Long Beach · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Long Beach public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Medical debt data collection ordinance
A proposed ordinance would require Long Beach hospitals to report debt collection and financial assistance data, with LA County Public Health enforcing it. Supporters say it protects patients from surprise medical bills; hospitals face new reporting duties. First reading is scheduled, with a final vote later.
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.
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.
Planning Commission's new code appeals role
The commission is inheriting building and code appeals hearings that used to go to the Board of Examiners, Appeals and Condemnation. Property owners and builders will now bring these disputes to the commission instead.
Long Beach Airport hangar and office expansion
A previously approved airport project wants to nearly double Hangar 1's size and build a bigger two-story office, cutting parking from 117 to 84 stalls but adding bike parking. The commission will decide whether it fits within the environmental review already done for the Globemaster Corridor area.
CalKids college savings accounts
A resident urged the city to promote CalKids, a state program giving every California newborn a college savings account — only about 20% have been claimed. Kids with accounts are far more likely to attend college.
Sewage Spill Beach Closure
A sewage spill has closed Long Beach beaches to swimming, and health officials say stay out of the water until they clear it. If you were planning a beach day, pick another spot for now.
Alleged bias and retaliation in Communication Specialist VI recruitment
Employee Andrew Garcia says the interview panel for a promotion included people with documented conflicts with him, and that he has been passed over four times in retaliation for complaints. The commission agreed to bring HR in to discuss the recruitment process.
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.
Digital Inclusion Week and Cybersecurity Awareness Month
October's "Become a Digital Detective" campaign reached residents and staff, with a lunch-and-learn drawing nearly 80 participants. The city will move to quarterly sessions and mandatory cybersecurity and data privacy training is due November 30.
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.
Mentorship and empowerment program directory
The commission created the first centralized list of mentorship programs for women and girls in Long Beach, to be posted on the Office of Equity website and updated twice a year. Commissioners hope it becomes a go-to resource for families.
Digital inclusion and skills training expansion
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.
Procurement transparency and local business access
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.
2027 Commission Workplan Priorities
Commissioners brainstormed what the Technology and Innovation Commission should tackle in 2027, with AI governance, cybersecurity, data sovereignty, vendor data requirements, and public GIS dashboards emerging as leading themes. A new ad hoc committee will turn these ideas into a formal workplan by December.
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.
Mentorship and empowerment programs for women and girls
The Mentorship and Education Ad Hoc Committee is close to finishing a directory of Long Beach organizations serving women and girls, which the commission hopes to publish and grow into partnerships.
Appeal Case 01-DR-2526
The commission took up a recommendation to hear an appeal on case 23-D-2223, but simply received and filed the item without acting on it. Anyone following this case should watch for it to reappear on a future agenda.
Flood Cleanup
City crews in Long Beach are rushing to clean up flood damage before high tides hit again. If you live near the coast, expect some street closures.
Election Guide
Election season is here, and it's time to pick the folks running the Long Beach City College board of trustees. They make major calls on campus construction and local education, so your vote really helps shape our community schools.
Community connector outreach program
The city is trying a new way to reach residents who don't attend traditional meetings: a cohort of resident "community connectors" from disadvantaged areas who help run outreach and shape engagement activities. A connector from West Side Long Beach told the board the program got her civically involved, though its future depends on continued funding.
Pending litigation against the city
The city is facing six lawsuits in Los Angeles Superior Court, and the council met privately with its lawyers to discuss them. Outcomes could affect city finances through settlements or judgments.
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.
Equity in contract class distribution
A commissioner noted most of the 17 renewed instructor classes are on the east side of the city. Staff explained space constraints and pointed to growing westside and downtown offerings, including a new karate class at Drake Park.
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.
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.
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.
Taxiway reconstruction project
The airport is moving forward on a major taxiway reconstruction, backed by a $27 million FAA grant, with construction management awarded to KVG and construction to All American Asphalt, targeting 2027.
Declining passenger activity and airport revenue
August passenger numbers were down about 5% from last year, a regional trend tied to fuel costs and travel economics. Staff expect an uptick in fiscal year 2027.
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.
Street cleaning and beautification funding
With a projected surplus, commissioners want more cleaning frequency, median landscaping, and decorative lighting on Second Street — and plan to invite public beautification ideas next month.
Drake Park Community Center reopening
The remodeled Drake Park Community Center reopened after three years of off-and-on improvements, with new bathrooms, roof, flooring, and energy-efficient upgrades.
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.
Airport noise violations and complaints
There were 13 noise violations in August — all first-time general aviation offenders, so no fines — and over 22,700 noise concerns logged, up a couple thousand from July. Staff explained the escalating penalty structure, including a unique criminal misdemeanor provision.
Community outreach to neighborhood associations
The commission finalized (with one more revision) a plain-language presentation about what the Ethics Commission does, and authorized commissioners to start booking neighborhood association talks beginning in January 2027.
Senior adult education partnerships with Long Beach City College
LBCC offers free non-credit courses — computer skills, trades, financial literacy — and wants to host them at senior centers. Commissioners suggested a citywide survey of what classes seniors actually want.
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.
CoC Board recruitment
The CoC Board approved the City's FY 2026 funding recommendations, which will affect several currently funded programs, and is expanding by nine new seats with a solicitation for applicants opening soon.
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.
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.
Nitrous oxide retail sales ban
Council directed staff to bring a local ordinance within 60 days codifying the state's new ban on retail nitrous oxide sales, with a 120-day plan for tougher local rules. Emergency visits tied to the drug jumped 246% between 2018 and 2023.
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.
Storm Damage and Housing Safety
Recent El Niño storms hit Southern California hard, causing bad flooding and forcing Long Beach to red-tag 13 homes due to safety hazards. With storm season just getting started, you'll want to keep an eye out for more extreme weather alerts.
Natural Disaster Response
Massive waves just slammed into coastal Long Beach homes, forcing emergency evacuations. If you live anywhere near the beach, you need to check local safety alerts right now.
Emergency Management
Most Long Beach evacuation advisories are finally lifted, but some homeowners are still dealing with red-tagged properties after a local emergency. Residents should know that while the worst is over, getting back into damaged homes will take time.
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.
Board of Health Focus Areas
The Board's standing focus areas were scheduled for discussion and receipt and filing. The cancellation means no updated direction on health priorities was recorded this month.
Storm-related overtime costs
Recent storms generated overtime for marina staff that will hit both FY26 and FY27 budgets. The committee asked staff to break out storm costs by equipment and manpower at a future meeting.