Pasadena Rental Housing Board Sets Course for Charter Reform With Discussions Ahead of November Election

The Pasadena Rental Housing Board will continue discussing potential amendments to the City’s Fair and Equitable Housing Charter Amendment, commonly referred to as Measure H, during the Board’s regular meeting on Wednesday, March 13, starting at 6 p.m.

The meeting will follow an earlier closed Special Meeting discussing a lawsuit by the California Apartment Owners Association; both meetings will be held in the Multipurpose Room at the Robinson Park Recreation Center, 1081 N Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena.

The newly formed Rent Stabilization Department is expected to present a list of possible reform topics that could eventually lead to a set of recommended amendments to rent regulations in Pasadena.

Whatever recommendations emerge from a series of public consultations, hearings, and Council actions would be on the ballot on November’s General Election day.

The Rental Housing Board has outlined several reasons prompting their consideration of amendments, including the need for “minor clean-up” of terms and definitions, enhancing clarity and efficiency in implementing the Charter Amendment and addressing “substantive changes” to tackle unforeseen issues.

According to a preliminary report by the Rent Stabilization Department, the PRHB Board would suggest topics for consideration as part of a systematic approach, and a Policy Ad hoc committee and support staff will research these topics and provide detailed analysis.

The Board will then convene to discuss findings, offer direction, and approve recommendations to be presented to the City Council. The City Council will review and approve the amendments, paving the way for them to be placed on the November 5 ballot. Ultimately, the voters will decide the outcome.

A timeline in the report said March 31 is the deadline for suggesting amendment ideas for consideration.

The findings will be presented to and discussed with the board in mid- to late April to provide direction. The target date for the Board to approve amendments to recommend to the City Council is May 22.

The City Council would deliberate on and approve amendments in early June. In early to mid-July, the City Attorney will prepare ballot language, and by July 22, the City Council should be able to approve it. Voters would decide on the amendments in the November 5 general election.

Members of the community are encouraged to attend the PRHB meeting on Wednesday either in person or virtually. To attend the meeting online, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89816590299  or call (669) 900-6833 and use the meeting ID 898 165 902 99.