New Mayor, New Agenda for the Port City of Long Beach

Recently elected Mayor of Long Beach Robert Garcia, 37 years old, outlines his priorities: education, climate change, and economic development.

1 minute read

December 19, 2014, 9:00 AM PST

By Maayan Dembo @DJ_Mayjahn

Mayor Garcia assumed office in July 2014, becoming the youngest person to ever fill the role. He comes into office at a time of steady growth in Long Beach's downtown, long overdue CalPERs pension payouts, and increased maritime trade competition globally for the Port of Long Beach.

In a conversation with The Planning Report, Mayor Garcia outlines his plans for Long Beach’s economic development—aided by a $3 million, three-year grant from Bloomberg Charities to the city for an in-house “innovation team” to address poverty, public safety, and job growth. Garcia also addresses data-driven decision-making and Long Beach's recent honor as the Top Digital City nationwide.

Moreover, as the leader of a coastal city, Mayor Garcia stated: "2015 is our sustainability year. We’re going to talk about climate change and sea level rise. We’re going to make sure we launch a city-wide, regional discussion on how climate change is going to affect us in the coastal community. All of that is part of what we’re doing and the port is going to have a big role in it."

FULL STORY: Long Beach Mayor Garcia On Civic Engagement & Economic Development

Thursday, December 18, 2014 in The Planning Report

Community / Economic Development Infrastructure Land Use Technology Urban Development California Long Beach Port of Long Beach Robert Garcia Sea Level Rise Bloomberg Philanthropies Innovation Team View More

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