Mayor

Climate Action and Sustainability

Leadership on Climate Solutions

Mayor Rex Richardson has been a leading advocate for bold, equity-driven climate action in Long His administration has prioritized policies to combat climate change, expand access to green infrastructure, and prepare neighborhoods, especially those historically underserved, for the impacts of a warming climate. Under his leadership, Long Beach accelerated its transition to renewable energy and sustainable transportation, while setting aggressive goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Richardson has championed clean energy investments and improved environmental quality through initiatives that reduce industrial pollution and enhance air and water quality in frontline communities. In 2023, Long Beach launched its Climate Action Adaptation Plan implementation strategy, which guides investments in resilience, clean mobility, zero-emission buildings, and environmental justice.

The city also expanded its Urban Forest Master Plan under Richardson, advancing tree planting efforts and heat mitigation strategies. Through local partnerships and regional collaborations, Richardson has positioned Long Beach as a statewide leader in environmental innovation—ensuring that climate solutions also deliver economic and health benefits to the residents who need them most.

Lessening Reliance on Oil Revenues

Richardson led Long Beach in launching an ambitious plan to phase out local oil production, a historic shift for a city long reliant on oil revenues. In 2023, he publicly committed to ending the use of local oil production revenues in the City’s General Fund by 2030. The phase-out plan balances urgent climate goals with economic planning, helping the city prepare for financial resilience through the identification of alternative revenue sources and the reinvestment of oil funds into renewable energy and sustainability projects. Richardson’s leadership ensures the transition is not only environmentally responsible, but also fiscally sound and community-focused.

Westside promise

The Westside Promise is a signature community revitalization initiative launched by Mayor Richardson to address decades of environmental injustice, disinvestment, and economic exclusion in West Long Beach. It focuses on improving air quality, investing in parks and infrastructure, and creating opportunities for residents and small businesses.

Under Richardson’s leadership, the City has upgraded street lighting, improved stormwater management, funded park improvements, and enhanced city services to neighborhoods near the Port of Long Beach. The initiative is a key pillar of the Mayor’s “Grow Long Beach” agenda, which promotes inclusive, place-based investment strategies to ensure all residents benefit from the city’s growth.