Long Beach seeks federal funds for indoor market; Council adopts resolution opposing local ICE activity
Published 5:15 pm Sunday, January 18, 2026
LONG BEACH — A fledgling local farmers market would see its reach be able to expand into the colder, wetter months if a push for funding by Long Beach officials comes to fruition.
The Long Beach City Council at its Jan. 15 meeting unanimously passed a resolution authorizing the mayor to apply for funding to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the construction of an indoor market and event space at Veterans Field. The biggest beneficiary of this space would be the Columbia-Pacific Farmers Market, which runs on Fridays from May through September in Long Beach.
Long Beach Mayor Sue Svendsen told the Observer in December that the city was previously awarded a USDA grant to design an indoor market, which was completed by a designer the federal agency has on staff.
City officials then approached USDA about the possibility of securing funding for its construction, with the agency suggesting that the city apply for a loan — with the possibility of some grant funding. Long Beach is applying for $650,000 through the USDA’s Rural Development loan program.
The resolution passed by the council, as well as a public hearing that was also held at the Jan. 15 meeting, are requirements for the city as part of the USDA application process.
The design, as Svendsen described it, “is basically an L-shaped pole barn with roll-up glass garage doors. It’s 25-30 indoor booth areas with restrooms, power and water.” This new space would also allow for refrigeration, which the current farmers market does not have and hampers the ability for vendors to sell items like meat, fish, eggs and dairy.
Having this indoor space would not only extend the season for the farmers market, the mayor said, but be used for other events to keep people sheltered from the elements, such as concerts or arts and crafts shows. Svendsen added that it would not affect parking in the area.
ICE resolution adopted
Councilors at the Jan. 15 meeting also unanimously adopted a resolution expressing concern and opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations or facilities within the city’s jurisdiction.
The council voted to pass the resolution after receiving a presentation from officials with Pacific County Immigrant Support (PCIS) advocating for its passage. Formed in 2018, PCIS advocates for immigrant families, connects them with other organizations and resources, and assists with rent, utilities, food, legal fees and other needs.
“The Long Beach City Council officially acknowledges and supports the concerns of its residents regarding any proposed ICE housing or operations within the city limits,” the resolution states. “The City Council hereby declares its formal opposition to the stationing of ICE personnel, facilities, or related enforcement activities within the City of Long Beach jurisdiction.”
The resolution directs the mayor to pursue all available legal and legislative avenues at the local, state and federal level to prevent the establishment of ICE activities or facilities in Long Beach.
The document cites the city’s 2040 comprehensive plan, which states Long Beach is committed “to pay tribute to our rich cultural and natural heritage; a community that has quality health care and other essential services; and above all is a safe place where residents can live, work, and play.”
It also mentions the Keep Washington Working Act, a state law passed in 2019 that restricts the extent to which local law enforcement agencies may participate in the enforcement of federal immigration laws and limits the use of state and local resources in enforcing federal immigration law.
“…[T]he current direction and operation of [ICE has] generated significant and legitimate fear among many people in our country, which conflicts with the inclusive values held dear by the Long Beach Peninsula community,” the resolution states, adding “this fear affects the quality of life and sense of security for Long Beach residents, impacting the City’s ability to foster a truly diverse economic base and livable community.”