Mayor Robert Garcia is stepping in to host three community forums revolving around building workforce and affordable housing, just two months after the Long Beach City Council voted to join other cities across California in calling for a state of emergency on homelessness.
The three forums will focus specifically on affordable and workforce housing, according to a release from the mayor’s office. The announcement also follows a Cal State Long Beach (CSULB) study that estimated one in 10 students at Cal State system schools is homeless.
“Building quality workforce and affordable housing for seniors, students, and working families is an important issue facing the city,” said Mayor Garcia in a statement. “Our economy is growing, unemployment is historically low, home values are up, and we are building quality housing across the city. As we grow, we need to make sure that our economy is working for everyone, and that all our residents have access to quality housing.”
The mayor has convened a study group regarding this for the last six months, including the following members:
- Bonnie Lowenthal, Chair
- Josh Butler
- Rene Castro
- Jenny Chheang
- Brian D’Andrea
- Porter Gilbert
- Andy Kerr
- William Moore
- Christine Petit
- Patrick Ure
The meetings will take place as follows:
Mayor’s Roundtable with Housing Advocates
Monday, September 19, 6:00 to 7:30PM | Mark Twain Library Community Room
1401 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90813
Community Forum and Resource Fair
Saturday, September 24, 10:00AM to 1:00PM | Jenny Oropeza Community Center at Cesar Chavez Park
401 Golden Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802
Mayor’s Roundtable with Developers
Friday, October 14, 1:00 to 2:00PM | Michelle Obama Library
5870 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90805
The events are open to the public and no RSVP is required, according to the release. For more information, email [email protected].
This report was updated on 08/29/16 at 5:54PM clarifying the forum’s focus.