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Local Update

Homelessness, oil and becoming a music destination: 3 takeaways from the 2024 State of the City: 

In the 2024 State of the City address, Mayor Rex Richardson highlighted Long Beach's response to the decline in oil revenue. The city aims to attract new businesses to boost its economy while addressing the homelessness issue. Plans include a dedicated Homeless Coordination and Strategy office. The "Grow Long Beach" initiative, now in its second year, welcomes four new companies, with JetZero contributing to job growth and a new music venue near the Queen Mary. Richardson also emphasized the city's goal to eliminate oil revenue from the budget by 2030, acknowledging the challenges posed by potential changes in state laws. (LB Post) 

Judge tosses legal challenge alleging ballot measure on hotel worker pay is misleading to voters: 

A judge denied a request to change the ballot language for Long Beach's proposed hotel worker wage increase (Measure RW). Concerns were raised about potential voter confusion as the current language doesn't clarify exemptions for union-contracted hotel employees. The Long Beach Reform Coalition's plea for amendment before the March 5 primary was rejected due to insufficient time. The proposed wage hike applies only to larger hotels, allowing union hotels to be exempt. The Coalition argues the measure favors unions and violates state election codes, while the city and county claim the challenge came too late. (LB Post) 

The port’s futuristic new train runs ‘dead silent.’ It may pave the way for what's to come: 

A silent, zero-emissions electric locomotive named Joule is undergoing successful testing at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. Built with advanced battery technology, the Joule could help Pacific Harbor Line achieve its goal of zero-emissions goods movement by 2035. Charging time has been reduced to five hours at a new station in PHL's yard. Challenges include determining charging station placement and managing costs. The testing phase will assess the Joule's performance on curves and hills, with results expected in the next few months. (LB Post) 

Long Beach City Council to vote on proposed street vendor ordinance: 

Long Beach City Council is voting on a new street vendor ordinance, setting rules and restricted zones. Vendors may need insurance, with the city covering $450 in the first year. Estimated annual costs are $1,000. Mayor Richardson proposes using $250,000 in recovery funds for initial vendor expenses. The ordinance introduces buffers and fines for violations. Coastal Zone areas require California Coastal Commission approval. The decision follows over a year of efforts to comply with state laws on street vending, causing tensions between vendors and restaurant owners. (LB Post)

Long Beach Budget Priority Survey Now Available

The City of Long Beach invites community members to participate in the Budget Priority Survey for fiscal year 2025. This survey, accessible in English, Spanish, Khmer, and Tagalog at longbeach.gov/fy25, allows the public to contribute their service priorities until Feb. 1, 2024. Those without online access can use public computers at Long Beach Public Library locations. Attendees of community budget meetings can also share their input, and all feedback will be shared with the City Council before the Proposed FY 25 Budget is developed.

State Update

How Newsom plans to fix California’s projected $37.9-billion budget deficit: 

California Governor Gavin Newsom aims to tackle a $37.9 billion deficit by tapping into reserves, cutting spending by $8.5 billion, and potentially delaying a healthcare worker minimum wage increase. The deficit is double the initial estimate, highlighting a significant budgetary oversight. Newsom's plan includes a budget emergency declaration and reduced annual spending, raising concerns about future funding availability. Despite economic challenges, there's hope for recovery. The budget spares K-12 schools but delays university budget increases, cuts social services, and trims over $1.2 billion in housing programs. Newsom rejects a wealth tax and begins a six-month negotiation process with the legislature. (Los Angeles Times) 

California Legislature starts 2024 session with big budget deficit and big protest: 

California lawmakers began the 2024 legislative session facing a $68 billion budget deficit. Health care, housing, schools, and environmental programs are competing for limited funds. Lawmakers consider $10 billion in cuts and tapping into $24 billion in reserves. The deficit is attributed to the state's progressive tax system and economic fluctuations. The Legislature aims to protect vulnerable communities, with potential impacts on social services and education. Protesters disrupted the session, advocating for a Gaza ceasefire. Lawmakers also address issues like retail theft, reparations, artificial intelligence regulations, wildfire insurance, and maternity ward closures. The state faces tough choices amid budget constraints. (CAL Matters) 

Federal Update

Budget fight threatens poor families with cuts to housing aid, evictions:

Nearly 5 million U.S. families on rental assistance face potential benefit cuts and eviction threats unless lawmakers finalize a budget deal within nine days. The federal housing voucher program, assisting the poorest families, is in jeopardy, with last year's $27 billion falling short of demand. Failure to reach a deal by January 19 could lead to furloughs at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, impacting over half a million families. A compromise deal between lawmakers raises concerns about significant housing assistance cuts. The uncertainty affects millions relying on federal support for basic needs. Calls for increased funding face challenges, and a lack of a budget deal may trigger automatic cuts, affecting housing stability for vulnerable families. (The Washington Post) 

For questions regarding legislative/policy issues or any other advocacy-related items, please contact our advocacy team, John Edmond at john@edmondgroupllc.com 

Meet Our IBA Board Member



Eduardo Gallifa – National Sales Manager for Across the Ocean Shipping USA. An experienced executive in the Freight Forwarding Industry currently developing different aspects of the Freight Forwarding industry in Latin America , Asia , Europe & the Middle East. Focusing a lot in the nearshoring stage that Mexico & USA is having at the moment. Passionate individual in business development and a great networker. We are ATOSHIPPING a one source solution for our customers.

For more information on IBA

Chamber Office Closed On Monday



In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the chamber will be closed on Monday, January 15th, as we reflect on the legacy of a visionary leader who inspired positive change. We encourage everyone to take this day to engage in acts of service and promote unity in our community. We will be back to our normal hours on Tuesday.

WaBa Grill - Grand Opening

Celebrate the sizzle! Join us on January 18th for the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of WaBa Grill.

Thursday, January 18, 2024

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

6191 Atlantic Ave,

Long Beach, CA 90805

Downtown Long Beach Art Walk

Join the first Downtown Long Beach Art Walk of 2024! Discover the magic of art in Long Beach with exhibits, creative activations and live music. This event is for all ages, don't miss out!

Saturday, January 13, 2024

4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

From 1st & Linden to 3rd & Promenade

Advertising opportunities are available for our upcoming publications, for more information please contact Kathy Moore at 913-219-7581 or kmoore@metromediapublishers.com

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