CITY OF PASADENA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE MINUTES
DECEMBER 16, 2025 - 5:00 P.M.
MEETING
OPENING
ROLL CALL:
Staff:
PUBLIC COMMENT
Councilmember Madison
arrived at 5:11 p.m.
Chair Hampton called the meeting of the Economic Development and Technology Committee to order at 5:09 p.m.
CouncilmemberTyron Hampton, Chair
Vice Mayor Jessica Rivas
Councilmember Steve Madison (Arrived at 5:11 p.m.)
Councilmember Jason Lyon
David Klug, Director of Economic Development
Jim Wong, hocusing Director
Phillip Leclair, Chief Information Officer
Jessica Freeman-Wong, Assistant Chief Information Officer Jason Mikaelian, Deputy Director of Planning and Community Development
Christopher Page, Project Manager
Jennifer O'Reilly-Jones, Program Coordinator III
Dion O'Connell, Assistant City Attorney
Betty Gao, Recording Secretary
Yadi, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns with the City's data privacy practices and governance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Councilmember Lyon, seconded by Vice Mayor Rivas, to approve the minutes of October 21, 2025, as submitted. (Motion unanimously approved)
INFORMATION ONLY ADAPTIVE REUSE
David Klug, Director of Economic Development, provided introductory comments, and Christopher Page, Project Manager, presented a Powerpoint presentation on the item, including providing information on background and timeline on office-to-housing opportunities, outreach and research, completed project, and recommended next steps; with both responding to questions.
Councilmember Lyon advocated for staff to move forward with the adaptive reuse program and asked staff to explore strategies and incentives to advance its adoption.
In response to Vice Mayor Rivas' inquiry on adoption timeline, Jason Mikaelian, Deputy Director of Planning and Community Development, stated that the City Council deferred this item to the Planning Commission and that an update will be presented to the City Council in early spring of 2026, and responded to questions.
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In response to Chair Hampton's inquiry on rent control, staff clarified that adaptive reuse projects are not subject to rent control. Chair Hampton asked that this clarification be reflected in the Powerpoint presentation slide.
Ana Soulriver, residence not stated, voiced concerns regarding financial uncertainty and tax implications related to building conversions.
In response to public comment, Chair h4ampton asked staff to reach out to the public speaker to connect with property owners.
Following discussion, and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
INTRODUCTION TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
OPERATIONS
IN CITY
02 Phillip Leclair, Chief Information Officer, provided introductory comments, and Jessica Freeman-Wong, Assistant Chief Information Officer, presented a Powerpoint presentation on the item, including providing information on foundational concepts, governance framework, artificial intelligence supportive work, adaptive security, privacy, risk, and safeguards, and responded to questions.
Vice Mayor Rivas voiced support for the use of assistive and predictive artificial intelligence (Al) tools to support City operations, and expressed caution regarding the use of generative Al, including concerns related to reliance on content production and the use of Al tools for City customer service.
Councilmember Madison suggested a policy discussion regarding limitations on the use of large language model Al and raised awareness of potential energy usage associated with data centers.
In response to Councilmember Madison's comment on data centers, Chair Hampton stated that the item will be agendized at a future Municipal Services Committee meeting as an informational item for further discussion.
Councilmember Lyon spoke in support of further discussion on Al usage and privacy policies, as well as the use of Al for behind-the-scenes and traffic-related applications to enhance operational efficiency. In addition, hie echoed Vice Mayor Rivas' concern to refrain from using Al for City customer service.
Chair Hampton expressed support for the use of Al to streamline Public Records Act (PRA) requests and improve efficiency within the City Service Center.
Yadi, Pasadena resident, thanked the Committee and staff for the discussion and advocated for continued discussions on privacy policies.
12/16/2025
Following discussion, the Committee raised concerns on potential impacts ofAI on workforce and emphasized the need for continued monitoring.
Following further discussion, on the order of the Chair, and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
Councilmember Lyon was
excused and left the
meeting at 6:35 p.m.
CUTS IN COUNTY AND FEDERAL HOMELESS PROGRAMS FUNDING
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 current funding sources, federal continuum of care funds, state Homeless hlousing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) funds, other state funds, Los Angeles County funds, and advocacy actions; with both responding to questions.
Vice Mayor Rivas asked staff to return to the Committee with an update on funding for the Supportive Housing Division's budget.
Councilmember Lyon expressed appreciation with the candid presentation and raised concerns on potential funding threats to unhoused and at-risk individuals.
Councilmember Madison expressed optimism that the funding cuts would pass, conveyed disappointment with the current funding landscape, and voiced support for nonprofit partners assisting unhoused residents.
Chair Hampton advocated for a greater return of Measure A funds in proportion to the City's contributions and asked staff to provide an update on the status of Continuum of Care (CoC) funding.
Sonja Berndt, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns regarding the lack of planning for potential funding reductions and advocated for the use of general funding dollars to support services for unsheltered residents.
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 and business support, fire recovery and resilience, and responded to questions.
Following a brief discussion, on the order of the Chair, and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed. 03 Vice Mayor Rivas requested a future discussion on Committee responsibilities considering the formation of the new Housing, Homelessness, and Planning Committee.
12/16/2025
ADJOURNMENT:
Councilmember Madison noted the importance of reserving Council Chamber for City Council and Council Committee meetings and supported working collaboratively with staff to identify alternative meeting spaces for Commissions and advisory Committees.
On the order of the Chair, the meeting of the Economic Development and Technology Committee was adjourned at 6:51 p.m.
^ Tyron Hampton, Chair
Economic Development and Technology Committee
ATTEST:
M>^
Ij
Betty Gao
Recording Secretary
04 12/16/2025