Long Beach has received more than $3 million in federal funding to support several infrastructure projects citywide.
City leaders were joined by Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Long Beach, who presented the funds during a press conference on Tuesday, March 10, at City Hall. The mayor and council members shared how this money would help projects intended to improve public safety, education, parks and recreational spaces, as well as assist with environmental upgrades, and generally improving the daily lives of residents and visitors.
“Today, we’re going to highlight some of these investments that will make a real difference in the lives of our residents and allow us to continue our operations in the city,” Mayor Rex Richardson said during the press conference. “They reflect a shared commitment to building a stronger city – a commitment that I share, our council shares and our congressman shares.”
The more than $3 million will be used to continue improvements for the Colorado Lagoon, Marina Vista Park and Admiral Kidd Park; to establish the Washington Neighborhood Youth Center; make Broadway corridor improvements; and enhance the Long Beach Police Department’s DNA Crime Lab.
These projects are well known by the community, Richardson said, and this federal funding will help them get “over the finish line,” as the city has already made investments into them through Measure A and the city’s Elevate ‘28 Infrastructure Investment Plan.
From left, Councilwoman Mary Zendejas, Councilmember Cindy Allen, Congressman Robert Garcia and Mayor Rex Richardson hold a press conference announcing more than $2.9 million in federal funding for community projects across Long Beach on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Rep. Robert Garcia speaks before presenting more than $2.9 million in federal funding to city leaders in Long Beach on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Rep. Robert Garcia speaks before presenting more than $2.9 million in federal funding to city leaders in Long Beach on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Congressman Robert Garcia, left, speaks during a press conference announcing more than $2.9 million in federal funding for community projects across Long Beach on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Rep. Robert Garcia speaks before presenting more than $2.9 million in federal funding to city leaders in Long Beach on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
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From left, Councilwoman Mary Zendejas, Councilmember Cindy Allen, Congressman Robert Garcia and Mayor Rex Richardson hold a press conference announcing more than $2.9 million in federal funding for community projects across Long Beach on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
On Tuesday, Richardson was joined by Vice Mayor Roberto Uranga, and Councilmembers Mary Zendejas, Cindy Allen and Kristina Duggan.
“Investments like this are incredibly important for our local communities,” Duggan said during the press conference. “Cities are responsible for maintaining our streets, parks, public spaces and safety systems, but our local funding can only go so far. Federal dollars like these help us move important projects forward and allow us to stretch our local resources further.”
In West Long Beach, capital improvements at Admiral Kidd Park will include enhancing both the park’s outdoor landscaping and its community center. These updates are designed to improve the park’s overall condition and functionality, addressing the areas most in need of enhancements while ensuring the space remains safe, accessible and welcoming, according to the city’s website.
In the Washington Neighborhood, in downtown Long Beach, $250,000 has been allocated toward establishing a comprehensive Youth Center. The center will serve as a vital resource, offering programs focused on prevention, intervention, education, recreation and mental health support for neighborhood youth, officials said.
At Colorado Lagoon and Marina Vista Park, the money will help continue efforts to improve water quality in the area, restore habitat, expand recreational amenities and ensure residents can continue utilizing the open space, officials said.
Along the Broadway corridor, the funds will help with beautification efforts, officials said. This includes improving the public right of way, landscaping, wayfinding, lighting, public art and street furniture that helps create a more welcoming and cohesive district for residents.
More than $1 million will go toward enhancing the Police Department’s DNA Crime Lab. Establishing a locally hosted DNA lab will help speed up testing and strengthen investigation capacities, officials said.
“I think people hear all the time that it’s hard to get stuff done in D.C., and it’s true, but it’s also great when you can get bipartisan support to help support projects,” Garcia said during the press conference. “I think these are really good examples of some projects that we can get through, and we’ll continue to support Long Beach with as many projects as we can.”