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NewsLos Angeles TimesOctober 26, 2026Los Angeles County

Pasadena voters consider Measure PFD parcel tax for fire department funding

Photo: Los Angeles Times

Pasadena voters are weighing Measure PFD on the Nov. 3 ballot, a proposed special parcel tax of 19 cents per square foot of improved property to fund fire department operations, capital improvements, and staffing. The tax would generate an estimated $22.1 million annually, include exemptions for low-income homeowners, and expire after 14 years if approved by a two-thirds majority.

TaxesPublic SafetyFire ProtectionLocal GovernmentElections
Read the full story at Los Angeles Times

Why It Matters

Property owners would pay an estimated $304 annually for a 1,600-square-foot home to fund new fire stations, equipment, and 36 additional firefighters, while opponents argue the cost unfairly burdens rental property owners who face strict rent control.

Key Facts

  • Measure PFD proposes an annual parcel tax of 19 cents per square foot of improved property in Pasadena.
  • The tax includes exemptions for low-income homeowners.
  • A 1,600-square-foot home would pay approximately $304 per year under the measure.
  • The tax is estimated to generate $22.1 million annually for fire department funding.
  • Funds would be earmarked for fire stations, apparatus, equipment, and staffing, including hiring 36 more firefighters.
  • Plans include demolishing and reconstructing Fire Stations 33 and 37, building a training center and an additional fire station, and purchasing another ladder truck and two more ambulances.
  • The revenue would also fund year-round brush clearance in government-owned common areas.
  • The measure requires a two-thirds majority vote to pass and expires after 14 years.
  • Passage of the measure is supported by the Pasadena City Council, Mayor Victor Gordo, the Pasadena Firefighters Assn., and several labor and political groups.
  • Opposition includes the California Assn. of Realtors, the Apartment Assn. of Greater Los Angeles, the Pasadena Star-News Editorial Board, and former Mayor William Paparian.
  • Voters previously approved Measure I in 2018, which raised the sales tax by 0.75% to fund general city services including fire and emergency services.

Who's Mentioned

PersonRaffy Bitchakdjian“President of Pasadena Firefighters Assn. 809”OrganizationUnited Nurses Assns. of California-Union of Health Care Professionals“Supporter of Measure PFD”OrganizationCalifornia Assn. of Realtors“Opponent of Measure PFD”OrganizationApartment Assn. of Greater Los Angeles“Opponent of Measure PFD”PersonKathryn Barger“Los Angeles County Supervisor supporting Measure PFD”PersonChad Augustin“Fire Chief of Pasadena”PersonSasha Renée Pérez“State Senator supporting Measure PFD”OrganizationInternational Assn. of Realtors“Opponent of Measure PFD”PersonDaniel Yukelson“Executive director of the Apartment Assn. of Greater Los Angeles”OrganizationLos Angeles County Federation of Labor“Supporter of Measure PFD”OrganizationPasadena Firefighters Assn. 809“Local firefighters union supporting Measure PFD”PersonWilliam Paparian“Former Pasadena Mayor opposed to Measure PFD”OrganizationPasadena City Council“Voted in August to place Measure PFD on the ballot”locationSanta Fe Springs“City where Pasadena firefighters travel for live fire exercises”OrganizationLos Angeles County Democratic Party“Supporter of Measure PFD”locationGlendale“Neighboring city where Pasadena firefighters travel for training”locationAlhambra“Neighboring city where Pasadena firefighters travel for training”PersonMatt Klink“Consultant for the No on Measure PFD Campaign”locationAltadena“Neighboring city affected by the Eaton fire”locationPasadena“City holding the election and subject of Measure PFD”OrganizationPasadena Star-News Editorial Board“Editorial board opposed to Measure PFD”PersonVictor Gordo“Mayor of Pasadena supporting Measure PFD”