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The city of Pasadena is asking voters to approve a property tax of 19 cents per building square foot to fund capital improvements, staffing and safety programs for the Fire Department, nearly two years after the devastating L.A. wildfires.
The City Council says Measure PFD would fund improvements the city wouldn’t be able to cover with existing resources. Critics say the proposed tax would put a disproportionate burden on property owners.
What’s at stake
Aging firefighting infrastructure and a tight city budget led the Pasadena City Council to propose a new property tax: The tax would cost 19 cents per building square foot, or what city analysts estimate to be more than $300 a year for most homeowners.
All revenue from the tax would go toward infrastructure and operations for the Pasadena Fire Department — that’s what PFD stands for — including:
- Funding new emergency response staff and equipment
- Expanding wildfire prevention and brush clearance starting in the first year
- Building a new training center and fire station
- Rebuilding fire stations 33 and 37
Why now
Pasadena is at high risk from fires, earthquakes and extreme weather conditions, according to the city’s 2025 hazard mitigation plan.
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Mayor Victor Gordo said during a City Council meeting Aug. 3 that the new property tax would fill a “desperate need” for funding to maintain the level of service provided by the PFD. Last year’s Eaton and Palisades fires have put emergency preparedness top of mind: At least 19 people died, and close to 10,000 homes and businesses were destroyed in the deadly Eaton fire that began Jan. 7, 2025, and wasn’t fully contained until Jan. 31.
The City Council shared Gordo’s concerns and voted to put the measure on the ballot. Interim City Manager Matthew Hawkesworth said that without the new tax, budget challenges would prevent the city from affording some improvements it has planned for the Fire Department.
Ballot language
Official title: City of Pasadena 911 Firefighter/Paramedic Emergency Medical/Wildfire Preparedness/Response Measure
Language you’ll see:To help maintain fire, paramedic, 911 response; prepare for/ respond to wildfires/earthquakes/medical emergencies; recruit/retain well‑trained firefighters; maintain lifesaving equipment/fire alert communication; shall City of Pasadena’s measure annually levy 19¢ per square foot of improved property, with low-income senior exemption, providing approximately $22,100,000 annually, expiring after 14 years, requiring accountability, independent audits, oversight, public spending disclosure; all funds must be used to support local fire protection/emergency medical response services, be adopted?
What your vote means
- A "yes" vote means: You support a 19-cent tax per building square foot over the next 14 years to go toward the Pasadena Fire Department’s infrastructure and operational costs.
- A "no" vote means: You oppose a 19-cent tax per building square foot over the next 14 years to go toward the Pasadena Fire Department’s infrastructure and operational costs.
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What it takes to win
The tax would go into effect only if two-thirds of Pasadena voters approve Measure PFD, and it would end after 14 years unless reapproved by voters.
What supporters say
- Modernizing the Fire Department could shorten emergency response times and improve the department’s ability to prevent, detect and fight fires.
- The tax would fund the rebuilding of fire stations 33 and 37, which were rated by the Fire Department to be in poor condition in its 2026–2030 strategic plan and could currently pose hazards to staff and equipment in the event of an earthquake.
- Costs of the new property tax would go toward preventing what could be even greater costs of damages and increased insurance payments.
- Notable endorsements: Measure PFD is supported by the L.A. County Democratic Party, L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, the Pasadena Firefighters Association Local 809 and the West Pasadena Residents’ Association.
- Additional endorsements are available here.
What opponents say
- Pasadena city officials should fund the Fire Department through the regular budgeting process or explain more clearly why that is not possible before asking voters to approve a new tax.
- The proposed tax would put a disproportionate burden on property owners for services that everyone in the city benefits from.
- Rental housing providers may not be able to recover costs from the tax, especially for rent-controlled units, which could push some out of business.
- Notable opponents: The Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, Pasadena-Foothills Association of Realtors, the Pasadena Star-News editorial board and former Pasadena Mayor William Paparian oppose the property tax.
Potential financial impact
City staff estimated that putting Measure PFD on the ballot would cost about $436,660.
The tax would bring in about $22.1 million annually to go toward the Pasadena Fire Department over the next 14 years.
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Campaign finance
Further reading
- Pasadena Measure PFD (City of Pasadena)
- Endorsement: No on Measure PFD, Pasadena’s newest parcel tax (Pasadena Star-News)
- William Paparian: Pasadena should have funded fire department first. No on PFD. (Pasadena Star-News)
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