Long Beach
Office of the Mayor

View as a PDF

LONG BEACH, CA — Today, Mayor Rex Richardson and Councilmember Roberto Uranga convened a group of residents and community leaders to discuss the development of a Westside Promise Zone initiative — a place-based community empowerment strategy aimed at increasing investments to improve open space, public health, environmental health, and public infrastructure in West Long Beach over the next 10 years.

West Long Beach is a diverse community of youth and families, schools, and small businesses, and is also the base of one of the nation’s largest economic engines – the Port of Long Beach. Despite the unique characteristics of this community, West Long Beach has historically borne the brunt of air pollution, poor health outcomes, and has not enjoyed the same quality of life standards as other parts of the city.

“This initiative embodies our commitment to building a brighter and more promising future for the families of West Long Beach. The city is leading the way by making strategic investments on the Westside as a part of our FY 24 budget, but undoing generations of under-investment in West Long Beach will require the thoughtful partnership and contributions of all sectors and levels of government,’’ said Mayor Rex Richardson. “We’re calling on our government partners at the state and federal levels and in the private and philanthropic sectors to join us in making meaningful commitments to West Long Beach that will improve the well-being of residents who call the Westside home.”

The City’s proposed FY 2024 budget begins to lay the foundation for the Westside Promise Zone through a series of community investments, including over $1.8 million in park improvements at Silverado, Hudson, Admiral Kidd, and Veterans Park, and funding to begin the preliminary design for the Green Terminal Island Freeway Open Space project to expand park space in West Long Beach.

To accelerate these efforts, Mayor Richardson is requesting the City Manager to develop a 10-year community investment plan to coordinate economic development and climate mitigation efforts over the next decade that will improve the quality of life for West Long Beach residents.

“These focused investments in West Long Beach are long overdue, and I’m proud to join Mayor Richardson in supporting this critical endeavor to expand opportunity in West Long Beach,’’ said Councilmember Roberto Uranga, who represents the neighborhood. “By coordinating support across a broad coalition of sectors and stakeholders, together we can improve the health of families in West Long Beach and promote a more promising future for the Westside.”

The Port of Long Beach, a key stakeholder in the West Long Beach community, signaled its support for the Westside Promise Zone, recognizing the important role of the Port in supporting sustainable economic growth and community development. 

“We look forward to working with the City and our West Long Beach neighbors to improve and enhance this community,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “The Westside Promise Zone aligns with our commitment to support initiatives that improve air quality and the environmental health of our neighboring communities.”

Chris Chavez, a West Long Beach resident and environmental advocate, echoed his support, saying, “The Westside Promise Zone represents an important step forward in securing the investments necessary to reduce emissions, improving the quality of the air we breathe, and creating more opportunities for our neighborhoods. Both as a resident and a climate and clean air advocate, I look forward to seeing the impacts that these coordinated efforts will have in strengthening the climate resilience of our frontline communities.”

By facilitating greater collaboration and investments across sectors, the Westside Promise Zone will help generate new resources for the West Long Beach community, such as improved parks and open space, health services, small business supports, cultural programming, and workforce and education opportunities that will support the Westside in achieving its highest and fullest potential over the next decade.

# # #

About Mayor Richardson: Rex Richardson is a husband, father, and the 29th Mayor of Long Beach.

Mayor Richardson’s history in Long Beach is grounded in empowering communities to have a seat at the table. He believes that everyone, no matter their circumstance, deserves the opportunity to thrive. He works to change the culture of city hall to be smarter, more inclusive, and more responsive to the needs of our neighborhoods, businesses, and families while ensuring an equitable future for all.