The City of Long Beach has announced the first group of recipients for Love Your Block, awarding funding to five resident-led projects aimed at improving local neighborhoods in West Long Beach.
The Love Your Block program, run by the City’s Office of Civic Innovation, is intended to support community members and groups who want to take a hands-on role in improving their communities. For its inaugural year, the program is focused on funding improvements on the 90810 zip code.
Each of the five chosen projects will receive up to $2,500 in funding, along with guidance from City staff, with the goal to implement their projects by March 2026.
The chosen initiatives include:
- Legacy in Bloom: A youth-led tree planting and neighborhood cleanup effort, in partnership with West Long Beach schools
- Breath of Fresh Air: An air-quality education project focused on diesel pollution and respiratory health, and a vape trade-in in exchange for an air purifier
- Community Bee Apiary: A community-led bee sanctuary, focused on supporting plant health with urban beekeeping and educational resources
- Westside Clean & Green: A neighborhood cleanup and greening project, where participants can receive plants and air purifiers for participating
- Community Garden: The creation of a new community garden that will offer fresh produce and wellness programming for West Long Beach residents of all ages
“The impactful initiatives Westside residents are leading, not only enhance their environment, but also foster community engagement and pride,” said Lea Eriksen, director of the Technology and Innovation Department, in a public statement. “By promoting cleaner air and addressing safety and quality of life outcomes, we are paving the way for a brighter, healthier future for all residents.”
The program was launched in February of this year in partnership with the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University. Applications were reviewed by a panel of City staff. Projects were selected based on their potential to improve air quality, promote safe transportation options and build community capacity to advocate for neighborhood improvements.
Residents interested in applying for future rounds of Love Your Block mini-grants can follow updates on the Office of Civic Innovation webpage.
The Love Your Block program aligns with the City’s Westside Promise initiative, a long-term plan to address historical and ongoing challenges in West Long Beach.
More information on the Love Your Block program can be found on the John Hopkins University website.
