Long Beach · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Long Beach public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Free Long Beach Transit fares for residents over 50
The commission is drafting a letter to City Council asking Long Beach Transit to make rides free for everyone over 50, noting fares are only about 6-7% of transit funding. Action was postponed one month to strengthen the letter with data.
Nuisance trailer and oversized vehicle enforcement
The council asked staff to report back in 90 days on stronger tools against unhitched trailers, oversized vehicles and mobile billboard trailers parked on public streets. Critics warned the rules could sweep up unhoused people living in trailers.
Shoreline Drive Realignment
The council awarded a $50.7M construction contract to realign Shoreline Drive, funded largely by $35M in Measure M county funds.
Rosemead/Lakewood Complete Corridor transit vision
A 28-mile vision plan would link Pasadena to Cal State Long Beach with better bus service, dedicated lanes where feasible, and safer walking and biking connections — potentially cutting the 40-50 minute transfer wait students face at Lakewood Center.
Street sweeping service interruptions
Commissioner Hines formally requested a Public Works presentation on street cleaning, saying seniors want cleaner streets, to be scheduled at a future meeting.
Airport Taxiway F reconstruction
A $22 million project realigns and reconstructs Taxiway F at Long Beach Airport, funded mostly by grants and airport funds.
Elevate 28 infrastructure plan update
Public Works updated the five-year infrastructure plan: it grew by $158 million to $1.25 billion total, with over 95% of planned street paving to be done by 2028. Four new projects were added, and the El Dorado Branch Library is now fully funded with state money.
Port of Long Beach Pier B gas pipeline relocation
Gas pipes installed by trenchless drilling sometimes accidentally bore through sewer lines; a plumber's root-cutting snake can then puncture the gas pipe, risking a gas leak or explosion inside homes. Long Beach's inspection program has found cross-bores in fewer than 2% of properties checked, with about 25,000 parcels left to inspect over roughly ten years.
Long Beach Transit services and senior fares
Long Beach Transit laid out how older adults can ride for 60 cents, use Dial-A-Ride for $2.50, and access the low-income LIFE program. Commissioners raised concerns about fare evasion, bus shelter coverage and the future of free student passes, which cost the agency about $1 million a year.
Orange Avenue bikeway and complete streets
A $22.6 million construction contract will build protected bikeway and complete-streets improvements along Orange Avenue across five council districts.
Sidewalk access blocked by construction on Studebaker Road
Secretary Dean described being unable to exit her bus for blocks because construction had completely blocked the sidewalk, forcing her to ride her mobility scooter in the street. Staff will route specific access complaints to the city's accessibility office and Public Works.