Recently elected Mayor of Long Beach Robert Garcia, 37 years old, outlines his priorities: education, climate change, and economic development.
Mayor Garcia assumed office in July 2014, becoming the youngest person to ever fill the role. He comes into office at a time of steady growth in Long Beach's downtown, long overdue CalPERs pension payouts, and increased maritime trade competition globally for the Port of Long Beach.
In a conversation with The Planning Report, Mayor Garcia outlines his plans for Long Beach’s economic development—aided by a $3 million, three-year grant from Bloomberg Charities to the city for an in-house “innovation team” to address poverty, public safety, and job growth. Garcia also addresses data-driven decision-making and Long Beach's recent honor as the Top Digital City nationwide.
FULL STORY: Long Beach Mayor Garcia On Civic Engagement & Economic Development
Port of Long Beach Begins Massive Rail Yard Expansion
The project, which will break ground this summer, is expected to dramatically curb emissions from trucking.
Port Logjam Contributing to Dismal L.A. Air Quality
Emissions from container ships idling outside Southern California's ports are adding to pollution that has blanketed the region in a noxious layer of smog.
Zoning and the Global Supply Shortage
Zoning has been blamed for a lot of things in recent years, but a global supply crunch increasing prices and creating shortages of household goods—and potentially ruining the holidays—is a new one.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
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Crime Continues to Drop on Philly, San Francisco Transit Systems
SEPTA and BART both saw significant declines in violent crime in the first quarter of 2025.
How South LA Green Spaces Power Community Health and Hope
Green spaces like South L.A. Wetlands Park are helping South Los Angeles residents promote healthy lifestyles, build community, and advocate for improvements that reflect local needs in historically underserved neighborhoods.
Sacramento Plans ‘Quick-Build’ Road Safety Projects
The city wants to accelerate small-scale safety improvements that use low-cost equipment to make an impact at dangerous intersections.
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