Long Beach: City Unveils Downtown Shoreline Draft Vision Concept
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Long Beach, CA ~ The City of Long Beach has unveiled its highly anticipated Downtown Shoreline Vision Plan – Draft Vision Concept, which outlines a transformative vision for the downtown waterfront. This plan, created by the City's Community Development Department, aims to integrate economic development, resiliency, and enhanced connectivity and public access.

Mayor Rex Richardson expressed his excitement for the Draft Vision Concept, stating that it is a bold step towards reimagining the waterfront as a world-class destination. He believes that this plan will ensure that Long Beach remains a leader in innovative urban planning and fosters a dynamic waterfront experience for residents, businesses, and visitors.

The Draft Vision Concept is built upon the City's eight Big Ideas and presents a cohesive plan to guide the future of the area for decades to come. It prioritizes walkability, placemaking, and "Everyone's Shoreline" – an approach that ensures equitable access and development along the coast.

Some key proposals in this concept include the potential creation of a new hotel opportunity, siting of a cultural and/or research hub, and relocation of Catalina Landing to Rainbow Harbor to introduce a new outdoor wetland. The plan also envisions improved pedestrian and bicycle connectivity along the waterfront, enhanced resilience to sea level rise, expansion of the marina system, and transformation of open spaces like Marina Green into premier venues for large-scale community events.

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To give residents an idea of what these concepts will look like in reality, an online video is available in both English and Spanish. The City is inviting all Long Beach residents to review the Draft Vision Concept and share their input online at longbeach.gov/dtshorelb until Sunday, June 15th 2025. This feedback will help refine the final Vision Plan set for completion in fall 2025.

First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas also shared her enthusiasm for this project. She believes that this vision challenges us to reimagine our beautiful downtown shoreline and sets the stage for a more inclusive and sustainable future. She invites the community to join in shaping a waterfront where businesses, residents, and visitors can experience a new and exciting chapter in Long Beach's dynamic evolution.

To further engage the community, the City will be hosting a series of pop-up events throughout spring and summer 2025, including at the upcoming Earth Day: Teen Climate Fest at the Aquarium of the Pacific and Beach Streets West. The engagement will culminate with a larger-scale community event and celebration at Shoreline Aquatic Park on Wednesday, June 4th 2025. This event will include opportunities to learn more about the Vision, give feedback, participate in a collaborative art project, take a boat ride along the shoreline on Long Beach Transit's AquaLink, and enjoy refreshments.

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Christopher Koontz, Long Beach Community Development Director, believes that this Vision points towards an even better and more exciting downtown shoreline. He emphasizes that with sports facilities, performing and visual arts, wetlands, and spaces for community gatherings and celebrations, this plan showcases the City's commitment to thoughtful and inclusive planning. He encourages all residents to share their input as they work towards growing Long Beach's economy and waterfront in a sustainable and community-driven manner.

The Draft Vision Concept was first presented to the public at a Community Roundtable on April 2nd 2025 and the World of Waterfront 2025 Symposium on April 4th 2025. These events provided valuable opportunities for community feedback. Throughout the project timeline, the City has engaged with community members through various events such as meetings, workshops, charrettes, and open houses.

For those interested in staying updated on this project or learning more about it, visit longbeach.gov/dtshorelb. The City is committed to involving residents every step of the way as they work towards creating a vibrant and inclusive downtown shoreline for generations to come.

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