NewsLos Angeles Times – PoliticsOctober 26, 2026Los Angeles County
Pasadena voters to decide on Measure PFD parcel tax for fire department funding
Photo: Los Angeles Times – Politics
The city of Pasadena is holding a November 3 election on Measure PFD, a proposed annual parcel tax of 19 cents per square foot on improved property to fund fire department operations and capital projects. The tax is expected to generate $22.1 million annually, feature exemptions for low-income homeowners, and expire after 14 years if approved by a two-thirds majority.
Read the full story at Los Angeles Times – PoliticsWhy It Matters
Property owners would pay an estimated $304 annually for a 1,600-square-foot home to fund new fire stations, equipment, and staff, while rental property owners argue they cannot recoup the costs under local rent control.
Key Facts
- Measure PFD would levy an annual parcel tax of 19 cents per square foot of improved property in Pasadena.
- The tax is estimated to cost about $304 a year for a 1,600-square-foot home.
- Low-income homeowners would be exempt from the tax.
- The measure requires a two-thirds majority vote to pass on the November 3 election ballot.
- The tax would expire after 14 years.
- Estimated revenue totals $22.1 million annually, earmarked for fire stations, apparatus, equipment, and staffing.
- Funds would be used to demolish and reconstruct Fire Stations 33 and 37, build a training center and an additional fire station, and hire 36 more firefighters.
- The plan includes purchasing another ladder truck, two more ambulances, and funding year-round brush clearance.
- 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.
Who's Mentioned
PersonRaffy Bitchakdjian“President of the Pasadena Firefighters Assn. 809”OrganizationUnited Nurses Assns. of California-Union of Health Care Professionals“Supporter of Measure PFD”OrganizationCalifornia Assn. of Realtors“Primary financial backer of the No on Measure PFD Campaign”OrganizationApartment Assn. of Greater Los Angeles“Opponent of Measure PFD”PersonKathryn Barger“Los Angeles County Supervisor supporting Measure PFD”PersonChad Augustin“Pasadena Fire Chief”PersonSasha Renée Pérez“State Senator supporting Measure PFD”OrganizationInternational Assn. of Realtors“Primary financial backer of the No on Measure PFD Campaign”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 opposing Measure PFD”OrganizationPasadena Parks and Recreation“City department currently handling partial-year brush clearance”OrganizationPasadena City Council“City legislative body that placed Measure PFD on the ballot”OrganizationLos Angeles County Democratic Party“Supporter of Measure PFD”PersonMatt Klink“Consultant for the No on Measure PFD Campaign”OrganizationPasadena Star-News Editorial Board“Opponent of Measure PFD”PersonVictor Gordo“Pasadena Mayor supporting Measure PFD”