At a Glance
- Mayor Rex Richardson’s State of the City address was interrupted twice by protesters demanding ICE removal and labor protections.
- Richardson pledged “ICE does not belong in our city,” earning a standing ovation.
- Despite a looming budget gap, the mayor announced a $378,000 FIFA Fan Zone, a new $21 million amphitheater, and a goal of 4,000 new jobs by 2028.
- Homelessness rose 6.5% in 2025, and the mayor launched “Upstream LB” to prevent at-risk residents from losing housing.
Why it matters: Long Beach faces rising costs, federal cuts, and social unrest, yet city leadership is betting on global events and business incentives to spark growth.
Protesters twice halted Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson’s annual State of the City speech Wednesday night, voicing anger over federal immigration agents and labor conditions for Black workers before security escorted them out.
After returning to the podium, Richardson directly addressed one demand.
“ICE does not belong in our city,” he declared, prompting loud applause and a standing ovation from much of the audience.
The disruptions framed a night of big promises-World Cup festivities, Olympic team houses, millions in small-business aid-even as Long Beach confronts a budget squeeze tied to shrinking oil revenue and reduced federal dollars.
Global events land in Long Beach
Richardson revealed that downtown’s Pine Avenue will host an official FIFA World Cup Fan Zone this summer, financed by a $378,000 grant from Los Angeles Metro.
The multi-week activation is projected to attract thousands of visitors.
The mayor also announced that Ireland will base its Olympic team house in Long Beach during the 2028 Games, joining previously confirmed host nations Greece and Denmark. City leaders hope the presence raises Long Beach’s international profile.
Construction has started on a $21 million waterfront amphitheater adjacent to the Queen Mary. Booking requests are already arriving, Richardson said.
Jobs target set at 4,000 by 2028
Richardson set an employment goal of 4,000 new positions over the next four years, focusing on aerospace, clean tech, and advanced manufacturing.
Recent wins he cited include:
- Speedo relocating its North American headquarters ahead of the LA28 Olympics
- Vast Space, an aerospace startup, expanding local operations
- Marathon Burger, founded by the brother of the late rapper Nipsey Hussle, opening a Pine Avenue restaurant in the former Johnny Rockets space
To help smaller firms, the mayor unveiled $9 million in grants under a program dubbed “AnchorLB,” promising additional economic announcements later this year.
Budget headwinds acknowledged
City finances are under pressure.
Long Beach’s budget faces a shortfall linked to declining oil revenue and federal funding cuts, though no deficit figure was released Wednesday.
Richardson argued that targeted investment and global events can offset the losses.
Homelessness rises 6.5%
City data show homelessness up 6.5% as of January 2025, leaving about 1,500 more people unhoused than before the pandemic.
The mayor introduced “Upstream LB,” a prevention program meant to assist residents “one emergency away from losing everything.”
Crime stats show drops
Richardson highlighted public-safety gains:
- Homicides fell
- Shootings dropped roughly one-third
- Commercial and residential burglaries declined significantly
- Long Beach police did not shoot a single person in 2025, a first for the department
Political backdrop
The mayor delivered the address while seeking re-election.
Activists’ interruptions underscored ongoing friction between City Hall and community groups over immigration enforcement and labor equity.
Despite the tension, Richardson maintained an upbeat tone, pitching Long Beach as a city poised for growth even amid economic uncertainty.
