Long Beach’s $3.7 Billion Budget: Key Takeaways for Commercial Real Estate
The City of Long Beach’s 2026 proposed budget of $3.7 billion targets key areas like public safety, housing, infrastructure, and economic growth—which could directly affect your properties and businesses.
Key Takeaways
Fee Increases: To cover a $16.9 million budget gap, the city is raising fees for planning, building, inspections, and rental permits.
Infrastructure Investment: The $188.8 million Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) supports important projects like street repairs, park upgrades, and safety improvements. This creates work for contractors, landscapers, and maintenance teams.
Small Business and Neighborhood Revitalization: More than $8.7 million from land sales will fund the Back to Business plan to help small businesses grow and improve neighborhoods. This supports property upgrades, leasing, and vendor services.
Housing and Homelessness: The budget adds staff to improve housing enforcement and tenant support. It uses Measure A funds to prevent homelessness and support affordable housing.
Support for Immigrant Communities: Over $5 million is set for legal aid, rental help, and a new “Safe Place” program. This offers new chances for service providers and consultants working with commercial tenants in mixed-use areas.
Public Safety and Services: Funding improves emergency response, violence prevention, and keeps services like city cleanup.
Community Input: Public meetings from August to September invite property managers, developers, and partners to share their thoughts on the budget and fee changes.
Looking Ahead
Long Beach’s 2026 budget is looking long term, aligning with major initiatives like Vision 2030 and Elevate ’28.
With targeted investments in safety, economic growth, and neighborhood revitalization, this budget could impact everything from leasing activity and vendor contracts to building operations and tenant engagement.
Property managers, owners, and service providers should stay informed and engaged—especially as the city invites input through public hearings running into September.
Stay connected with BOMA on the Frontline for more news impacting members.
