Long Beach & South Bay CRE News Roundup

Long Beach and the South Bay continue to be important centers for commercial real estate, investment, and business growth.

Recent local government actions focused on housing, parking, economic development, transportation, and long-term planning could affect property owners, tenants, and future investment.

Economic Development & Investment

Long Beach continues to invest in programs that support local businesses and attract visitors. For example, they are expanding business loan programs, supporting downtown events, preparing for future tourism opportunities, and continuing work related to major regional events like the 2028 Olympics. These efforts could bring more customers, increase hotel activity, and support local businesses.

In Manhattan Beach, leaders are studying possible redevelopment opportunities for the downtown area while also preparing for increased tourism tied to the FIFA World Cup. These efforts could create new opportunities for businesses, restaurants, and future investment in the downtown district.

El Segundo continues to invest in transportation through partnerships with Beach Cities Transit, Swoop, and Lyft. They are also discussing becoming a Charter City, which could eventually provide more local control over permitting, development regulations, and economic development policies.

Housing, Zoning & Future Development

Long Beach is moving forward with zoning changes in the Greater Bixby Knolls area that could allow more housing, shops, restaurants, and services along major commercial corridors.

Both Long Beach and Manhattan Beach are updating housing policies and zoning rules that could affect future development, parking requirements, mixed-use projects, and redevelopment opportunities.

El Segundo is reviewing updates to its zoning code to clarify permitted uses and development standards, which could make development rules easier to understand.

These discussions could create new opportunities for investment, but they could also affect project costs and development timelines.

Parking & Transportation

Parking remains an important issue throughout the region.

Long Beach approved a new contract for citywide parking operations, while Manhattan Beach is considering increases to parking rates and parking citation penalties. They are also studying future parking and redevelopment options in the downtown area.

These decisions could affect customers, employees, and local businesses.

At the same time, transportation investments across the South Bay, including transit improvements and mobility partnerships, continue to improve access for workers, visitors, and businesses throughout the region.

Public Safety & Building Operations

Long Beach approved significant Measure A funding to address homelessness and improve outreach and services. If successful, these efforts could improve conditions around commercial corridors and business districts.

BOMA/GLA Highlights

In June, we proudly served as the local host for the BOMA International Conference & Expo in Long Beach, welcoming commercial real estate professionals from across the country and showcasing the strength of the Long Beach and South Bay markets.

BOMA International attendees toured several iconic Long Beach destinations, including 180 E Ocean, the Port of Long Beach, and the Queen Mary. Special thanks to Heather Schultz of the Orden Company and Christopher Adkins of Bridge Industrial, whose leadership helped make these tours and Long Beach's role as host city such a success.

BOMA/GLA is also bringing important educational programming directly to the South Bay. As Californians continue to prepare for the possibility of "the Big One" earthquake, it is critical that commercial real estate professionals understand how to better protect their buildings, tenants, employees, and investments.

On August 4, we will host Managing Seismic Upgrades and Building Approvals in El Segundo. This program will provide practical guidance on seismic regulations, retrofit planning, permitting, insurance considerations, and working effectively with LADBS so property teams can be better prepared before the next major earthquake occurs. Register here.

Bottom Line

Long Beach and the South Bay remain strong and generally business-friendly markets. However, several policy discussions could shape commercial real estate in the years ahead.

Key issues to watch include:

• Housing and zoning changes
• Parking costs and availability
• Future redevelopment opportunities
• Transportation investments
• Public safety and homelessness initiatives
• Building regulations and permitting timelines

We will continue monitoring these developments and advocating for policies that support investment, efficient permitting, public safety, and a competitive business environment throughout the region. Stay updated on BOMA on the Frontline.