The Eaton Fire was a massive wildfire in Altadena, California, that started on January 7, 2025, fueled by high winds and dry vegetation. It consumed over 14,000 acres, destroying more than 9,000 structures including historic sites and homes. The blaze led to large-scale evacuations, significant infrastructure damage, and a prolonged recovery effort.

In addition to the thousands of homes, schools, churches, and businesses that were destroyed in the Fire, critical County facilities were destroyed or damaged: Altadena Senior Center; various Parks facilities including the historic Davies Community Center at Farnsworth Park; Eaton Canyon Nature Center building; and the Altadena Golf Course Clubhouse.  Critical infrastructure was also impacted: water infrastructure (pump stations and distribution systems); wastewater systems; roads and signage; and electrical and other utilities infrastructure.

A Climate Resilience District (CRD), a type of Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD), uses future property tax increment to fund the construction of public infrastructure.  However, the adoption process for these projects is time consuming, and can take up to two-years.  Recognizing the need to quickly rebuild critical infrastructure in Altadena, Senator Perez authored SB 782, which is sponsored by the County of Los Angeles.

SB 782 creates a new type of CRD, a disaster recovery district.  The district can repair damaged or destroyed structures and improvements, support economic recovery, and mitigate the risk of future disaster.  It also allows for an expedited adoption process.

Los Angeles County is in the process of establishing a Disaster Recovery District (District) in Altadena to assist in funding critical infrastructure projects.  The purpose of the District is to establish a funding mechanism that can facilitate the construction of infrastructure improvements in unincorporated Altadena. The establishment of the District will not result in any new taxes or fees to property owners.

Once established, the incremental property taxes collected by the County in the District area above the amount collected in the base year (expected to be 2025) would be specifically used to fund the infrastructure projects listed in the Infrastructure Financing Plan (IFP).  These infrastructure improvements include the rebuilding of damaged County facilities, street improvements, water and sewer projects, and other utility projects.   The County is currently compiling an estimate for all projects within the IFP.

Under SB 782, the issuance of bonds are allowed to pay for these projects once new development occurs in the District. Moreover, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will establish a separate body, the Altadena Disaster Recovery District Public Financing Authority (PFA), to oversee the creation of the District and to consider the Infrastructure Financing Plan. The PFA would be responsible for the issuance of bonds. Any member of the public may attend PFA meetings to provide comments. Meeting locations and times will be posted on this website.