City Council - Revised - 2026-03-24

Council directed city manager to work with Parks, Recreation and Marine, Community Development, Office of Equity, and community stakeholders to initiate a comprehensive review and renaming process for Cesar E. Chavez Park in Downtown Long Beach and other city facilities honoring Chavez. Also requested revisions to March 31 Cesar Chavez Day recognition and encouraged LBUSD, LBCC, and CSULB to pursue similar renaming measures.

Council received first reading of mobile food facility ordinance and directed staff to return with modifications addressing: extending parking time limits in metered stalls from 4 hours to potentially 8 hours, aligning operating hours with entertainment district noise ordinances, clarifying regulations on private property, and addressing Granada Beach lot compliance with state restroom requirements.

Council approved first reading of zoning code amendments to Title 21 and Title 22 allowing mobile food facilities on private property in zones where restaurants are permitted by right, with administrative land use review process. Includes operating standards for hours, power sources, parking, and buffers from residential uses.

Council directed city manager to return within 90 days with a severity-based CORE (Compassionate Outreach, Response, and Enforcement) strategy framework aligning outreach, Care Court, SB 43 psychiatric holds, diversion programs, and enforcement for individuals in severe mental health or substance use crisis in public spaces.

Council directed city manager to investigate modernized parking systems in Downtown Long Beach including valet parking and pre-reserved spots in public City Place lots for entertainment venues, and high-density parking lift systems on surface lots. Report back in 60 days with budget estimates.

Council requested city manager provide presentation within 30 days on the Colorado Lagoon open channel project, which has extended from an expected 18 months to 39 months with no firm completion date. Project has caused significant traffic impacts on surrounding neighborhoods.

Council approved first reading of ordinance allowing cannabis special events at city venues including Queen Mary, Convention Center, and future amphitheater. Events limited to 12 per year per organizer, require state licensing, and all cannabis sales must be conducted by Long Beach-licensed retailers. Includes equity plan requirement for event organizers.

Council awarded contract to LaSalle Development Consultants for $299,450 to complete phase two of homelessness strategic plan update, including predictive systems data modeling, systems mapping, budget landscape analysis, and final five-year strategic plan.

Council awarded contracts to Addison Miller, BiTech Construction, and EBS General Engineering for as-needed curb ramp and related improvements in total aggregate amount not to exceed $50,000,000.

Council determined current taxicab supply is sufficient, found Long Beach Yellow Cab Cooperative in full compliance, ended the taxi regulation modernization pilot program effective April 23, 2026, and authorized permanent program with Yellow Cab as provider for first five years followed by competitive process.