By Zamná Ávila, Assistant Editor
In his first State of the City address, Jan. 13, Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia touched upon the city’s achievements, challenges and plans for the future.
The 28th mayor of the city touted the Long Beach’s drop in violent crimes. On Jan. 7, a preliminary report was released showing that Long Beach ended 2014 with the lowest number of violent crimes in 42 years. Compared to 2013, violent crime decreased 3.2 percent, with a 17.8 percent decrease compared to the city’s 5-year average. Murders dropped more than 30 percent. Property crime dropped 4.8 percent. The total Part 1 crime reduction was 4.6 percent compared to 2013 and 6.3 percent less than the 5-year average.
Garcia also celebrated development of an Economic and Property Development Department, the creation of a Technology and Innovation Department and commission, and commercial growth.
“Work has begun on an expansion at the Pike that will mean $68 million of new private investment,” Garcia said. “This project includes opening a new H&M store, the expansion of Restoration Hardware and other high profile retail outlets that we will be announcing in the coming weeks…. In 2014 alone, we made incredible progress Long Beach won awards in technology, equality and transportation.”
But there are also challenges as the escalating tension between the Pacific Maritime Association and the ILWU.
“I am confident the management team and the Harbor Commission are addressing the systematic challenges that contributed to congestion,” he said. “I urge both sides to work with the federal mediator to reach an agreement that protects the jobs and goods that flow through our port.”
He said the recent drop in oil prices also challenge improvement and operating revenues. Garcia recognized that some parts of the city, specifically, central Long Beach, are still dealing with high poverty and unemployment rates, as well as crime.
“This is unacceptable,” Garcia said. “The residents of central Long Beach need access to health care, education and good jobs.”
Garcia said he wants to meet challenges throughout the city with innovation, educational opportunities, and sustainability, technology and civic engagement.
He announced plans to build at least 4,000 new residential units in downtown Long Beach within the 10 years that follow. He highlighted the council’s recent approval of a new civic center with an expanded Lincoln Park, city hall, port headquarters, a hotel and residences. He believes the project will generate $2 million a year in new revenue.
Garcia called on the council to review the progress of the Sustainable City Plan. He also promised to continue advocating for the reconfiguration of the breakwater at a national level.
There are also plans in the horizon to have a new city website with an only city hall component, as well as open data.
“The world is rapidly changing and the Long Beach must adapt, quickly,” he said. “I know we are up to the task because we are not afraid to dream.”