Pasadena Economy Climbs Back But Still Far From ‘Normal’ Says Pasadena Chamber of Commerce CEO

Pasadena is seeing an increase in consumer spending — a promising sign of economic recovery. Despite this, Pasadena’s Chamber of Commerce CEO and President said last week so much has happened the new normal may not match the old one.

“There is likely no return to a pre-pandemic normal,” Paul Little said in an interview with Pasadena Now. “People continue to be reluctant to return to offices. Restaurants and retailers continue to hurt. We are not back to ‘normal’ — whatever that might be.”

Little said the Omicron surge which hit the country earlier this year halted Pasadena’s economic progress. To clearly see what the economy will look like post-pandemic, there should be at least a year of no recurrent surges, he said.

According to Little, local businesses in the personal services industry including salons, spas and fitness studios were hit hardest by the COVID-19 outbreak. Workers were plunged into joblessness when these businesses were ordered to close and when social distancing guidelines were imposed to stop the spread of the virus.

“These were all completely shut down for long periods and continue to have to exist under capacity restrictions. [Many] simply saw their customer base evaporate,” said Little.

Entertainment venues that have been forced to close and nonprofits which suffered from a lack of donors were also included among those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The outbreak has also wreaked havoc on the restaurant industry, and Little believes the pandemic will have a lasting impact on local restaurants.

“We have all worried about restaurants and the reality is many continue to struggle. I do not expect a ‘return to normal’ for dining anytime soon and maybe never.”

With the pandemic continuing to impact some industries, Little urged the City to again help businesses survive.

“With the windfall from federal allocations, it is time for the City to consider another round of support for those hardest hit and still struggling.

“We really need to pay attention to the small local businesses. Their situation, regardless of the industry, has always been precarious, but is much more so now. If we want to preserve the character of our local business community we need to make a real effort to support the local folks, retailers, restaurants, service providers, dry cleaners, everyone,” Little said.

Little also called for support for institutions that are integral to Pasadena’s local identity and draw visitors such as the Pasadena Playhouse, USC Pacific Asia Museum, Kidspace, Boston Court, A Noise Within, Pasadena Civic Auditorium and the Rose Bowl.

“We do not know what the economic future may be for Pasadena, or for anyone at all, right now. I think we need to keep an eye on those industries and businesses we all rely on and ensure they keep operating,” Little said.

“Local nonprofits are also integral to our community’s health and well-being. We need to pay close attention to their ongoing viability and recommit to supporting them and their mission,” he added.