Pasadena, CA town hall & government
Pasadena spent $801.9 million in the year to June 30, 2024, about $5,975 per resident.
Where the money goes, where it comes from, property taxes, and how to reach Pasadena's government.
Who runs Pasadena
From public records (Open States and Wikidata), which can lag behind an election. If a name is out of date, tell us: when two neighbors agree, it's hidden until the records catch up.
Where Pasadena's money goes
Where the money comes from
- Utility sales 36%
- Fees & charges 14%
- Sales taxes 12%
- Property taxes 12%
- Other taxes & licenses 8%
- Interest, fines & other 8%
- From the federal government 5%
- From the state 3%
- From other local governments 1%
Who works for Pasadena
Staff on the town's payroll in March 2025. Pay is March payroll times twelve, so it's approximate.
Pasadena Unified School District
Pasadena's K–12 school district, shared with Sierra Madre. It is its own government, with a budget separate from the town's.
Where the district's money comes from California districts overall: 36% local, 52% state, 11% federal
- Local 48%
- State 39%
- Federal 13%
Of the $24,911 per pupil, $13,230 goes to classroom instruction (teachers, aides, supplies); the rest to support services such as buses, buildings, counselors and administration. Building projects and debt payments aren't in the per-pupil figure.
Also serving Pasadena: La Cañada Unified School District ($17,383 per pupil).
Which schools Pasadena kids attend, test scores and graduation rate →
What homeowners in Pasadena pay
The median yearly bill homeowners report, covering every local property tax on the home (town, schools, county). The effective rate is that bill divided by the median home value, so it's a rough guide, not the official tax rate.
Contact Pasadena's government
Who represents Pasadena
Pasadena is represented in Congress by Senators Alex Padilla and Adam B. Schiff and Representatives Judy Chu and Laura Friedman. Gavin Newsom is governor.
Budget: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments: Finance (every city and town government's revenue, spending and debt, grouped into plain categories). Property tax: Census American Community Survey, 5-year estimates.