The Californer - Long Beach's Community Development Department and Staff Earn Planning and Engineering Awards

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Long Beach, CA ~ The City of Long Beach Community Development Department and its dedicated staff have been recognized for their exceptional work in planning and engineering. The department, which plays a crucial role in the livability and enhancement of the city, has recently received prestigious awards from local professional associations.

Mayor Rex Richardson expressed his pride in the department's achievements, stating that their work impacts the lives of residents, business owners, and community members through various services, resources, and opportunities. He also acknowledged the hard work and talent of the department's staff, emphasizing that these awards are a testament to their exceptional skills.

The Los Angeles section of the American Planning Association (APA) named the Community Development Department as the Planning Agency of the Year. With a team of approximately 200 people, the department offers a wide range of programs and services related to planning, affordable housing, building and safety, code enforcement, neighborhood improvement, and historic preservation. Their goal is to create sustainable, equitable, and livable neighborhoods for all residents.

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One of their recent accomplishments was recognized with APA-LA's Urban Design Award. The Victory Park Design Guidelines were accepted by Project Planner Alex Muldrow on behalf of the department. This multi-year effort involved extensive community input to develop an innovative plan for future park improvements. The goal is to create an inviting public space that is attractive, sustainable, and serves as a valuable amenity for Downtown Long Beach residents, workers, and visitors.

Victory Park holds historical significance as it was originally dedicated to the city in 1889. While portions of it were designed by renowned landscape architects like Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., other parts were developed over time as adjacent developments were constructed.

Alison Spindler-Ruiz, Planning Bureau Manager for the Community Development Department expressed her gratitude for these awards. She stated that they recognize the department's efforts towards creating equitable and sustainable communities in Long Beach. She also highlighted Muldrow's dedication and talent, stating that the department is fortunate to have such committed staff working on important initiatives.

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In addition to these awards, Truong Huynh, the Acting Deputy Director of the Community Development Department, was honored as the Safer City Public Official of the Year for 2024 by the Structural Engineers Association of Southern California (SEAOSC). This award recognizes his leadership and dedication to promoting earthquake-resistant building practices and creating safer communities. Huynh's contributions towards improving the resilience of Long Beach's built environment were also acknowledged.

Huynh expressed his gratitude for this recognition and stated that it reflects the high level of professionalism practiced by all units within the department. He emphasized their goal of creating a safe, sustainable, and livable city for all residents, workers, and visitors.

The Community Development Department consists of four operational bureaus: Planning, Building and Safety, Code Enforcement, and Housing and Neighborhood Services. Together, they work towards achieving their goal of creating a more equitable and sustainable Long Beach. These awards serve as a testament to their hard work and dedication towards this mission.

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