Chamber CEO Urges City To Cut Costs, Speed Permits As Vacancies Persist

Pasadena Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Paul Little praised city staff efforts but warned that structural challenges continue to hinder economic growth among City businesses.

“They are doing excellent work in supporting the business community in Pasadena,” Little wrote, pointing to programs such as façade improvements and micro-business grants.

Despite those efforts, Little said vacancies remain scattered across the city, with some areas facing long-term challenges.

“Some areas, such as North Lake Avenue have seen storefronts remain vacant for years,” he wrote, citing issues including “blighted sidewalks,” public safety concerns and retail spaces that no longer match market demand.

The EDTECH on Tuesday reviewed economic development strategies and considered how to address persistent vacancies and improve conditions for business growth.

A major concern raised in the letter is the time it takes for new businesses to open.

“One of the biggest problems facing potential retail tenants is the extreme and inordinate length of time it takes to complete tenant improvements and open a business,” Little said.

He added that recent examples show businesses taking more than a year to open due to delays in permitting, inspections and approvals.

“Quite frankly, it takes too long for permits to be issued, inspections and re-inspections to be scheduled and carried out and occupancy permits to be issued,” he wrote.

Little warned that rising costs and unpredictability are forcing businesses into difficult decisions.

“When costs rise steeply in a short time, businesses must react,” he wrote, outlining options that include raising prices, cutting costs, relocating or closing — “none are positive for the business or the local economy.”

Ahead of the meeting, he urged city officials to focus on reducing barriers to entry and supporting entrepreneurs.

“Take into account the costs to your local entrepreneurs when you take actions that will increase their cost to do business,” Little wrote.

He also called for a comprehensive review of city processes.

“Ask for a real and meaningful study of the processes required for a new business to open in Pasadena,” he said, urging officials to “streamline processes and facilitate openings and expansions.”