Where is Pasadena?
Pasadena is a city off State Highway 225 between Houston and Deer Park in southeastern Harris County. The 2020 Census counted 151,950 residents. The Census Bureau gives its land area as 43.68 square miles. San Jacinto College is located in Pasadena.
How did Pasadena develop?
John H. Burnett of Galveston founded Pasadena in 1893. He laid out the town on the southern bank of Buffalo Bayou, which became the Houston Ship Channel. The site was named for Pasadena, California, because of its lush vegetation.
Residents voted to incorporate in 1923, then disincorporated. They voted to incorporate again in 1928. City marshals handled law enforcement until the Pasadena Police Department was formed in 1937. The local economy shifted from farming to industry in the late 1930s. Employment is closely linked to ship-channel industries and the Bayport Industrial District.
Who governs Pasadena, and who provides services?
Pasadena has a mayor–council form of government. The city charter provides for a mayor and eight council members. Under a federal court judgment in Patino v. City of Pasadena, the mayor is elected at large and the eight council members are elected from single-member districts. The mayor serves a four-year term, with a limit of two consecutive terms. Council members serve two-year terms, with a limit of four consecutive terms.
The charter makes the mayor the chief administrator and executive officer of the city. The mayor presides over council meetings, votes as a council member and may veto ordinances, subject to council override. The mayor also prepares the budget and appoints officers and employees, subject to council confirmation.
The City of Pasadena runs the water and sewer utility. Its Water Billing Office handles meter reading, billing, collection and customer service for about 36,000 accounts. Sewer fees are included on the monthly water bill. The Pasadena Police Department patrols 67 square miles. CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric lists Pasadena in its South Houston service area.
Which school districts serve Pasadena?
Pasadena ISD includes most of Pasadena. The district also includes most of South Houston, a portion of Houston, including Genoa, and a portion of Pearland.
Who issues building permits in Pasadena?
The city’s Permit Department publishes the permit, registration and license materials for city requirements.