PRESS RELEASE

The City of Long Beach has received a Research Award as part of the 2017 Gateways for Growth (G4G) Challenge. The G4G Challenge is an annual competitive opportunity for local communities to gain tailored research, direct technical assistance, and matching grants from New American Economy and Welcoming America.

“Immigrants and refugees have made tremendous contributions to the City’s culture and economy,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “This award will help us to further enhance economic opportunities for the large immigrant population calling Long Beach their home.”

The G4G Research Award will result in a customized report that highlights the economic and demographic impact of immigrants and refugees locally, including their tax contributions and spending power, roles in the local labor force, and population and demographic trends. Research generated by the effort will provide a baseline understanding for the City, policy makers, and community-based organizations to build from to better support and include the individuals and families who immigrate to Long Beach.

“The Gateways for Growth Challenge will allow us to get a clearer understanding of the economic role and demographic trends of our immigrant and refugee population locally,” said John Keisler, Director of the Department of Economic and Property Development. “This process assists the City’s efforts to advance economic equity and fulfill the recommendations of the Blueprint for Economic Development.”

As an advisor, the City will assist in identifying valuable data and information to be included in the report. Alongside the City, local community-based organizations are anticipated to play an active role in the 12-month research process by facilitating community connections, providing information on the populations they serve, and highlighting their efforts to support immigrants and refugees.

Welcoming America, launched in 2009, is a non-profit organization that connects a broad network of nonprofits and local governments across the U.S., and supports them in developing plans, programs, and policies to become more inclusive toward immigrants and all residents. For information on Welcoming America, visit www.welcomingamerica.com.

The New American Economy brings together more than 500 mayors to assist multisector strategic planning efforts, and messaging/advocacy support to highlight the economic imperative for local policies that ensure that all residents can succeed. For more information on New American Economy, visit www.newamericaneconomy.org.

About Economic & Property Development
The mission of the City’s Economic Development Department is to create economic opportunities for workers, investors, and entrepreneurs. This includes making it easier to start and grow a business, streamline the process for property development, and provide businesses with a skilled workforce. The Department includes Property Development, Business Development, and the Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network. For more information on the Economic & Property Development Department, please visit http://bit.ly/EconPD or follow us on Twitter @LBEconDev and Facebook.