City Council - Revised - 2026-03-03
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Long Beach City Council meeting on March 3, 2026 focused primarily on traffic safety concerns, with Council approving a request to explore supplemental contracting options and technology solutions to expedite traffic engineering projects (Item 28). The Council also approved an alternative compliance method for a 161-unit housing development at 400 East Anaheim Street, allowing 38 moderate-income units instead of 18 very-low-income units (Item 29). Additionally, the Council awarded a $7.09 million contract to Griffith Company for the Davies Boat Launch facility improvements in preparation for the 2028 Olympics (Item 36).
Key Decisions (10)
Traffic Engineering Expediting Request
Council approved a request to explore supplemental contracting options, technology solutions, and staffing solutions to assist Public Works in expediting traffic engineering projects including quick-build safety improvements. The motion was made by Councilwoman Allen with co-sponsors Councilwoman Zendejas and Councilwoman Kerr. Multiple amendments were accepted including quarterly reporting on traffic safety improvements and data from the new Neighborhood Traffic Calming Form submissions.
Alternative Compliance Method for 400 East Anaheim Street Housing Development
Council approved an alternative compliance method under the inclusionary housing ordinance for a 161-unit mixed-use development at 400 East Anaheim Street in District 6. The developer was allowed to provide 38 moderate-income units instead of the standard requirement of 18 very-low-income units. The Planning Commission had previously approved the project on January 15, 2026.
Davies Boat Launch Facility Improvements Contract Award
Council awarded a contract to Griffith Company for construction of the Davies Boat Launch and facility improvements project for $7,091,760. The project includes repaving the parking lot, reconstructing the boat ramp, new prefab restroom, EV charging stations, and new lighting. The site serves 35,000 trailer vessels annually and is adjacent to Marine Stadium which will host four Olympic events in 2028.
House Numbers on Curbs Municipal Code Update Request
Council approved a request to begin the process of amending Long Beach Municipal Code chapter 14.36 regarding house numbers on curbs. The item addresses concerns about unauthorized individuals soliciting money from residents for curb painting services, sometimes covering existing numbers and demanding payment. The current ordinance gives sole permit approval power to the chief of police.
Pro Housing Incentive Program Grant Application
Council authorized an application to the California State Department of Housing and Community Development Pro Housing Incentive Program for $1,380,000 to be used for eligible housing projects citywide. Long Beach received pro housing designation in 2020.
Third Party Food Delivery Services Ordinance Update
Council approved a request to repeal the COVID-era chapter 5.95 and prepare a new ordinance regulating third party food delivery services. The new ordinance will maintain the 15% cap on core delivery fees while allowing restaurants to opt into additional services at negotiated rates.
GovConnection Technology Contract
Council approved a contract with GovConnection for providing technology products, services, solutions and related projects in a total annual amount not to exceed $6,000,000 citywide. The contract supports IT infrastructure including network hardware, cybersecurity tools, and technical project delivery support.
All American Asphalt Contract Amendment for Queen Mary Campus
Council authorized amendments to the contract with All American Asphalt for as-needed construction services to support Queen Mary campus improvements in District 1.
Street Racing Spectator Ordinance Amendment
Council approved first reading of an ordinance amending chapter 10.82 relating to prohibiting spectators at street races, sideshows, and reckless driving exhibitions. The amendment aligns with a recent Ninth Circuit opinion by exempting legitimate reporters from enforcement while maintaining the spectator ban.
Long Beach Management Association MOU Amendment
Council adopted a resolution approving a letter of agreement to the 2023-2026 memorandum of understanding with the Long Beach Management Association and revision to unrepresented management employee terms.
Zoning Changes (1)
400 East Anaheim Street, District 6
Not specified
Development Activity (2)
400 East Anaheim Street Mixed-Use Development
Seven-story, 85-foot tall mixed-use development with 161 residential units and ground level commercial space on 1.03 acres. 38 units will be deed-restricted at moderate income level.
Davies Boat Launch Facility Improvements
22,000 square foot boat launch ramp reconstruction, 179 parking stalls, new prefab restroom, EV charging stations, new lighting, fish cleaning station, washdown station. Project budget $7,091,760.
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
City has produced zero restricted moderate-income housing units in the current RHNA cycle, meeting only 19% of overall RHNA requirements, indicating strong unmet demand for workforce housing.
Infrastructure
Davies Boat Launch improvements are being expedited for 2028 Olympics, with $6.3 million in state funding secured from Division of Boating and Waterways.
Sentiment
Multiple union representatives from IAM representing 3,700 city employees spoke about upcoming contract negotiations, citing staffing shortages and rising cost of living concerns.
Housing Demand
Central Long Beach identified as low-resource area with high concentration of poverty; city housing policy aims to introduce mixed-income housing to reduce patterns of concentrated poverty.
Infrastructure
Traffic safety is a major concern with 53 traffic fatalities in 2025, the highest in over a decade, prompting council to explore expedited traffic calming measures and potential new revenue from speed camera pilot program.