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Positive additions to the urban landscape, and require developers to implement mitigations that will improve traffic flow in Pasadena. Pasadena's General Plan outlines the areas of the city that are appropriate for commercial development of all kinds. Neighborhood -serving commercial enterprises are sited adjacent to those neighborhoods. Higher density, both for housing and commercial enterprises is concentrated downtown, away from established neighborhoods and adjacent to our freeways. These developments are sited near public transportation and transit opportunities, such as they exist. Further, the General Plan envisions commercial activity that is complementary to the quality of life in Pasadena's neighborhoods. In fact, a healthy and diverse business environment provides the taxes that are essential to support Pasadena's neighborhoods. The synergistic relationship between Pasadena's business and residential community represents away from neighborhoods, near freeways and downtown. smart growth principles in action. Safeguards exist so that commercial properties are located Further, it is generally recognized that new residential developments are a drain on in resources, costing more for police and fire protection, municipal services delivery and maintenance than their taxes contribute to City coffers. Commercial real estate, on the other hand, pays more in fees, taxes, and charges than the resulting costs to provide them with city services. BUSINESS FRIENDLY CITY Beyond these considerations, Pasadena must address our growing reputation as a city unwelcoming and unfriendly to business and commercial interests. Frequently, criticisms are focused on Pasadena's vague and multi -layered approval processes, lengthy environmental reviews, seemingly arbitrary design review processes and lack of flexibility to help businesses meet new and increasing municipal mandates. Anticipating the revision of Pasadena's General Plan, members of the commercial office community in Pasadena have been meeting to discuss issues facing their sector. As they discussed competitiveness, costs, opportunities and challenges, they identified the major challenges and have developed potential solutions to present to the community. As we set out to update and modernize the General Plan, we encourage all stakeholders, especially the City Council, to explore the opportunities to address challenges and find potential solutions to support a healthy jobs market and stable municipal finances that would result from the continued growth of the commercial real estate sector in Pasadena.