMATION ONLY
1. INTRODUCTION TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN CITY OPERATIONS*
Department of Information Technology
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
in City Operations
Transforming operations, improving public
services, and fostering innovation
December 16, 2025
Department of Information Technology
Context and Purpose
• Municipal governments are assessing how to
responsibly deploy AI to improve operational
efficiency and public service delivery
• AI technologies are already a part of everyday
platforms used by both City staff and the public (e.g.
internet searches, email, chat platforms)
• This presentation will:
> Provide a foundational overview of AI concepts
> Outline guiding principles, governance structures,
and risk mitigation strategies
> Describe Pasadena’s AI use strategies
2 Department of Information Technology
Foundational Concepts
What Is Artificial Intelligence?
• Definition: AI encompasses a range of technologies
that enable computer systems to analyze data, learn
from patterns, and assist in decision-making or
content creation
• Categories relevant to municipal operations:
> Assistive AI: Tools that flag or surface relevant information > Predictive AI: Identifying patterns or anticipating service needs (e.g., maintenance alerts)
> Generative AI: Drafting content or documentation based on prompts (e.g., agenda preparation)
Note: All AI tools currently in use by the City operate in a human- supervised, advisory capacity.
3 Department of Information Technology
• Equity: Ensure AI algorithms are unbiased and serve
all members of the Pasadena community fairly,
addressing potential disparities.
• Transparency: Clearly communicate how AI
processes and decisions are made, fostering
understanding and accountability.
• Privacy: Protect sensitive data in accordance with
regulations and maintain the privacy of Pasadena
residents and city information.
• Human Oversight: AI supports, not replaces, human
judgement.
Governance Framework
4 Department of Information Technology
• Trust: Maintain public confidence in the ethical
deployment of AI technologies within Pasadena City
government.
• Purpose-Driven Deployment: AI is implemented only
where it addresses a specific, measurable need.
Governance Framework cont.
5 Department of Information Technology
• Efficiency: Automate repetitive tasks, saving time and resources.
• Resilience: Improve preparedness and response.
• Public Services: Enhance accessibility and
responsiveness to community needs with
personalized information and efficient service
delivery channels.
• Innovation: Foster data-driven solutions to tackle
Pasadena’s unique challenges, leading to more
effective policies and initiatives.
Opportunities Using AI
6 Department of Information Technology
DoIT AI Pilots and Prototypes
Use Case Impact
Microsoft Copilot
Chat
Increases staff efficiency by assisting
with document drafting, summarizing,
and editing
Accessibility
Workflow Assistant
Enhances ADA compliance and ensures
accessible public content
Spam Form
Filtering Bot
Screens out invalid submissions to keep
workflows clear and responsive
Adaptive Firewalls Blocks evolving threats in real time to reduce risk of disruption or data loss
Chatbots Provides staff and residents with general
City information
7 Department of Information Technology
Spam Form Filtering
8 • Challenge: Increasingly sophisticated spam
submissions bypassing standard automated filters,
disrupting City workflows and staff response processes
• Solution: AI agent evaluates form entries to remove
likely spam before reaching staff
• Results:
> Reduced staff time spent on invalid submissions
> Higher accuracy in distinguishing legitimate
requests from spam
> More reliable and uninterrupted service operations
for residents
Department of Information Technology
AI for Adaptive Security
• Challenge: Increasingly sophisticated threats
bypassing traditional static security rules
• Solution: AI-powered firewall detects and blocks real- time attacks across web applications
• Results:
> Reduces risk of data exposure and service
disruption
> Adapts to new attack patterns without manual
rule updates
> Maintains protection without added staff workload
9 Department of Information Technology
• Building and Maintaining Public Trust
> No resident PII is used in current AI systems
> All AI-generated content is reviewed and approved by staff before publication or use
> Vendors must comply with applicable privacy regulations, including the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA)
> All AI tools are subject to risk tiering, audit trails, and documentation requirements
> Staff receive training on prompt design, validation protocols, and bias awareness
> Transparency, auditability, and security are integral to every AI deployment
Privacy, Risk, and Safeguards
10 Department of Information Technology
• Data Task Force: Governance for responsible data use
• Procurement Updates: AI-specific proposal and
contract language
• AI Risk Governance Committee: Cross-functional
working group to conduct regular risk evaluation and
management of AI use cases within the City
• Commitment to Information Protection and
Transparency: Supporting ethical and accountable
innovation
• Staff Training and Readiness: Ongoing education to
ensure safe, informed use of AI tools
Next Steps
11 Department of Information Technology
Questions?
12 2. ADAPTIVE REUSE*
City Manager’s Office – Economic Development Division
Adaptive Reuse
Comparative Insights & Incentive Recommendations
for Office-to-Housing Opportunities
Economic Development & Technology Committee
December 16, 2025
City Manager’s Office – Economic Development Division
Background and Timeline
2 Adaptive Reuse is the process of reconfiguring a building for a use different from what it was originally designed for. It provides an opportunity to repurpose vacant and underutilized buildings to meets the diverse housing needs of residents. • August 2023 – Planning staff presented existing adaptive reuse regulations and options to the Planning Commission; informational study session only. • July 2024 – Planning Commission recommended that City Council approve proposed Zoning Code Amendments related to adaptive reuse. • September 2024 – City Council approved Zoning Code Amendments to streamline adaptive reuse of nonresidential buildings, including updated density/FAR/height allowances, parking and setback flexibility, incentives for historic resources, and clarified review procedures.
City Manager’s Office – Economic Development Division
Economic Development Strategic Plan
3 Economic Development and
Planning are collaborating to identify
opportunities to incentivize adaptive
reuse development.
• Guiding Principle 3.0: Reinforce
Pasadena as a regional destination
for culture and entertainment
• Strategy 3.5: Adopt an Adaptive
Reuse Ordinance.
City Manager’s Office – Economic Development Division
Outreach and Research
4 • Researched adaptive reuse
ordinances statewide and met with Los
Angeles, San Francisco, and Anaheim
staff.
• Reviewed local project, such as the
388 Cordova Ave office-to-housing
conversion, and met with the
developer to understand challenges.
• Participated in meetings and
workshops with stakeholders including:
> building owners,
> developers,
> architects,
> brokers,
> planners, and
> preservationists.
City Manager’s Office – Economic Development Division
Lessons Learned
5 • Identify the City’s building stock suitable for
adaptive reuse projects.
• High acquisition and conversion costs limit
projects to luxury-only.
• Elevated interest rates and borrowing costs
make financing challenging.
• Conversion uncertainties add additional
financing risk.
• Legal and regulatory considerations, including
rent control and HOA restrictions, present
hurdles.
• Flexibility needed for parking, design review,
inspections, and ADA compliance.
City Manager’s Office – Economic Development Division
Completed Reuse Project
6 388 Cordova Ave – Adept Urban
• Summary: 9-story 1980s office building located in
Central District converted into +100,000 SF mixed-use.
• Commercial: 1st, and 2nd floors.
• Residential: 66 units on 3rd–9th floors.
• Construction timeline: started in 2019, completed in
2021.
• This is the only major office-to-housing conversion in Pasadena to date.
• Completed before the adaptive reuse ordinance
passed.
City Manager’s Office – Economic Development Division
Recommended Next Steps
7 • Assess Pasadena’s building stock to identify adaptive reuse opportunities. • If a willing property owner is identified, partner on a detailed adaptive reuse case study. • Host a webinar to share the City’s adaptive reuse program with developers and owners. • Report findings and lessons learned from adaptive reuse research and early projects to the Pasadena Business Improvement Districts (PBIDs).
• Continue stakeholder engagement to gather feedback and address barriers. • Track early projects to understand financing, design, and permitting challenges. • Monitor Assembly Bill 529 (to provide flexibility with building codes) and adaptive reuse policies in other jurisdictions to identify emerging trends and best practices. • Present recommendations on adaptive reuse of hotels to Planning Commission.
City Manager’s Office – Economic Development Division
End of Presentation
8 4. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE BY DAVID A. KLUG, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR*
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 16, 2025
To: Economic Development and Technology Committee
From: David A. Klug, Economic Development Director
Subject: Economic Development Update
The 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. Javier’s Finest Foods of Mexico, located at One Colorado, is now open.
The restaurant occupies the former Il Fornaio space and offers elevated Mexican cuisine, hand-
shaken margaritas, and
one of the West Coast’s
largest selections of
premium tequilas.
ii. Wushiland Boba
is now
open at The Paseo. The
shop offers hand-shaken
drinks made with globally
sourced tea leaves and
ingredients from Taiwan.
This new location adds
another stop to Visit
Pasadena’s Boba Trail,
which features 27 (and
counting) boba shops across the city.
iii. Robbin’s Brothers, located at 587 E. Colorado Blvd. in the Playhouse District, is now open. The flagship showroom occupies a restored 1927 Renaissance Revival building and features private diamond viewing
rooms, in-house customizations, and a hospitality lounge designed to elevate the jewelry shopping experience.
2. Conferences & Business Support
a. 710 Community Fellows Program
The 710 Community Fellows Program launched in November as a leadership and civic engagement opportunity for students from Muir and Sequoyah High Schools. Economic Development staff participated in the kickoff event, tabling alongside colleagues from the Department of Transportation and Planning to share information and engage students in small group conversations about economic development opportunities at the 710 stub. The program, led by District 1 Councilmember Hampton, invited students to explore city building and the future of the 710 freeway corridor through hands-on learning and civic dialogue.
b. LA28 & FIFA World Cup Business Opportunity Webinar
On December 9, Economic Development staff attended a webinar hosted by the Los Angeles Regional Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
focused on upcoming business opportunities tied to major international sporting events coming to Los Angeles, including the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The session featured updates from Erikk Aldridge, Vice President of Impact at LA28, who emphasized the importance of early preparation and offered guidance on how local businesses can become game-ready for the global stage.
c. Commercial Façade Improvement Program Update
Seventeen Pasadena businesses have applied for grant funding through the Commercial Façade Improvement Program. The program offers up to $20,000 to support exterior upgrades such as signage, lighting, paint, doors, and windows in eligible CDBG benefit service areas. Staff is currently reviewing applications, and grant recipients will be announced in January 2026. The program provides reimbursement-based assistance after project completion and verification of approved improvements.
3. Shop Local Pasadena
a. Open Rewards Pilot Program
Since launching on October 1, the Shop Local Pasadena pilot program has received strong community engagement. Over 1,100 local businesses are participating, and more than 530 users have downloaded the app to start earning 5% cash back on purchases. To date, the program has generated an economic impact of nearly $24,000.
The initiative continues to encourage
residents, visitors, and workers to shop
locally while providing valuable insights
into Pasadena’s economic activity. The
pilot runs through March 31, 2026.
b. Made in LA: Holiday Gift Guide
The Made in L.A. Holiday Gift Guide
was recently released to showcase locally manufactured products from businesses across Los Angeles County. The guide features food items, apparel, home goods, and personal care products produced by small and midsize manufacturers. Pasadena is represented in the guide by Woon Kitchen, located at 1392 E Washington Blvd. and t heir featured product, Mama’s Way Hot Sauce.
c. Small Business Saturday
On November 29, Pasadena celebrated Small Business Saturday with 24 welcome stations located at independent businesses across the city.
Shoppers received complimentary canvas tote bags as part of the Shop Local Pasadena campaign, encouraging residents and visitors to support local retailers. Participating businesses spanned multiple commercial districts and included favorites like Vroman’s Bookstore, Republic of Lucha, and Doggee Club. Pasadena Transit also offered free rides to make shopping local even easier.
4. Tech. Startups & Science
a. Google DevFest 2025
Economic Development staff tabled at Google DevFest 2025, held on Saturday, November 22 at the Pasadena Convention Center. The event, hosted by the Los Angeles Google Developer Group, drew over 600 developers, students, and tech professionals for a full day of keynote talks, workshops, and networking focused on AI, app development, and cloud computing. Staff connected with attendees and shared information about local business resources. Highlights included speakers from Google Cloud and sessions on accessible design and app monetization.
b. Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals
Pasadena-based Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals reached two major milestones in November, beginning with its first FDA approval for Redemplo, a treatment for familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS), a rare condition that causes severe pancreatitis. This marks the company’s transition into a commercial pharmaceutical business after 36 years of development. Redemplo is one of
20 drugs currently in clinical
studies from Arrowhead’s
RNA interference platform A
week later, Arrowhead
announced a $200 million
milestone payment from
Sarepta Therapeutics, part of
a broader licensing deal.
Following these
announcements, Arrowhead’s
stock surged 62% between
November 17 and December
3, closing at a 550% increase
from its April low.
5. Fire Recovery and Resilience
a. Altadena Businesses Reopen in Post-Fire Milestone Event Five Altadena businesses reopened on Saturday, November 22 during the “Rising Together
” celebration at Mariposa Junction, one of the first major community events since the Eaton Fire. The fire displaced nearly 1,900 businesses and caused up to $42 billion in economic losses. The reopening featured
Betsy’s Restaurant, renamed by owner Tyler Wells in honor of his mother, and Carciofi Design Paper Boutique, which survived despite the loss of owner Caroline Britton’s home. McGinty’s Gallery at the End of the World, Sidecca retro boutique, and Ms. Dragon Print & Copy also resumed operations.
The event included ribbon-cuttings, live music, and complimentary food from local vendors. Artist Austin Scott sketched attendees’ homes, and elected officials including Congressmember Judy Chu joined the celebration.
b. Shop Local LA County Gift Card Program
On December 1, the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity, in coordinationwith Pasadena Economic Development staff, launched the Shop Local LA County Gift Card Program
to support small
businesses impacted by the January wildfires. Eligible businesses in fire- affected areas including Pasadena, Altadena, Palisades, parts of Malibu, Santa Monica, and Topanga can apply to join the Recover Local Business Directory at shoplocal.la. Registered businesses receive access to promotional materials, marketing support, events, and technical assistance.
c. First Home Rebuilt in Pasadena’s Eaton Fire
The first residential home rebuilt in Pasadena’s portion of the Eaton Fire burn zone was completed just before Thanksgiving. Located in Upper Hastings Ranch, the new 3,000-square-foot home includes fire-resistant features such as a metal roof, aluminum siding, and a rooftop sprinkler system.
Homeowners Jun Li Lujan and Robert Lujan hosted a housewarming celebration on November 25, attended by Supervisor Kathryn Barger and staff from the Planning team. As part of the City’s recovery efforts, Economic Development staff served as community connectors, helping to initiate contact and guide the homeowners to the appropriate Planning resources.
We are proud to have supported the Lujan family at the start of their rebuilding journey.