Long Beach · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Long Beach public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
New Technology and Innovation Director appointment
After an extended acting period, the city has appointed TJ Mal as Director of Technology and Innovation, effective November 16. He brings 25 years of public-sector tech leadership, most recently as CIO at Pasadena City College.
AI Learn and Earn digital skills program
Long Beach's digital skills programs graduated 104 residents in October, giving participants certificates and free computers. The city plans to expand to roughly 400 participants over the next six months, adding youth programs and a YMCA partnership.
Employment services for people with disabilities
The Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network offers free career services, training scholarships up to $7,500, and paid internships for students with IEPs or 504 plans. Commissioners flagged that many young people don't disclose their disabilities, limiting access to these programs.
LA 28 Olympics Small Business Preparation
Long Beach will host 11 Olympic sports and Paralympic swimming, expecting about 2 million ticketed fans. Big issues for residents: reserved freeway lanes, expanded transit, security perimeters, and whether seniors and immigrant communities will be able to participate safely.
EDO budget cuts and sustainable funding for small business programs
Economic Development is cutting two positions and losing one-time redevelopment money that funds award-winning small business programs. The department is betting on new revenue — amphitheater, advertising, kiosks, and a new enhanced infrastructure financing district — to keep programs alive.
Long Beach Amphitheater lease negotiations
With the new music venue opening, parking is a hot topic — $55 at the Pike structures versus $10 or free-with-validation elsewhere downtown. The city ran a trial of its shuttle service the day of this meeting, moving up to 2,000 volunteers and staff from downtown to the venue.
Justice for Black workers in Long Beach
The Coalition Against Anti-Blackness presented data showing Black workers earn about 65 cents per dollar earned by white workers, face double the unemployment rate, and report barriers to promotion and retaliation for speaking up. The commission formed a new ad hoc to partner with the coalition and develop recommendations for City Council.
EDA Revolving Loan Fund grant and administrative plan update
Long Beach won a $750,000 federal EDA grant for its small business revolving loan fund, and adopting the updated administrative plan is the last step to receive the money. Commissioners deferred adoption to August to review the decade-old plan's first update.
Lack of banking access in West Long Beach
West Long Beach has no traditional bank branch, leaving many residents reliant on check-cashing stores and high-fee ATMs. A FUSE fellow is pursuing short, medium, and long-term pathways to bring financial services to the area, including a bankers' roundtable in April 2026 and a possible Self-Help Federal Credit Union loan center.