On January 6, 2026, the Long Beach City Council approved the Long Beach Yacht Club’s lease extension, clearing the way for critical capital improvement projects in advance of the 2028 Olympic Games. EKA guided the Long Beach Yacht Club through a comprehensive four-year entitlement and approval process, securing key approvals from the Long Beach City Planning Commission, the California Coastal Commission, and ultimately the Long Beach City Council.
The approved project includes the creation of a new community room open to local organizations, essential upgrades to the Club’s facilities, and a range of community-focused benefits designed to expand sailing access and opportunities for Long Beach youth.
On January 12, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion directing staff to draft an ordinance that would restrict Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations on county-owned property. The proposal is intended to clarify the county’s role in federal immigration enforcement activities and follows earlier county actions related to immigration policy, including limits on certain law-enforcement practices and measures to support workers impacted by immigration enforcement. County officials have described the effort as part of a broader approach to defining local policies while emphasizing residents’ rights and community stability.
As the city transitions into fiscal year 2026-27, budget planning efforts are underway to address ongoing fiscal challenges. The city’s General Fund faces structural pressures from service demands, labor agreements, and recovery from the 2025 wildfire impacts. City officials are evaluating revenue enhancement opportunities, potential service adjustments, and grant funding to balance competing priorities. The city used $29 million from its budget stabilization fund to address FY 2025-26 deficits and expects to generate additional revenue from increased business tax collections and parking ticket fees. Budget discussions will continue throughout early 2026 as the city develops its comprehensive spending plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026.
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Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson delivered the 2026 State of the City Address on January 13, outlining the city’s progress and priorities for the year ahead. Under the theme “A Future Built by All of Us,” Mayor Richardson highlighted advancements in housing affordability, homelessness reduction, crime prevention, and real estate development.
During the address, the mayor also announced the official name of Long Beach’s new professional baseball team: the Long Beach Coast, marking a major milestone for the city’s growing sports and entertainment landscape. The address included updates on preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which are expected to bring significant economic opportunities and infrastructure improvements to Long Beach. Mayor Richardson also previewed new developments and initiatives designed to strengthen the city’s economy and improve quality of life for all residents.
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