The City of Long Beach has launched Love Your Block, a new initiative that encourages residents to take an active role in improving their neighborhoods.
Developed in collaboration with the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University, the program aligns Long Beach with a national network of cities dedicated to supporting community-driven revitalization efforts.
“Love Your Block is about bringing people together to build on the strengths of our neighborhoods and empower residents to take the lead in shaping their communities,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a public statement. “By working directly with the people who live and breathe these spaces every day, we can create solutions that reflect their needs and aspirations. I encourage all residents to get involved and be part of this exciting opportunity.”
In its first year, Love Your Block will be integrated into the City’s Westside Promise Initiative, a long-term plan aimed at addressing challenges in West Long Beach through coordinated City programs, partnerships and investments.
The program will establish a Civic Deliberation Team composed of local residents who will identify key priorities, develop action plans and create challenge statements to guide grant proposals. Residents will have the opportunity to apply for mini-grants of up to $2,500 to fund projects that enhance public spaces and strengthen community ties. A series of workshops will be held to help ensure that funding supports initiatives that meet the needs of local neighborhoods.
“Love Your Block is an opportunity to support resident-led projects that will make a meaningful impact,” Vice Mayor and Seventh District Councilmember Roberto Uranga said in a public statement. “I look forward to seeing how this program will help strengthen connections and enhance the places we all call home.”
Long Beach residents, particularly those in West Long Beach, are invited to participate by applying for a mini-grant, joining the Civic Deliberation Team or volunteering for the initiative.
Those interested can complete the Love Your Block Interest Form, which will remain open throughout the program’s duration. The grant application process is set to begin on April 22 in recognition of Earth Day.
Love Your Block is part of a nationwide effort that has contributed to the enhancement of nearly 4,000 public spaces across the country. The program has supported community-led efforts to create art displays, clean up graffiti and remove waste, leading to increased civic engagement and stronger relationships between residents and local governments, according to the City’s press release.
Additional details about the mini-grant process and Civic Deliberation Team will be shared in the coming weeks. More information can be found on the Love Your Block webpage.
