Mayor

Youth-focused Initiatives

Long Beach Public Service Corps

The Long Beach Public Service Corps connects local youth—particularly those from underrepresented communities—to paid internships and volunteer opportunities within city government and partner organizations. Established under Richardson’s administration, the program provides job readiness training, mentorship, and real-world experience in fields like sustainability, emergency response, and public health. The initiative helps close opportunity gaps while supporting city services and nurturing the next generation of civic leaders.

Participatory Budgeting

As a Long Beach City Councilmember, Rex Richardson introduced participatory budgeting to give residents direct control over public spending. In 2014, he launched the city’s first initiative, allocating nearly $300,000 to fund community-selected projects in North Long Beach. Open to residents as young as 16, the program set a regional standard for inclusive civic engagement. It funded lasting improvements such as a digital marquee at Jordan High School, solar lighting in DeForest Park, and upgraded security along key corridors. Today, participatory budgeting remains a cornerstone of civic innovation in Long Beach, with new cycles focused on equity, transparency, and youth engagement. The Youth Participatory Budgeting initiative, launched in partnership with local schools and community organizations, empowers young people to propose and vote on projects that directly impact their lives. These efforts continue to shape a more responsive, community-driven approach to local government.

Youth day in the LBC

Launched in 2023 by Mayor Richardson, Youth Day in the LBC is a citywide celebration and call to action focused on empowering Long Beach’s young people. The event brings thousands of youths together for a full day of civic engagement, career exploration, cultural celebration, and community service. Hosted at Cabrillo High School, the 2024 event featured workshops, interactive exhibits, and presentations from city departments, educational institutions, and local employers.

Youth Day is part of a broader suite of youth-focused initiatives under Richardson’s administration, including Youth Participatory Budgeting, the Long Beach Public Service Corps, and the appointment of young people to city commissions. These efforts are designed to give young residents a stronger voice in city government while creating pathways to employment and leadership. Together, they reflect Mayor Richardson’s commitment to fostering a city where every young person is seen as a stakeholder in Long Beach’s future.