Long Beach City Council Adopts 2022 Budget

Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia. File photo.

LONG BEACH — Long Beach City Council Aug. 24, voted unanimously to adopt a budget for the next fiscal year. The city’s 2022 budget, as Mayor Robert Garcia nored in an email announcement, 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 city reserves and positions Long Beach to continue building back stronger than ever.

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 long Beach 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 nonprofits
$20.6 million in direct business support programs
$7.6 million to promote economic inclusion
$4 million to invest in the 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 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 the City’s Future ($76.7 million)

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

The budget also includes:

$430 million in funding for public safety and disaster preparedness departments,
$287 million to fund Public Works department and invest infrastructure,
$166 million to support the Health Department, and

$1.3 million in Measure US funding for children and youth, community health and climate change programs.

Reporters Desk