Long Beach · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Long Beach public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Gas pipeline maintenance services
Resolution UT-1570 would lock in a contractor for emergency gas pipeline tapping and stopping services, up to $2 million over five years. This is the behind-the-scenes work that keeps gas repairs safe and fast.
Cost of services study for Long Beach gas services
A study examining what it costs to provide gas service in Long Beach. Results could shape how gas service costs are allocated to customers in future rate discussions.
Warehouse inventory modernization
The Utilities Department's warehouses stock everything from pipes to safety gear, but current tracking systems are clunky and there's no easy way for staff to see what's in stock. Modernization plans include standardized procedures, an in-house inventory dashboard, and better data analytics — with a long-term goal of possibly consolidating two warehouses into one.
Natural gas supply, storage, and price protection
The city buys gas daily, uses storage to dodge price spikes (like the 2023 pipeline explosion spike), and is negotiating a backup supply deal with the oil island operator (Thums) for the 2028 Olympics. Storage keeps customer bills lower when prices surge.
Natural gas procurement and affordability
Staff walked the board through how the city buys gas daily, uses storage to dodge price spikes, and manages pipeline capacity. Storage and smart purchasing help keep customer bills lower when markets get volatile.
Natural gas price hedging
The city buys gas daily, uses storage to dodge price spikes (like the 2023 pipeline explosion spike), and is negotiating a backup supply deal with the oil island operator (Thums) for the 2028 Olympics. Storage keeps customer bills lower when prices surge.
Natural gas supply reliability and price volatility
Long Beach depends on a handful of pipelines feeding California — when one went down in Arizona in 2023, prices spiked. The city manages risk through storage, multiple suppliers, and daily balancing, and is exploring an emergency supply deal with local producers for the 2028 Olympics.
Alley water main replacement, Pacific Avenue and Spring Street
Water mains installed in 1927 and 1931 that have burst 19 and 4 times respectively are being moved out of alleys into streets along Pacific Avenue and Spring Street, meaning fewer outages for residents and businesses.
Transit bus pass program for Belmont Shore workers
The free employee bus pass program hit record ridership (up 8%), freeing parking spots and cutting car trips. Public Works pays via Prop A funds (about $5-6K/month) and plans to extend the contract past December — commissioners want to know when Prop A money runs out.
Sewer lift station rehabilitation before 2028 Olympics
Three aging sewer lift stations near the Queen Mary, Marina, and Queensway Bridge are getting a $4.4 million rehab, with work scheduled to finish by the end of 2027 ahead of the Olympic construction moratorium.
Refuse Department staffing and workplace conditions
Sanitation workers described broken trucks, no training, tripled trash rates without visible service improvement, and a toxic workplace culture they've raised for four years.
Battery energy storage at the treatment plant
The board extended the battery system agreement with HEBT through 2034, raising guaranteed annual savings from $55,000 to $70,000 with no fee increase. The battery shaves peak electricity demand at the treatment plant, which spends over $5 million a year on power.
Utility bill printing modernization
The city is outsourcing printing and mailing of about 185,000 utility bills a month to InfoSend, replacing an aging in-house print operation blamed for recent billing incidents. No city employees lose jobs, and roughly $354,000 in staff time shifts to higher-value technology work with no net fiscal impact.
Haynes power plant recycled water project
Construction began in May to supply recycled water to LADWP's Haynes Generating Station, which must stop using ocean water for cooling by 2029. The plant could use up to a third of the city's recycled water, prompting exploration of additional supply from the Los Coyotes reclamation plant.
Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility utility relocations
The Port's rail yard expansion requires moving water, sewer, and gas lines in the North Harbor area. The port covers all costs, and gas relocation work should wrap up by fall 2030.
Alamitos Tanks No. 11 & 13 rehabilitation
Two aging water tanks at Redondo and PCH — one from the 1930s — are getting a $5.3 million rehab to extend their life and keep the tank farm reliable.
New drinking water wells and Lakewood Interconnect power
A $7.27 million contract will equip two new wells drilled in 2024 in El Dorado Park and replace vandalized temporary solar/battery power at the Lakewood Interconnect with permanent Edison service, improving water supply reliability.
Colorado River negotiations
The General Manager's report covered the lower basin states' proposal to manage Colorado River flows and extend negotiations to 2028, with Commissioner Cordero noting a seven-state agreement appears unlikely and shortages are expected.