Introduction
The Long Beach City Council is poised to approve the city’s budget for fiscal year 2025 on Tuesday, September 10. This decision follows weeks of input from the mayor, city manager, and Long Beach residents. The proposed budget totals $3.6 billion.
Key Investments
The FY25 spending plan, unveiled last month, includes significant investments in housing, homelessness, public safety, planning for the 2028 Summer Olympics, and education (link).
Financial Challenges
Despite these investments, the city faces a $20.3 million deficit for the upcoming fiscal year. This budget marks the first attempt to reduce reliance on oil revenue. The Long Beach Recovery Act, which supported the city during the COVID-19 pandemic, will no longer be part of the budget strategy (link).
Public Involvement
Public hearings on the proposed budget began on August 6 and continued weekly until September 10. City departments presented their budget proposals, including Police, Fire, Public Works, Library Services, and Community Development (link).
Community Feedback
Throughout August, Budget Committee meetings and community budget meetings were held citywide. Residents expressed concerns about public safety, housing, homelessness, education, and health and wellness (link).
Addressing Concerns
Concerns such as public safety and homelessness were addressed through recommendations from City Manager Tom Modica and Mayor Rex Richardson’s C.O.R.E Four Budget (link).
Final Steps
The City Council is set to adopt the budget on Tuesday, September 10, as the fiscal year begins on October 1. The meeting will take place at 5 p.m. in the Civic Chambers, 411 W Ocean Blvd.
Questions and Answers
Q: Why is there a deficit?
A: The deficit is due to the transition away from reliance on oil revenue.
Q: How will public safety be improved?
A: Through increased funding and strategic recommendations from city leaders.
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