As smoke billowed over the San Gabriel Mountains and ash rained down on our neighborhoods, Pasadena and Altadena residents watched in disbelief as the Eaton fire consumed not just homes but a sense of security.

Families were displaced overnight, cherished memories reduced to rubble and an already strained housing system stretched to its breaking point. In the face of such tragedy, we have an opportunity — a responsibility — to rethink and reshape the future of housing in our community. However, it is essential to recognize that only the Pasadena City Council is empowered to make the regulatory changes necessary to expedite the rebuilding process and improve the lives of those affected by the fire.

The challenges are immense. Rebuilding after a wildfire in California is no small feat. Soaring construction costs, rising insurance premiums and a skilled labor shortage create daunting barriers for displaced families. Today, the cost of building even a modest home can exceed $400 per square foot. For many property owners, navigating these obstacles without additional support may feel impossible.

Government leadership and community organizations must be proactive and focused as we address this monumental task. Our rent control legislation currently has barriers that prevent rental property owners from leasing to temporary tenancies. Additionally, the Pasadena Tenants Union is advocating for a moratorium on evictions and rent increases in the aftermath of the fire. While their intentions aim to protect existing renters who still have their homes, this proposal does little to assist the thousands who were directly displaced.

A moratorium does not offer the immediate housing solutions our community urgently needs. Instead, we must concentrate on strategies that swiftly create more housing options. Amid these challenges lies an opportunity to cultivate a better, more resilient future for Pasadena and Altadena. The choices we make now will shape our communities for generations.

Here’s how we can rise to the occasion.

First, we must streamline the rebuilding process. Local governments can play a critical role by expediting permits, waiving fees and providing financial incentives to ensure property owners can rebuild quickly and affordably. Recovery efforts in other parts of California have demonstrated that fast-tracked permitting can mean the difference between restoring the housing supply and facing a long-term housing shortage. Additionally, I propose the creation of a “Rebuilding Czar”—a dedicated position within the city to coordinate these efforts, foster collaboration among stakeholders and simplify the rebuilding process for all affected parties.

Second, we must rethink outdated housing regulations that prevent property owners and developers from meeting the growing demand for housing. Pasadena and Altadena face a critical housing shortage, and the best way to address it is by incentivizing the private sector to create more units. Expanding financial incentives like tax credits, grants and subsidies for fire-resistant construction can encourage new developments while helping existing owners upgrade their properties.

Equally important is modifying regulations to allow more flexibility in how property owners use their investments. Section 1805 (a) of Measure H currently restricts temporary tenancies to single-family homes, leaving apartment owners, condo owners and those with ADUs unable to offer their units to those needing homes for less than 12 months.

Recently, the Santa Monica rental board took a commendable step by suspending enforcement of provisions related to home-sharing, vacation rentals and minimum lease term requirements for those providing alternative accommodations to displaced persons. Expanding this measure to include multifamily units and accessory dwellings would create additional housing opportunities. Any temporary rentals must adhere to California’s anti-price gouging laws, and we urge our fellow property owners with vacant units to collaborate with the city to assist displaced neighbors in their time of need.

We can rebuild Pasadena into a stronger, more resilient community by coming together. Let’s ensure that our response to this tragedy prioritizes the needs of our residents and helps us all recover. We look forward to working hand-in-hand with the City Council to implement these necessary changes.

Anthony Edson wrote this with input from colleagues at Pasadena Housing Partners.