Long Beach · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Long Beach public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
$60 Million Street Repair Contract
The commission will consider adding $11.7 million to the All American Asphalt street repair contract, for a total of $18.6 million. This funds pothole and street repair work across Long Beach.
Pedestrian safety on Westside corridors
Commissioner Clemson argued the Santa Fe Avenue project was signal synchronization, not safety, and that planned CIP safety improvements stop short of Westside freeway ramps — leaving pedestrians crossing a truck corridor exposed.
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.
Marina parking management and paid parking
With roughly 2,500 new apartments coming, commissioners worry about marina parking. Staff confirmed a parking study is underway and that lot fees will help cover operations of the new Belmont facility, with paid parking likely coming to lots that are now free.
Traffic safety crisis and Vision Zero failure
Long Beach's goal of zero traffic deaths by 2026 won't be met — 2025 saw an unprecedented spike in fatalities. The city is restructuring its Transportation Services Bureau, creating a Traffic Safety Division, hiring a traffic safety officer, launching speed safety cameras, and rewriting the plan for adoption in 2028.
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.
Harbor Scenic Drive reconstruction
The Port is rebuilding Harbor Scenic Drive — the confusing, worn-out road linking downtown, the 710, the Queen Mary, cruise terminal, and amphitheater — with new lanes, smarter signs, and safer ramps. Drivers should expect detours and longer trips for about 15 months starting February 2027.
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.
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.
FY 2027 street repaving program ($14.8M)
About 40 streets citywide will be repaved with state SB 1 road money in fiscal year 2027. These streets were already slated in the Elevate 28 plan; the resolution just locks in the funding.
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.