Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo Wednesday, Feb. 19, said the original theme for the annual State of the City address was “building our community’s future,” however in the wake of the devastating Eaton fire, Gordo changed it to “Pasadena: A Resilient Community.”
Gordo continued to return to the resilience theme during about 40 minutes of remarks given in front of hundreds of people at the Pasadena Elks Lodge.
“Together we are resilient and we are rebuilding are community’s future,” Gordo said. “Not just in Pasadena. When I say our community, I mean Altadena as well.”
Seven weeks ago, Gordo said, the eyes of the world were on Pasadena to mark the start of 2025. The Rose Parade was back with its bustling on Colorado Boulevard. The theme, “Best Day Ever!” was ubiquitous. Within a week, the world’s eyes returned to witness deep heartbreak and tragedy, as furious wildfires destroyed thousands of structures, leaving 17 dead in Altadena.
It was the through line of Gordo’s State of the City, coupled with a celebration of the people who helped the region get through the early weeks of recovery and support.
Prior to Gordo’s remarks, a video presentation touted the work Pasadena had done to respond to the Eaton fire, including setting up a shelter at the Pasadena Convention Center and using the Rose Bowl as a base camp for hundreds of first responders.
“I’m optimistic as we enter 2025, and you all should be knowing that Pasadena will once again continue to prosper,” Gordo said. “It may take some time neighbors, but it will happen.”
He said that 132 homes in Pasadena were destroyed or damaged by the Eaton fire. The losses equate to approximately 0.34% of the city’s total housing valuation, or about $300,000 in annual property tax revenue for the general fund.
Gordo said the city remained resilient through past challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and will do the same in the wake of the Eaton fire.
When talking about the city’s financial situation, Gordo said the city’s cautious approach in saving federal relief funds to bolster reserves rather than on one time expenditures had paid off and created a stable situation.
“Pasadena’s reserves are at an all-time high, exceeding even pre-COVID levels,” Gordo said.
However, he warned that caution should remain a guiding principal in the financial approach due to unknown impacts from the way federal and state government is managing finances. Gordo reported this year’s general fund is $342 million, up from $324 million last year.
“The city’s finances, I’m proud to report, are in very good shape,” Gordo said. “Our local economy has proven to be resilient even in the most difficult of times.”
Slower economic growth has been the theme for more than a year, Gordo said, and is expected to continue. Gordo described the city’s retail, restaurant and entertainment economy as relatively stable and the city’s property values as strong.
Gordo said property values and sales tax makes up more than half of the city’s general fund revenue.
In addition, Gordo spoke about education, affordable housing and new businesses that have come to Pasadena.
He touted the city’s record on providing affordable housing pointing to the city building 375 affordable housing units in the last four years.
“When I travel around the region and the state, no city has done their part when it comes to affordable housing like we have,” Gordo said.
Pasadena Unified School District and Pasadena City College, Gordo said, would be key to the development and training of up-and-coming professionals that could be part of the rebuilding effort.
“I say let’s ensure that our students at the PUSD and PCC are the first ones to put those shovels in the ground, draw up those plans and ensure that our community is rebuilt with local talent,” Gordo said.
Gordo closed by assuring Pasadena and Altadena that while many of it streets have been left in ruins, the city would work toward a collective future that is bright and strong.
“It may seem impossible to rebuild, but we have all the tools, and most importantly we have the spirit necessary to come back stronger than ever,” Gordo said.