Dear Friend --

Last night, the Long Beach City Council voted unanimously to adopt a budget for the next fiscal year. Our 2022 budget is balanced, responsible and reflects the city’s strong foundation for a recovery from this historic economic and public health crisis. It includes no cuts, no deficit, replenishes our reserves and positions Long Beach to continue building back stronger than ever.

COVID-19 has had significant fiscal impacts on nearly every organization, and Long Beach has not been an exception. Last year, we were faced with hard decisions that required sacrifice to preserve the future of our city – and while revenues are still in the process of returning to pre-pandemic levels, we are seeing gains and are fortunate to have federal and state funds to support many new and existing programs and services in FY 22.

Long Beach’s adopted budget also includes approval of the Long Beach Recovery Act, which invests $249.3 million in our COVID-19 recovery. Collectively, these programs will reach small businesses, non-profit organizations, tenants, landlords, arts organizations and others in our city who need the support in the year ahead. The budget includes the following:

Economic Recovery ($64 million)

• $13 million to support COVID-19 protection for businesses and non-profits
• $20.6 million in direct business support programs
• $7.6 million to promote economic inclusion
• $4 million to invest in our Clean Cities Initiative
• $500,000 in technical assistance for small businesses who need guidance applying for business support programs
• $1.6 million for a Direct Income Pilot Program
• $1.6 million for a Micro/Public Transit Pilot Program
• $15.1 million to support the Long Beach Airport

Healthy and Safe Community ($108.5 million)

• $15.7 million to support our continued COVID-19 response
• $6.3 million to help ensure that basic needs, including food security and older adult needs, are met
• $12.1 million to address physical and mental health equity
• $2.8 million to support early childhood education and childcare programs
• $3.6 million to address violence prevention and promote a safer city
• $10.9 million to address homelessness
• $56.4 million in housing support programs

Securing our City’s Future ($76.7 million)

• $30 million eliminates this year’s deficit
• $41.5 million replenishes our city’s reserves
• $5.2 million ends city furloughs

The budget also includes:

• $430 million in funding for our public safety and disaster preparedness departments,
• $287 million to fund our Public Works department and invest in our city's infrastructure,
• $166 million to support our Health Department, and
• $1.3 million in Measure US funding for children and youth, community health and climate change programs.

We're also making significant investments in the future of the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association and developing a vision and plan for a Long Beach COVID-19 Memorial.

I want to thank our community for all of your support over what’s been an extremely difficult last 18 months. We are in this together.

I also want to take a moment to thank all of our city employees who have stepped up and continued to serve during the pandemic. It hasn’t always been easy for you or your families, but you did it and as a community and we are thankful.

Thank you and Go Long Beach,

Mayor Robert Garcia