Full Breakdown
Long Beach Initiates Actions to Improve Economic Stability for Black Residents
2/14/2026, 12:14:37 PM
Addressing Systemic Disparities
The Long Beach City Council has taken significant steps to improve the economic well-being of its Black residents, who number over 50,000 and primarily reside in the north, central, and west regions of the city. Recent actions were prompted by the findings of the Black Community Health Strengths and Needs Assessment, which highlighted persistent disparities in social determinants of health, including a notable 10-year life expectancy gap between Black and White men. The assessment revealed that many Black residents struggle with basic needs such as food, housing, and transportation, largely due to systemic racism and institutionalized discrimination.
Council Actions and Community Engagement
Spearheaded by Councilmembers Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, Joni Ricks-Oddie, and Suely Saro, the City Council voted 8-0 to direct the Health and Human Services Department to collaborate with local agencies to present the assessment's findings. This initiative aims to translate the data into actionable policies that address employment, economic stability, and access to opportunities. Ricks-Oddie emphasized the importance of viewing health through the lens of social determinants, stating, “Employment, economic stability and access to opportunity are core social determinants of health.”
The council's directive includes sharing findings with key local institutions such as Long Beach Unified School District and Long Beach City College to foster coordinated efforts in addressing the highlighted disparities. The assessment indicated that 54% of respondents were employed, yet many reported financial hardships, with 34% working multiple jobs and a quarter unable to afford rent.
Economic Challenges and Recommendations
The assessment linked economic security directly to overall well-being, noting that financial hardships contribute to housing instability and adverse health outcomes. To combat these issues, the report recommends targeted workforce development supported by the city’s infrastructure. Long Beach, as an employer of over 5,000 people, has the potential to enhance workforce equity and stability.
Thrash-Ntuk pointed out the existence of "employment deserts," areas where residents face barriers to accessing quality jobs. The city plans to analyze its workforce demographics and implement targeted recruitment strategies to improve representation and access for Black residents. The ongoing implementation of Measure JB, which establishes hiring preferences for local residents, is seen as a critical opportunity to address chronic employment disparities.
Community Perspectives and Future Directions
While the city’s initiatives aim to expand economic opportunities, community leaders and activists have called for increased accountability and justice for Black residents. The city is committed to uplifting community-driven recommendations and aligning its actions with the needs expressed by residents. Ricks-Oddie stated, “This item brings those pieces together in a way that is measurable, time-bound, and accountable.”
Long Beach plans to return to the City Council within 120 days with a report detailing specific policy measures to enhance local hiring and outreach for Black residents, further advancing its Racial Equity and Reconciliation Initiative.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The highest-ranked needs centered on the economic well-being, mental health, housing, stability and access to resources,” — Councilmember Tunua Thrash-Ntuk
- “As an epidemiologist, I approach health not just as access to care, but as the conditions that allow people to live well,” — Councilmember Joni Ricks-Oddie
- “Employment deserts are neighborhoods where residents face systematic barriers to accessing quality municipal jobs due to factors such as limited information about the opportunities or hiring practices that inevitably exclude local applicants,” — Councilmember Tunua Thrash-Ntuk
- “Ultimately, the goal is alignment between what our community told us, what our data shows us, and what we choose to do next,” — Councilmember Joni Ricks-Oddie
