Community Development

Community Connectors Program


The application period for the Community Connectors Program is nowclosed.

About Community Connectors

The Community Connectors program is a one-year education and engagement program for residents of historically disinvested neighborhoods. Connectors will learn about and collaborate with City staff on land use and Community Development Department processes. They will engage their communities and advise staff on projects that impact their neighborhood. The first-year cohort is open to Westside residents already engaged or eager to get more involved in their neighborhood. 

Community Connector participation includes: 

  • Monthly training with City staff to learn more about topics such as civic engagement, planning for Westside Fest, and the workings of City government, zoning and community development
  • Practicum activities such as co-creating and implementing community engagement plans for select Community Development programs. Participants will learn to use tools such as community canvassing, meeting facilitation, surveys, focus groups and more 
  • Collaborate with City staff on planning and reporting using feedback collected during practicum activities. 

Participant Requirements

  • Must be over the age of 18 and live in the 90810-zip code
  • Must have work authorization in the U.S 
  • Availability for a 10-month commitment from July 2026 – April 2027
  • Have strong leadership skills
  • Have strong ties to their community and want to engage with people of all backgrounds
  • Desire to help City staff and community members understand and solve problems
  • Cannot be employed or on commissions/advisory boards within the City of Long Beach. 


Time Commitment

  • 2 – 4 hours per week and a monthly, 2-hour meeting and training with City staff 
  • Stipend amount: Participants receive a stipend for living expense support up to $2,400; with optional reimbursement for childcare and transportation
  • Time Frame: Participants serve a 10-month term from July 2026 – April 2027 

Apply for the Program

Applications are now closed. Applicants selected to participate will be notified via phone or email by the end of July 2026.


Contact Us

If you have any questions about the application or program, contact Alyssa Durbin-Tan at Alyssa.Durbin-Tan@longbeach.gov or call 562.570.6002.