Economy, homelessness and safety expected to be hot topics in Long Beach State of the State address – Press-Telegram

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson addresses the crowd at the Long Beach Courthouse on Sunday to show support for women's rights and commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade said that women had the constitutional right to abortion in Long Beach, California, January 22, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson will deliver his second State of the City address on Tuesday – where he will discuss the city's successes over the past year and outline its challenges in 2024.

The speech, which will be held Tuesday, Jan. 9, at 5:30 p.m. at the Terrace Theater, 300 E. Ocean Blvd. will take place, is free and open to the public with registration. The starting signal comes shortly after the first meeting of the city council of the new year, which begins at 3:30 p.m

Residents who would like to attend in person must register. The speech will be broadcast live on the city's official Facebook and X pages, YouTube channel and on Long Beach Television at LBTV3.com.

The mayor is expected to speak on a variety of topics, including Long Beach's response to homelessness since the City Council approved a local emergency last year, economic development, public safety and more.

Richardson will also use the platform to highlight the successes he has achieved in his first year as mayor of Long Beach, said Malini Basu, his communications director, such as the reopening of the Queen Mary and progress in providing resources and housing for uninhabited residents.

The declaration of a state of emergency a year ago strengthened the city's capacity to address the homelessness crisis and secured resources to open a new shelter on Anaheim Street, he said in a message in December.

Richardson said 582 people were moved off the streets into permanent housing, while vouchers were used to ensure full occupancy of shelters.

On the economic front, some of Richardson's “Grow Long Beach” plans include transforming waterfront facilities and promenade areas to host music concerts and art exhibitions, providing financial and technological support to small and medium-sized businesses seeking to open or relocate downtown, and technology Attracting startups and aerospace companies to create good jobs and offset declining oil revenues.

He vowed to invest in youth, implementing the city's first youth budgeting process, passing the Opportunity Beach budget, including a $1 million youth fund, and increasing funding for the Office of Youth Development.

The mayor said he wants to have a world-class convention and entertainment center ready for the 2028 Olympics and make it easier for the facility to host business events and trade fairs to attract participants from regional, national and international organizations.

Vice Mayor and Second District Councilmember Cindy Allen said the address was a unique opportunity to gain insight into the city's current status, future initiatives and key priorities.

“Mayor Richardson’s address provides a comprehensive overview of Long Beach’s economic development, public safety efforts, social programs and infrastructure projects,” Allen said. “By attending this event, participants will be able to stay informed about the city’s progress, engage with local leadership and contribute to the collective dialogue that is shaping the future of Long Beach.”

“I look forward to sharing with you the progress we have made to date,” Richardson said, “and the exciting future that lies ahead for Long Beach.”