The Californer - Long Beach: City Launches Downtown Planning Initiative

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Long Beach, CA ~ The City of Long Beach is launching a review of its land use planning documents for the Downtown area and adjacent oceanfront. The initiative is designed to update the regulations for development in Downtown and establish a common vision and supportive land use strategies for the future of the Downtown Shoreline area.

Mayor Rex Richardson said, "One of the primary goals of this initiative is to meet the great need for more housing units for our residents in the parts of our city that are near high-quality public transportation and filled with wonderful walkable areas."

The Development Services Department is studying the existing plan, analyzing issues and opportunities, and evaluating its impacts over the past 10 years as part of devising new strategies for most effectively updating it for the next decade and beyond. The first phase will include a visioning process to gauge stakeholder expectations and aspirations for the downtown shoreline area and establish a contemporary community Vision Plan.

First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas said, "We have a vibrant downtown zone and an iconic shoreline, and this initiative shows how Long Beach remains dedicated to finding new ways to improve its status as an attractive and accessible waterfront destination for all."

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The Department's Planning Bureau plans to host several community meetings over the next few months to allow residents, businesses, neighborhood organizations, and community organizations to participate in the initiative. The updates are available at longbeach.gov/DTLBplan with notifications available through sign up on their website.

Development Services Department Director Christopher Koontz said, "The Downtown Plan has been a ten-year, huge success for the City and its residents. This effort is really exciting because it is not starting from scratch but rather how do we build on that success and chart the path for the next ten years of inclusive growth and community-focused change."

Since its creation in 2012, The Downtown Plan has yielded more than 5,000 approved dwelling units as well as other pedestrian, retail, civic center improvements. Through quality design standards and development incentives it has facilitated sustainable development with bold architecture.

The Downtown Shoreline Plan was developed in 1970s but needs updating due to climate change concerns as well as water resilience strategies which will help make it a first-class venue that is also accessible to all. To learn more about progress on construction projects view 2022 Year in Review Downtown Plan Update or visit their website for additional information about their Planning Bureau. For specific questions contact Alison Spindler-Ruiz at 562-570-6946 or Alison.Spindler-Ruiz@longbeach.gov

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