Summary
Long Beach is considering changes to the Mills Act, which gives historic property owners property tax reductions in exchange for preservation work. Proposed changes include new priority criteria for cultural heritage, public benefit, and affordability; a biennial application cycle; and 20-year limits on new contracts. The program costs the general fund about $400,000 a year in property tax revenue but incentivizes restoration of historic homes and buildings.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 3
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 27, 2026.
Impact analysis
About $400,000 per year in reduced property tax revenue to the city's general fund, growing as new contracts are approved.
Owners of designated historic properties — especially recent buyers — who get property tax savings, plus neighborhoods that benefit from restored historic buildings.
Renters don't directly benefit, and critics note the program mostly helps affluent single-family homeowners; the general fund absorbs the tax revenue loss.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Cultural Heritage Commission - Oct 27, 2026
Long Beach is considering changes to the Mills Act, which gives historic property owners property tax reductions in exchange for preservation work. Proposed changes include new priority criteria for cultural heritage, public benefit, and affordability; a biennial application cycle; and 20-year limits on new contracts. The program costs the general fund about $400,000 a year in property tax revenue but incentivizes restoration of historic homes and buildings.
City Council - Sep 22, 2026
Six homeowners got Mills Act property tax contracts, but the council heard that the 100 percent owner-participation rule blocks large condo buildings like the Cooper Arms. Staff will hold a study session October 27 to consider changes.
Cultural Heritage Commission - Jun 30, 2026
Six historic homes are in line for Mills Act contracts, which cut property taxes in exchange for restoration commitments. Fourteen other applicants were turned away, raising fairness questions commissioners want addressed.
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