Long Beach Mayor’s State of the City Address Faces Protests Over Economic Growth Promises
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson’s State of the City Address Interrupted by Protesters
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson’s annual State of the City address faced significant disruptions Wednesday night as protesters interrupted the event twice, underscoring the mounting political and economic pressures on city leadership.
Chants of “ICE out of Long Beach” and calls for stronger labor protections for Black workers reverberated throughout the venue during the interruptions. Security personnel intervened to escort the demonstrators out, allowing Richardson to continue his remarks.
Upon resuming his address, Richardson directly addressed one of the key demands, stating, “ICE does not belong in our city,” which elicited loud applause and a standing ovation from much of the audience.
Despite the interruptions, the mayor maintained an optimistic outlook, outlining an ambitious vision for job creation, economic development, and international engagement, even as Long Beach grapples with a projected budget shortfall linked to decreasing oil revenues and federal funding cuts.
Among the highlights of his address was the announcement of a FIFA World Cup Fan Zone to be established on Pine Avenue during the tournament set to take place this summer in Southern California. This multi-week event is expected to attract thousands of visitors and will be supported by a $378,000 grant from Los Angeles Metro.
Richardson also revealed that Ireland will host an international Olympic team house in Long Beach during the 2028 Games, joining Greece and Denmark in the city’s efforts to enhance its global profile. Furthermore, he highlighted the ongoing construction of a new $21 million waterfront amphitheater near the Queen Mary, which is in the process of booking events.
Addressing economic challenges, Richardson set a goal of creating 4,000 new jobs by 2028, emphasizing growth in sectors such as aerospace, clean technology, and advanced manufacturing. He noted Speedo’s decision to relocate its North American headquarters to Long Beach ahead of the LA28 Olympics, along with expansions from aerospace startup Vast Space.
Additionally, he announced that Los Angeles-based Marathon Burger, founded by the brother of the late rapper Nipsey Hussle, will open a location in the former Johnny Rockets space on Pine Avenue. To support local businesses, Richardson introduced a $9 million small business grant initiative known as “AnchorLB,” with further economic announcements anticipated later this year.
While promoting economic growth, Richardson acknowledged the persistent challenges of homelessness in the city, reporting a 6.5% increase as of January 2025, equating to approximately 1,500 more people than pre-pandemic levels. He unveiled a new prevention-focused program called “Upstream LB” aimed at assisting residents at high risk of becoming homeless. “Focusing on people at most risk — one emergency away from losing everything,” he stated.
On the topic of public safety, Richardson pointed out declines in violent crime, including fewer homicides and a one-third reduction in shootings. Notably, for the first time, Long Beach police did not shoot anyone in 2025.
As Richardson seeks re-election, the address unfolded in an environment of heightened scrutiny from activists and voters alike, with the protests highlighting the political tensions surrounding City Hall while the mayor sought to project optimism and a vision for Long Beach’s future.
