NewsLos Angeles Times – CaliforniaOctober 26, 2026Los Angeles County
Pasadena voters to decide on Measure PFD property parcel tax for fire department funding
Photo: Los Angeles Times – California
Pasadena voters are considering Measure PFD, a ballot measure that would levy an annual property parcel tax of 19 cents per square foot of improved property to fund fire department operations, stations, and equipment. The proposed tax, which exempts low-income homeowners and requires a two-thirds majority to pass, would raise an estimated $22.1 million annually and expire after 14 years.
Read the full story at Los Angeles Times – CaliforniaWhy It Matters
Property owners would pay an estimated $304 annually for a 1,600 square-foot home to fund new firefighting personnel, station rebuilds, and equipment, while opponents argue the tax unfairly burdens property owners already facing multiple assessments.
Key Facts
- Measure PFD is a Pasadena ballot measure proposing a special parcel tax on improved property to fund the fire department.
- The proposed tax rate is 19 cents per square foot of improved property, costing approximately $304 annually for a 1,600 square-foot home.
- Low-income homeowners are exempt from the parcel tax.
- The tax is estimated to generate $22.1 million annually and would expire after 14 years.
- Passage of the measure requires a two-thirds majority vote.
- Revenue would be placed in a special fund for fire stations, apparatus, equipment, and staffing.
- Planned expenditures include adding a battalion chief, hiring 36 more firefighters, building a training center and an additional fire station, and demolishing and reconstructing Fire Stations 33 and 37.
- Funds would also purchase another ladder truck and two more ambulances, and support year-round brush clearance in government-owned common areas.
- Supporters include the Pasadena Firefighters Assn., Pasadena City Council, Mayor Victor Gordo, State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, and Supervisor Kathryn Barger.
- Opponents include the California Assn. of Realtors, the Apartment Assn. of Greater Los Angeles, the Pasadena Star-News Editorial Board, and former Mayor William Paparian.
- Voters approved Measure I in 2018, which permanently raised the sales tax by 0.75% to fund general city services including fire and emergency services.
Who's Mentioned
PersonRaffy Bitchakdjian“President of the Pasadena Firefighters Assn. 809”OrganizationUnited Nurses Assns. of California-Union of Health Care Professionals“Union supporting the measure”OrganizationCalifornia Assn. of Realtors“Primary financial backer of the No campaign”OrganizationApartment Assn. of Greater Los Angeles“Organization opposed to the measure”PersonKathryn Barger“Los Angeles County Supervisor supporting the measure”PersonChad Augustin“Pasadena Fire Chief”PersonSasha Renée Pérez“State Senator supporting the measure”OrganizationInternational Assn. of Realtors“Primary financial backer of the No campaign”PersonDaniel Yukelson“Executive director of the Apartment Assn. of Greater Los Angeles”OrganizationLos Angeles County Federation of Labor“Labor federation supporting the measure”OrganizationPasadena Firefighters Assn. 809“Firefighter labor union supporting the measure”PersonWilliam Paparian“Former Pasadena Mayor opposed to the measure”locationSanta Fe Springs“City where firefighters travel for technical training”OrganizationLos Angeles County Democratic Party“Political organization supporting the measure”locationGlendale“Neighboring city where firefighters travel for technical training”locationAlhambra“Neighboring city where firefighters travel for technical training”PersonMatt Klink“Consultant for the No on Measure PFD Campaign”locationAltadena“Neighboring area affected by the Eaton fire”locationPasadena“City holding the election on Measure PFD”OrganizationPasadena Star-News Editorial Board“Editorial board opposed to the measure”PersonVictor Gordo“Pasadena Mayor supporting the measure”