Tara Riggi, Long Beach City Council District 5 candidate, 2026 primary election questionnaire – Press Telegram

Ahead of the June primary election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

Name: Tara Riggi

Current job title: Realtor

Age: 37

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: None

City where you reside: Long Beach

Campaign website or social media: taraforcouncil.com

One of the main issues local leaders are grappling with is Long Beach’s current and long-term fiscal position. With major budgetary concerns on the horizon, explain your top priorities for Long Beach’s financial future and plans to achieve them. (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

Long Beach doesn’t have a revenue problem; it has a spending and prioritization problem. My top priority is restoring fiscal discipline so we can protect core city services without continuing to burden residents with higher taxes.

First, we need greater transparency and accountability in how public dollars are spent. That means clear reporting, regular audits and making it easier for residents to understand where their money is going. We also need more transparency in the bidding process for city projects to ensure contracts are competitive, cost-effective and delivering real value to taxpayers. And we need to lean toward zero-based budgeting, rather than automatically renewing previous appropriations.

Second, we need to realign our budget around core services. Public safety, infrastructure and basic city operations should come before non-essential spending.

At the same time, we should focus on growing our local economy by supporting small businesses and reducing unnecessary fees and barriers so we can increase revenue without raising taxes.

My approach is simple: spend smarter, prioritize what matters and make decisions that are sustainable for the long term.

Long Beach residents have been sounding the alarm about the presence of federal immigration enforcement agents and operations in the city. Where do you stand on ICE/CBP actions, and how to plan to address residents’ concerns about this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

This is a deeply personal issue for me as the daughter of immigrant parents, and I understand the fear and uncertainty many families are feeling right now.

I believe we need comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level. At the same time, as a local elected official, my responsibility is to protect the safety, trust and well-being of our residents here in Long Beach.

I support policies that ensure our city remains a place where people feel safe reporting crimes, accessing services and participating in their community without fear. That trust is essential to public safety. We should continue to maintain clear boundaries between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement, while ensuring we are following the law.

I also believe the city must do a better job communicating with residents during times of heightened concern. That includes providing accurate information, working with trusted community organizations and making sure people know their rights.

We can approach this issue with both compassion and clarity. My focus will always be on protecting our residents, supporting our communities and making sure Long Beach remains a place where people feel safe and respected.

Homelessness and affordable housing continue to be a top issue for Long Beach residents. What is your position on the city’s current efforts to reduce homelessness and increase affordable housing availability, and how do you plan to improve these efforts? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

Homelessness is one of the most urgent challenges facing Long Beach, and while the city has spent millions of dollars, the results have not kept pace with that level of investment. We need to be honest about that and far more accountable in how those funds are used.

I support a balanced approach that combines compassion with clear expectations. The CORE Strategy is a step in the right direction because it creates a coordinated, severity-based response that brings together outreach, mental health services, medical care and enforcement when necessary. It allows the city to better address serious issues like untreated mental illness, substance abuse and unsafe behavior in public spaces.

Regarding housing, alone it is not the finish line, it is just the first step. We need stronger follow-through with job training, case management and long-term support to help individuals stay housed and rebuild stability.

At the same time, there must be accountability. Individuals receiving services should be actively working toward their goals, and the city must track outcomes, from treatment placements to program success rates, to ensure real results.

My focus is on measurable progress, smarter spending and solutions that truly help people get back on their feet.

What is the biggest issue your district specifically faces, and how do you plan to address it, if elected? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

District 5 is the largest district in Long Beach, and with that comes a range of priorities. There isn’t just one issue, there are several, and the needs of the east and west sides of the district can look very different. Both deserve equal attention and representation.

Across the district, I consistently hear concerns about public safety, homelessness and the condition of our infrastructure. Break-ins and theft are impacting both residents and small businesses. At the same time, many neighborhoods are dealing with deteriorating streets, sidewalks and alleys that have been overlooked for too long.

On the east side of the district, issues like homelessness, public safety and quality of life impacts are more pronounced. On the west side, concerns often center around development, airport impacts and preserving neighborhood character.

My promise is to make sure both sides of the district feel heard, supported and equally represented. That means being present, accessible and responsive, working closely with residents and prioritizing resources where they are most needed so no neighborhood feels overlooked.

This district requires balanced, thoughtful leadership that understands its differences and delivers real improvements to quality of life across the board.

What experience do you bring to the table for this role? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I bring a combination of real-world experience, local knowledge and a strong connection to the community I’m seeking to represent.

I grew up in Long Beach, attended local schools and built my career here. As a real estate agent and small business owner for over a decade, I’ve worked in neighborhoods across the city, helping families buy and sell homes and have managed over 50 renovation projects.

That experience has given me a practical understanding of housing, development, contracts, budgeting and how city decisions directly impact residents and property owners.

I also serve as president of the California Heights Neighborhood Association, where I work closely with residents and city departments to address issues like public safety, infrastructure and quality of life. In that role, I’ve advocated for residents, brought people to the table with city leadership and helped navigate complex local issues.

I’m not a career politician. I bring a hands-on, problem-solving approach grounded in experience, accountability and responsiveness. I understand how to listen, how to work through challenges and how to get things done.

That’s the perspective I will bring to City Council.