West Long Beach residents can once again apply for the city’s mini-grant program to help address issues in their neighborhoods.
The city is accepting applications for the second round of the Love Your Block program, a community-driven initiative that empowers residents to improve their neighborhoods. The program offers grants of up to $2,500 for individuals with project ideas aimed at creating positive change in their neighborhoods, according to a press release.
This round of mini-grants will continue to support Long Beach’s Westside Promise Initiative – a 10-year community investment plan to address current and historic challenges facing the area.
These grants will support resident-led projects in West Long Beach that help reduce exposure to poor indoor and outdoor air quality; promote clean air education, behavior and tools; enhance pedestrian, bicycle and rolling safety; and build community capacity to advocate for street and environmental improvements, the press release said.
“As Long Beach continues to invest in resident-driven solutions, Love Your Block plays a vital role in fostering collaboration between local government and community members,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “By providing mini-grants and hands-on support, the program helps residents transform public spaces, strengthen neighborhood connections, and build pride in their communities.”
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a project proposal within the 90810 ZIP code. Nonprofits and businesses can support projects with donations, or by providing volunteers or materials, officials said.
“Through our Westside Promise, we are creating lasting, meaningful change for our West Long Beach community,” Vice Mayor and Seventh District Councilmember Roberto Uranga said in a statement. “The Love Your Block program supports this initiative by addressing issues such as air quality and transportation, fostering relationships among neighbors and uplifting our entire community.”
Applications for the Love Your Block grants are open until Tuesday, March 31. Eligible residents, especially those living in West Long Beach, who are interested in applying for a mini-grant can learn more and fill out an application online in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog at lbcity.info/LYB-MiniGrantApp.
In December, five resident-led projects were selected during the first round of grants. Community members interested in supporting those projects by volunteering for a community work day, or a resident-led day of action during which neighbors, volunteers and city staff come together to implement selected projects, are encouraged to complete a volunteer interest form at lbcity.info/VolunteerLYB.
Since March 2024, Long Beach has participated in Love Your Block’s two-year civic engagement program, which focuses on trust-building between local governments and residents, according to a press release. Supported by the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University, the program provides $100,000 in funding for resident engagement, two rounds of mini-grants and staffing.
“We are excited to welcome more forward-thinking, resident-driven projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life in West Long Beach,” Lea Eriksen, director of the Technology and Innovation Department, said in a statement. “Already, five groundbreaking initiatives dedicated to cleaner air and enhanced living conditions have been accepted. We invite all residents to share their ideas and take an active role in shaping our city’s future.”