Long Beach · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Long Beach public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Marina Fund fiscal year 2026 financial performance
How the city's water, gas, and sewer funds are tracking financially this fiscal year. These funds pay for utility operations and can influence future rates customers pay.
2026 Lease Revenue Bonds for city capital projects
The Authority authorized bonds that will pay for a long list of city projects: Fire Station 9, police crime lab and DNA lab upgrades, EV charging stations, the Belmont Pool, Convention Center roof work and more. The debt is repaid through leases on city buildings.
Vendor data ownership and procurement reform
Commissioners want vendors who collect data on Long Beach residents to disclose what they collect, store it on city infrastructure, and delete it when contracts end — lessons drawn from a smart sensor pilot. Procurement due diligence emerged as a possible 2027 workplan item.
Update requested on city layoff actions
Commissioner Owens asked that HR come back with the final outcome of the potential city layoffs the commission examined at a special September hearing, since the October 1 date has passed.
Statewide women's policy initiatives
The state commission shared legislative wins including the child marriage ban (AB 1267) and college health center funding, plus a first-ever Advocacy Day in Sacramento on March 17, 2027. Child care affordability is a top 2027 priority.
Large technology contracts approved on consent
The utilities department can now buy IT hardware, software, licensing, and consulting through CaliforniaGovConnection under a cooperative contract, avoiding repeated bidding. Includes needed laptop upgrades and supports the department's phone and WebEx systems.
Pro-Housing Designation renewal
The city's state Pro-Housing Designation — which gives affordable projects extra points in state funding competitions — expires in January 2027, and staff has posted a draft renewal application.
Housing Authority financial and operational performance
The Housing Authority updated who can sign contracts with grantors and vendors, letting its top two executives sign on the City Manager's behalf. This keeps housing programs and grants moving without waiting for full commission sign-off on every agreement. Staff said the underlying policy dates to the 1960s and had no digital copy.
Housing Authority contract-signing authority
The Housing Authority updated who can sign contracts with grantors and vendors, letting its top two executives sign on the City Manager's behalf. This keeps housing programs and grants moving without waiting for full commission sign-off on every agreement. Staff said the underlying policy dates to the 1960s and had no digital copy.
Mini Grant Program funding decisions
The board chose four nonprofits to receive HHS Fund mini grants, but not before debating whether public money should pay for staff spa days and retreats. Members agreed the grant guidelines need tightening before the next round — which is being paused anyway due to reduced staffing.
Dissolution of MAC subcommittees
The commission dissolved its Finance, Tidelands Capital Projects, and Marine & Beach Maintenance/Operations subcommittees, moving those topics into regular meetings to save staff time and comply with the mayor's FY 27 budget direction limiting commission meetings. The Executive Committee remains as a meeting-prep body.