Success at the Ballot Box Nets $195 Million
Pasadena Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
On November 5, 2024, Pasadena voters had a choice. The City Council had placed a measure on the ballot so voters could decide on the future of Central Library. If passed, the measure would provide funding to make necessary earthquake repairs and improvements to reopen the historical Central Library, the first building completed in the Civic Center Plan in 1927.
The library’s closure in 2021 provided an opportunity for a community-driven examination and reimagination of how the treasured Central Library could better serve the community and meet the challenges of the 21st Century. The Central Library Community Programming Committee was established and comprised of representatives from across the City.
The Committee singled out a challenge. The need for expanded public relations was an area of discussion with agreement that there are tools that should be utilized to broaden the user base and gain support for the reopening. Voter education for Measure PL achieved this goal spectacularly.
Challenge/Opportunity
In 2021, Central Library was forced to close when a structural assessment confirmed that its unreinforced masonry construction makes the building unsafe to occupy. Although Central Library has beaten the odds through past earthquakes, that speaks to good fortune, not the soundness of the building from future seismic activity.
In June 2024, the City Council approved a recommended scope of work (pending funding) that will lift the red-tag so the Library can open its doors to the community again; provide functional enhancements to address community needs; flexibility for the future; and replacement of outdated technology and critical buildings systems that are near the end of their useful life.
Measure PL, approved by voters in November 2024, funds crucial earthquake repairs and upgrades to benefit Pasadena residents for another 100 years. The issuance of $195 million in bonds will reopen Central Library and ensure the library’s continued cultural and historical ties to the community.
Key Elements of Innovation
The city secured $9 million in California State Grants, fully funding the environmental review and design phase of the project. The construction phase was unfunded until a proposed bond measure, Measure PL, was approved by voters after massive voter education efforts.
FM3 Research conducted surveys to test the likely support from the community to fund a potential bond measure for the library. The survey revealed that a $195 million bond measure dedicated to earthquake retrofitting and repairing the Central Library had a strong opportunity to succeed if placed on the ballot in November 2024. The survey indicated that nearly 7 in 10 (69%) voters would support a proposed bond measure.
Civic engagement included over 50 community meetings, staff talking points, mailers, a webpage, social media posts, City Council presentations, library newsletter articles, and more. The Pasadena Public Library celebrated its 140th anniversary in 2024, a vital reminder of the importance of Central Library.
Achieved Outcomes
The Pasadena Central Library Earthquake Retrofit, Repair, Upgrade Measure (Measure PL) was placed on the ballot by the City Council. The Measure would not take effect unless approved by 55% of the voters. The Measure was successfully approved by 72.42%.
With funding secured, the seismic retrofit and renovations project is currently in the preconstruction phase, led by PCL Construction Services and Gruen Associates, with a team that includes an historic preservation consultant to ensure that the seismic retrofitting respects the building's architectural significance. Additionally, independent oversight of the design and construction process is provided by the Mayor appointed Technical Oversight Committee.
Janice Seagall, President of the Friends of the Pasadena Public Library said, “What a wonderful moment to know the work of so many people in our community and the Pasadena Public Library system is being recognized! Congratulations and more energy to all as we move forward!”
