Long Beach to host economic development event focused on Westside revitalization
Long Beach, California – The City of Long Beach is gearing up for a significant economic development event focused on the revitalization and growth of West Long Beach. Scheduled for Saturday, March 8, 2025, this event aims to engage local residents, business owners, and other stakeholders in a conversation about the future economic landscape of the area.
Hosted by the City’s Economic Development Department, the gathering will take place at Silverado Park from 10 to 11:30 a.m. During this session, attendees will explore current market conditions and deliberate on various strategies that could spur economic development and attract investments to West Long Beach.
“The City is committed to investing in West Long Beach, as part of our Westside Promise Initiative, supporting local businesses and creating new opportunities that will drive economic growth in the community,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “Residents and businesses are encouraged to attend this important presentation and learn how we can all work together to bring lasting, positive change and growth that will benefit the area for generations to come.”
The presentation will cover several critical areas, including the reimagining of existing properties, the role of housing as a revenue generator that supports local employment, and actionable steps to attract and retain development opportunities. Additionally, the event will provide a platform for participants to interact with various city departments, offering a unique opportunity to ask questions and receive direct feedback from city staff. Interested parties are asked to RSVP online, and the event will include live interpretation services in Spanish and Khmer, with refreshments available for attendees.
This initiative follows a directive from the Long Beach City Council, which, in May 2021, instructed the development of a comprehensive plan to conduct a market study that includes economic research and community outreach. This study aims to attract investment and support neighborhood-serving uses in West Long Beach. The proposal for the study was introduced by Vice Mayor and Seventh District Councilmember Roberto Uranga and supported by Second District Councilwoman Cindy Allen, First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas, and former Eighth District Councilmember Al Austin.
“We are creating a brighter future for residents and businesses of West Long Beach,” said Vice Mayor and Seventh District Councilmember Roberto Uranga. “Together, we can shape a thriving and inclusive community with new businesses, jobs and resources for all in the westside.”
The market study is a part of the broader Westside Promise, a 10-year community investment plan currently in its second phase. This plan integrates existing city efforts and leverages partnerships to address the longstanding and emerging challenges faced by West Long Beach.
For those seeking more information or wishing to participate in the event, they can reach out to Julian Cernuda, Business Development Bureau Manager, via email at Julian.Cernuda@longbeach.gov. Further details about the city’s economic development initiatives can be found at the Long Beach official website.
