FirmoGraphs keeps its clients up to date on capital plans of interest for long-term business development. We help our customers use this information to gain a competitive advantage and improve proactive conversations with their clients. We recently processed the latest capital spending plan by City of South Pasadena. Here are our observations.
The City of South Pasadena’s proposed 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) represents a substantial expansion of planned capital investment compared to the adopted 2025–2029 CIP. Total program funding increases from $1.26 billion to $2.01 billion, reflecting a 60% growth driven primarily by major investments in Municipal Buildings and Facilities, Transportation, Water, Electric System, and Arroyo Projects. The number of capital projects also rises, signaling broader infrastructure coverage and new strategic priorities. Significant funding growth highlights a strong emphasis on resiliency, facility modernization, and system reliability, while modest reductions in select areas indicate rebalancing rather than program contraction. Overall, the proposed CIP demonstrates a more ambitious and infrastructure-forward capital strategy for the city. The table below breaks down South Pasadena’s planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.
| Business Area | 2025-2029 | 2026-2030 | % change |
| Municipal Buildings and Facilities | $214.8 million | $232.6 million | 8% |
| Streets and Streetscapes | $87.2 million | $92.4 million | 6% |
| Street Lighting | $35.7 million | $35.6 million | 0% |
| Street Lighting and Electric Undergrounding | $43.7 million | $24.9 million | -43% |
| Transportation | $103.9 million | $180.5 million | 74% |
| Parking | $9.1 million | $8.1 million | -11% |
| Sewers and Storm Drains | $41.2 million | $57.4 million | 39% |
| Rose Bowl Improvements | $8.4 million | $28.5 million | 238% |
| Parks and Landscaping – Park Projects | $24.2 million | $8.8 million | -64% |
| Parks and Landscaping – Landscape Projects | $0.9 million | $0.4 million | -56% |
| Arroyo Projects | $1.7 million | $2.2 million | 30% |
| Pasadena Center Improvements | $8.5 million | $11.9 million | 40% |
| Water System | $188 million | $300.4 million | 60% |
| Electric System | $472.5 million | $581.8 million | 23% |
| Technology Projects | $16.1 million | $19.8 million | 23% |
| Municipal Buildings and Facilities (Future Unfunded) | \ | $222 million | N/A |
| Streets and Streetscapes (Future Unfunded) | \ | $24 million | N/A |
| Street Lighting (Future Unfunded) | \ | $0.3 million | N/A |
| Transportation (Future Unfunded) | \ | $49.4 million | N/A |
| Sewers and Storm Drains (Future Unfunded) | \ | $4.8 million | N/A |
| Parks and Landscaping – Park Projects (Future Unfunded) | \ | $9.6 million | N/A |
| Arroyo Projects (Future Unfunded) | \ | $117.2 million | N/A |
| Technology Projects (Future Unfunded) | \ | $1 million | N/A |
| Total | $1.26 billion | $2.01 billion | 60% |
Spending Trend Summary
The City’s spending trend shows a clear reallocation toward a few high-cost program areas rather than a uniform increase across the CIP. The most pronounced growth concentrates in Municipal Buildings & Facilities (+$239.8M) and Transportation (+$126.0M), indicating a shift toward large, multi-year facility and mobility investments. Utility-related programs also trend upward—Electric (+$109.3M) and Water (+$112.4M)—suggesting continued emphasis on system renewal and reliability. A notable trend change is the emergence of Arroyo Projects as a major funding category (rising from $1.7M to $119.4M), which materially alters the overall program mix. Meanwhile, a few areas decline—most notably Street Lighting & Electric Undergrounding (−$18.8M) and Parks – Park Projects (−$5.8M)—implying either project completion, deferral, or prioritization of larger citywide needs. Overall, the spending pattern reflects more concentrated “lumpy” capital allocation, with growth driven by major initiatives rather than incremental increases across all categories
Top 3 Projects – City of South Pasadena CIP 2026-2030
- Central Library Seismic Retrofit and Renovation – Municipal Buildings and Facilities Business Area – $195.9 million. This project focuses on a comprehensive seismic retrofit and modernization of the Central Library to bring the facility into compliance with current safety standards. In addition to structural upgrades, the project includes major renovations to improve functionality, accessibility, and long-term usability, ensuring the library remains a safe and resilient civic asset for the community.
- Broadway Energy Storage Systems (Project 3275) – Electric System Business Area – $81.6 million. The Broadway Energy Storage Systems project involves the installation of large-scale battery energy storage infrastructure to support the City’s electric system. The project is designed to enhance grid reliability, manage peak demand, integrate renewable energy sources, and improve overall energy resilience during outages or high-demand periods.
- Sunset Reservoir Improvements (Project 1075) – Water System Business Area – $78 million. This project provides major upgrades to the Sunset Reservoir, a critical component of the City’s water supply system. Improvements focus on seismic safety, water quality compliance, and operational reliability, helping ensure uninterrupted and safe water service while extending the useful life of the facility.
South Pasadena City’s Capital Plan Approval and Governance
South Pasadena’s Capital Plan (CIP) is developed by City staff and coordinated through the annual budget process, with proposed capital projects incorporated into the City’s Proposed Budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The Finance Commission reviews the Proposed Budget before it is considered by the City Council, and the City Council holds public hearings and formally adopts the budget, which includes the CIP appropriations. The CIP is structured as a five-year plan, but only the first-year CIP is adopted and funded in the current budget cycle, while out-year projects are programmed for consideration in future budgets. During the fiscal year, budget changes follow defined controls—larger or fund-level appropriation increases require City Council approval, while certain line-item adjustments may be made administratively within delegated authority.
Source: City of South Pasadena Annual Budget: https://www.southpasadenaca.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/finance/documents/fy-25-26-budget.pdf
City of South Pasadena’s History
South Pasadena was incorporated in 1888 and developed as a residential community along the early rail lines connecting Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. The city has a long tradition of historic preservation, reflected in its well-preserved Craftsman architecture and strong community identity. Over time, South Pasadena has balanced growth with maintaining its small-town character while serving as a cultural and civic hub within the region.
Source: About City of South Pasadena: https://www.southpasadenaca.gov/our-city/about-south-pasadena
Fun Facts about the City of South Pasadena
- Hollywood’s favorite small town: South Pasadena is one of Southern California’s most frequently used filming locations, appearing in hundreds of movies and TV shows—including Back to the Future, La La Land, and Halloween—thanks to its preserved historic streetscapes.
- A living Arts & Crafts showcase: The city is home to one of the largest concentrations of Craftsman-style homes in the region, making it a destination for architecture lovers and historic home tours.
- Nature meets city life: South Pasadena sits at the edge of the Arroyo Seco, offering scenic trails, wildlife, and canyon views just minutes from downtown Los Angeles—an unusual blend of urban access and natural beauty.
Source: About City of South Pasadena: https://www.southpasadenaca.gov/our-city/about-south-pasadena