The varying cultures that make up Long Beach may soon be included in a plan to connect and enhance diversity in the city through art, history, signage and more. City Council directed staff to return in 90 days with a report on the feasibility of creating and implementing a city-wide Cultural Vision Plan on Tuesday night.
The item was authored by Councilmember Suely Saro and will ensure the City Council has a framework when approving funds for cultural improvements in Long Beach such as museums, signage, cultural centers, economic hubs, cultural events and more.
“Having a long term plan will ensure our diverse populations are recognized, honored and uplifted,” said Vice Mayor Cindy Allen. “This also opens up opportunities for economic development hubs.”
Allen suggested a friendly amendment for City staff to send their report to the Economic Development and Finance Committee and receive its recommendations before taking it back to council.
Cities like Chicago and San Diego, which both have diverse populations, have recently implemented similar plans for its communities. Long Beach currently has four cultural centers—the Homeland Cultural Center, African American Cultural Center, Latino Cultural Center and Long Beach Japanese Cultural Center—and is in the process of creating a Cambodian Cultural Center and a historic LGBTQ+ Cultural District.
“As we know by living in this city, it’s very diverse and I know we’re all very proud of it, but at the same time we have so much cultural and creative capital that we’re not tapping into,” Saro said. “We have all these emerging projects, but at the same time, how are they connected, how are they demonstrated as part of the city’s fabric?”
The creation of a Long Beach Cultural Vision Plan will “likely require funding for consultant costs to assist with community engagement” which may cost up to $50,000, according to staff reports. Staff is expected to look into how the city can benefit its populations through job creation, economic development and community building as well as attracting tourists.
Long Beach’s population is made up of 12.1% Black individuals, 13% Asian individuals, 43% Latinx individuals, 1% Native American individuals and 0.5% Pacific Islander or Hawaiian individuals, according to the 2022 U.S. Census.
The recommendation to study creating a Cultural Vision Plan was widely supported by residents at the meeting, some of whom were in high school, who took to the podium to express the need for this plan.
“The Long Beach Cultural Vision Plan, in my opinion, will become a source of pride for this city because it will continue to celebrate our city’s unique history and cultural assets as a creative and inventive location,” said Long Beach Poly student and district eight resident Justin Ye. “Long Beach’s diversity gives people here a lot to be proud of … the importance of the plan is that it allows the local community, cultural centers and people to showcase their art, history, culture and creativity.”
District two resident Jessica Gallete said that she decided to move her family to Long Beach because of its diverse population and the unique opportunities that it brings.
“What drew my family to this city is its diversity. The Filipino community has a rich and significant history in Long Beach and we make up 39% of the city’s Asian population,” Gallete said. “We have the perfect opportunity through the vision plan to develop West Long Beach, which has been designated as a Filipino town, with plans for a museum and a cultural heritage center.”
Mayor Rex Richardson asked City staff to look specifically into the tourism aspect of the Cultural Vision Plan, as he said cultural events, shows, museums and tours will bring people and economic stimulation into Long Beach.
Council passed the recommendation 8-0 and City staff will return with their report and recommendations in 90 days.
