562.570.3863
Chelsey.Magallon@longbeach.gov
Public Affairs Officer
Department of Economic & Opportunity
Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO), in partnership with the Arts Council for Long Beach (ACLB), has announced the Vacancy to Vibrancy Storefront Program (Program), a new initiative that will help transform vacant commercial properties into visually engaging community assets through art installations created by local artists.
“The Vacancy to Vibrancy Storefront Program is a creative and community-driven initiative to bring life and color back to our commercial spaces,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “By connecting local artists and property owners, we’re turning vacant storefronts into opportunities for creativity, connection and economic growth.”
The Program provides property owners with free-of-cost vinyl window wraps designed to enhance curb appeal, deter vandalism and attract new tenants to the city’s diverse business corridors. Eligible property owners can apply to have their storefronts temporarily wrapped in artwork inspired by Long Beach’s unique neighborhoods, culture and history. Property owners interested in participating can review eligibility requirements and apply online.
EDO staff will lead the application and selection process to identify suitable vacant commercial properties, while ACLB will manage artist engagement, design and installation. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, generally within 60 to 90 days. Preference will be given to long-term vacancies located along key commercial corridors. The Program application will remain open until all funds are exhausted. Once a vacant property is leased, the art installation will be removed, making way for new tenants while leaving behind a more vibrant and inviting corridor.
“The goal is to enhance the beauty and vibrancy of Long Beach’s unique and authentic commercial corridors,” said EDO Director Bo Martinez. “By integrating local art into these spaces, we are supporting homegrown talent, strengthening the vitality of our neighborhood marketplaces and demonstrating that Long Beach is a city that welcomes and celebrates business.”
The Program builds on EDO’s broader revitalization and small business support efforts, including the BizCare Program and Visual Improvement Program, which assist businesses and property owners in maintaining attractive and welcoming spaces. This effort also aligns with the goals of the Grow Long Beach Economic Blueprint, which prioritizes investment in façade improvements, creative placemaking and small business corridor activation.
“Artists have always been at the heart of Long Beach’s identity, and this Program lets their creativity strengthen our neighborhoods,” said Arts Council for Long Beach Executive Director Griselda Suárez. “Vacancy to Vibrancy is more than beautification — it’s an investment in local talent and a more welcoming city for residents and small businesses.”
As part of the City’s adopted Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, the Mayor and City Council approved a one-time funding of $25,000 to launch a pilot program that supports the installation of artistic window wraps on vacant or underutilized storefronts to improve aesthetic appeal and deter vandalism. This Program was developed in response to this direction.
EDO is dedicated to driving inclusive economic growth and opportunity by supporting business development, real estate investment, workforce initiatives and public-private partnerships throughout Long Beach. The ACLB is a nonprofit organization that strives to cultivate the physical, social, and economic characteristics of Long Beach neighborhoods by nurturing and enlivening the arts.
For more information about the Program, businesses can contact BizCare at 562.570.4BIZ (4249) or BizCare@longbeach.gov. To learn more about programs and resources for small businesses, those interested can visit the EDO website at longbeach.gov/bizdev.
About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.
For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. For more information about the Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity, visit longbeach.gov/edo, and follow on Facebook, X and Instagram. Stay up to date on business news by signing up for the City’s Business Brief.