South Pasadena, California Development News

City Council Adopts Ordinance to Place $80 Million Bond Measure on November Ballot

The City Council conducted the second reading and adoption of Ordinance 2416, which authorizes placing a proposition for up to $80 million in bonded indebtedness before the voters. The proposition will appear on the November 3rd, 2026 general municipal election ballot. The bond proceeds are restricted to street, roadway, sidewalk, and storm drain infrastructure improvements, including design, engineering, and financing costs. Accountability safeguards, such as a segregated bond proceeds account and annual financial reports, are included. The ordinance requires a two-thirds affirmative vote for passage. This action is a procedural step to place the measure on the ballot; actual bond issuance and tax levies are contingent on voter approval. Public comment urged for the inclusion of language supporting multimodal transit, pedestrian, bicycle, and accessibility improvements, drawing parallels to Berkeley's Measure FF. Staff confirmed that the updated mobility plan will incorporate these considerations into future street specifications and bid packages, and that the bond is for new capital projects, not basic maintenance. The council also discussed potential ballot lettering, with 'SOS' (Save Our Streets) being a preferred option, and agreed to allow a citizen group to prepare the ballot argument. Several council members and staff celebrated the progress made in improving the city's financial standing and project delivery capabilities over the past year.