Jason’s Priorities
Maintaining Our Quality of Life
Pasadena is at a crossroads. If we don’t act now, we risk losing the quality of life that makes our city such a special place to call home. Maintaining that quality of life means making Pasadena safe, affordable, and livable for everyone. That ranges from filling potholes and improving traffic management, to ensuring strong public safety and responsible growth.
As a former Planning Commissioner, I’ve worked to keep Pasadena accessible and vibrant by championing policies that expand affordable housing. This includes the adoption of a comprehensive adaptive reuse ordinance that transformed underused buildings into housing, and voting to spur accessory dwelling units by reducing permitting and transportation fees. I also served on the task force that created an economic development plan to grow and retain good-paying jobs in Pasadena. Currently, I’m working with the City Manager to reduce permitting and inspection times to lower the cost of construction, while continuing to push for balanced housing density and advocating with state representatives for locally-focused solutions.
Public safety is also central to our quality of life. As a father of two, I believe every family deserves to feel secure in their neighborhood. That’s why I’ve worked with the Pasadena Police Department to improve transparency through monthly crime statistic reporting, supported stronger accountability through the Police Oversight Commission, and pushed for targeted patrols and traffic enforcement where our community needs them most. I’m working hard to make sure Pasadena remains a safe, welcoming, and affordable city where your kids can grow up, thrive, and afford to live in the community they love.
Homelessness
Ending homelessness in Pasadena is not just a goal, it’s a responsibility. I’ve worked closely with nonprofits, service providers, and city officials to build the coalitions we need to get people off the street and into stable housing. Through that work, I’ve learned how to navigate the policy and funding systems that can either stall progress or unlock real solutions. I understand that not everyone experiencing homelessness is chronically unhoused; many have recently fallen out of housing and have deep roots in our community. That’s why we need more case managers, more transitional housing, and more consistent, compassionate human contact to connect people with services.
I’ve increased the budget for the city’s motel voucher program, which provides immediate shelter, and I’m working with Housing staff and local nonprofits to create a sustainable, year-round transitional housing plan. I’m also leading the effort to establish a permanent Planning, Housing, and Homelessness Committee to ensure these issues get the focused, long-term attention they deserve. With the right leadership and investment, we can solve this crisis, and I’m committed to doing just that.
Climate Resilience
Pasadena must lead on climate, and I bring both personal experience and policy commitment to this fight. After experiencing the impacts of wildfire firsthand, I understand the urgency of preparing our community for climate threats. That urgency drove me to lead the push to adopt Pasadena Water & Power’s goal of achieving 100% carbon-free energy by 2030—one of my signature achievements. I successfully advocated for the creation of a Chief Sustainability Officer role in the City Manager’s office to ensure environmental policy is integrated into all areas of city planning.
On the ground, I’ve helped plant more than 140 trees in District 7—with a goal of 200 by the end of my first term. I also voted to make drought water conservation measures permanent, bringing clarity and long-term water security to residents. I’ll continue working closely with the Development Department to embed sustainability into every project we build. Climate policy is also public safety policy, and cleaner air, greener streets, and safer infrastructure all contribute to a healthier city. As a father, I want my children and yours to grow up in a resilient, thriving Pasadena.
Public Safety
The safety of every Pasadena resident will always be a top priority for me. As a father of two, I believe every family deserves to live in a safe, secure neighborhood, and that starts with responsive, community-centered leadership. I strongly support smart, accountable policing through the Police Oversight Commission, ensuring our officers have both the training and the trust they need to protect our community effectively. I’ve worked directly with the Pasadena Police Department to institute monthly crime statistic reporting by Council District, so residents and city leaders have access to transparent, actionable data. I also successfully advocated for increased uniform and undercover patrols in key areas of District 7, as well as increased traffic enforcement at high-risk intersections. I also persuaded my council colleagues to prioritize multiple District 7 streets in the city’s Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. I’m committed to ensuring public safety for everyone in Pasadena.
Response to Washington
The recent actions by the Trump Administration unfortunately have the potential to negatively affect our city. The federal funding cuts have already begun to directly affect Pasadena. First, the cancellation of a $2 million grant to the Pasadena health department that supports access to vaccines. This also includes population health data that is used to track emerging health threats. Another grant valued at $1.6 million was cut, which is to support local health departments to detect and respond to local disease outbreaks. For now, a judge has barred the administration from withholding funding. Also, the Trump Administration has also pushed for new tariffs that are very likely to raise the cost of construction. The cost of rebuilding after the Eaton fire is estimated to be in the tens of billions of dollars. But federally imposed duties on Canadian lumber and foreign steel, and other tariffs on construction materials. I will always fight to support the residents of Pasadena and do all that I can to ensure our city can prosper.
Managing Urban Wildlife
We all know that coyotes are a growing concern in Pasadena, posing a risk to both pets and people. Addressing this issue requires a thoughtful, balanced approach—one that keeps our neighborhoods safe while treating wildlife humanely. That’s why I successfully advocated for the inclusion of District 7 neighborhoods in the city’s coyote behavior study and worked with the Pasadena Public Health Department to launch new public safety and education programs. We need clear strategies, shared information, and proactive efforts to protect our community.