The City of Long Beach has announced the next chapter of an initiative designed to empower residents to create and use technological solutions to solve challenges in their communities. Led by the Technology and Innovation Department (TID), the Long Beach Collaboratory (LB Co-Lab) program fosters collaboration between community members and City staff to develop technology tailored to the needs of Long Beach neighborhoods.
The upcoming cohort will focus on initiatives that support the City’s preparation for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. These efforts aim to enhance civic pride and community engagement while addressing the long-term needs of residents. Program participants will co-design and implement pilot solutions over a 12-month period starting in March 2025.
Residents selected as “Innovators in Residence” will collaborate with City staff to develop and implement pilot programs addressing these challenges. These participants will receive $4,000 in compensation over a 24-month period. Applications for the program are open through February 28, 2025. There are no educational or language requirements to apply. Language assistance will be provided for participants as needed.
“Our City team is committed to investing in positive improvements for Long Beach residents by exploring technology solutions that improve City operations and the lives of community members,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a public statement. “By harnessing technology and collaborative processes, we can work together to develop improved tools and methods that will shape the future of neighborhoods in Long Beach.”
Building on the progress of its first cohort launched in 2023, the second iteration of LB Co-Lab will have City staff working closely with residents to pinpoint and prioritize which issues they want to address.
The first cohort of LB Co-Lab engaged 27 residents from the Willmore, West Long Beach, Ramona Park, and Hamilton neighborhoods, resulting in several technology pilot projects aimed at improving public spaces.
LB Co-Lab is part of the City’s broader Smart City Initiative, established in 2021 to utilize data and technology for the benefit of Long Beach residents.
LB Co-Lab is funded by $70,000 in Long Beach Recovery Act funds and a $150,000 grant from the Knight Foundation.
Those interested in applying to join the LB Co-Lab can visit the City’s website.
