Pasadena Secures $395 Million in Grants, Advancing Climate and Infrastructure Goals – Pasadena Now
Pasadena has secured $395 million in active grant funding for capital improvement projects, city services, and municipal planning operations. The funding portfolio, revealed through an October 2024 update to the city's grant tracking database by the Grant Management Team consisting of representatives from 16 City departments, encompasses 159 separate grants from federal, state, and local sources.
"The City currently has 159 active grants totaling over $395 million which have been competitively acquired from various federal, state, and local sources," Kris Markarian, Acting Director of Public Works, reported.
The funding surge arrives at a crucial time for Pasadena's ambitious climate and infrastructure goals, including commitments to provide carbon-free energy by 2030 and transition to an all zero-emission bus fleet by 2040. Major projects already underway include improvements to Villa Parke Community Center, Robinson Park Pool, and a new roundabout at Avenue 64 and Burleigh designed to enhance traffic safety. The City has also secured funding for public transit system improvements, stormwater quality and capture projects, and groundwater storage initiatives.
Beyond infrastructure, the grants support a broad spectrum of community services, including affordable housing initiatives, homeless assistance programs, youth services, and library facility improvements. The City has also secured funding for technological advancement projects, including cybersecurity upgrades and investments in recycled water systems.
The momentum shows no signs of slowing. In the last fiscal year, Pasadena submitted 35 new grant applications seeking more than $203 million in additional funding. To date, 12 applications totaling over $28 million have been awarded, while 13 applications remain pending.
Among the pending applications, two significant projects await the adoption of the fiscal year 2025 Congressional Budget: improvements to the Jackie Robinson Community Center and upgrades to public safety communications systems. Additional pending applications target electric vehicle charging infrastructure, advanced metering systems, battery energy storage facilities, and housing services.
The grant initiative reflects Pasadena's strategic approach to maximizing its efforts to secure grant funding to augment limited fiscal resources. The Grant Management Team's efforts align with City Council goals and objectives, and approved policies and plans, focusing on conservation and sustainability, mobility improvements, aging public facilities and infrastructure upgrades, public safety enhancements, promotion of the quality of life and local economy, and expanded city services to the community.
Looking ahead, City officials plan to continue their aggressive pursuit of grant opportunities, with particular emphasis on sustainable improvements to public parks, water and power infrastructure, conservation efforts, and mobility and traffic safety programs. These strategic evaluations and pursuits aim to further the City's endeavors to provide comprehensive services to the Pasadena community.
