The Long Beach mayor’s annual State of the City address was interrupted twice by protesters Wednesday night, forcing pauses in the speech and highlighting mounting political and economic pressure on city leadership.
Chants of “ICE out of Long Beach” and demands for stronger labor protections for Black workers echoed inside the venue as demonstrators disrupted Mayor Rex Richardson’s remarks.
Security eventually escorted protesters out, allowing the mayor to resume his address. After returning to the stage, Richardson addressed one of the central demands head-on.
“ICE does not belong in our city,” he said, drawing loud applause and a standing ovation from much of the audience.
Despite the tense moments, the mayor struck an optimistic tone overall, laying out an ambitious vision for jobs, economic development and global events — even as Long Beach faces a projected budget shortfall tied to declining oil revenue and federal funding cuts.
Long Beach mayor promises growth amid economic strain at State of the City
World Cup fan zone, Olympic plans highlighted
Among the biggest announcements: a FIFA World Cup Fan Zone planned for downtown Long Beach on Pine Avenue when the tournament comes to Southern California this summer. Richardson said the multi-week activation is expected to draw thousands of visitors and will be funded by a $378,000 grant from Los Angeles Metro.
The mayor also revealed that Ireland will host an international Olympic team house in Long Beach during the 2028 Games — joining Greece and Denmark — as part of the city’s effort to raise its global profile.
In addition, Richardson announced construction is underway on a new $21 million waterfront amphitheater near the Queen Mary, which he said is already booking events.
Jobs, business growth and redevelopment
Acknowledging economic uncertainty, Richardson set a goal of bringing 4,000 new jobs to Long Beach by 2028, pointing to growth in aerospace, clean technology and advanced manufacturing.
He highlighted Speedo’s decision to relocate its North American headquarters to Long Beach ahead of the LA28 Olympics, as well as expansion from aerospace startup Vast Space.
The mayor also 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 unveiled $9 million in small business grants as part of a new initiative called “AnchorLB,” with additional economic announcements expected later this year.
Homelessness and public safety remain challenges
While promoting growth, Richardson acknowledged ongoing challenges with homelessness. City data shows homelessness in Long Beach remains high — up 6.5% as of January 2025, representing about 1,500 more people than before the pandemic.
The mayor announced a new prevention-focused program called “Upstream LB,” aimed at helping residents most at risk of becoming homeless.
“Focusing on people at most risk — one emergency away from losing everything,” Richardson said.
On public safety, the mayor pointed to declines in violent crime, including fewer homicides, a one-third reduction in shootings, and significant drops in commercial and residential burglaries. He also noted that, for the first time, Long Beach police did not shoot a single person in 2025.
A political moment
Richardson, who is seeking re-election, delivered the address amid heightened scrutiny from activists and voters alike. The interruptions underscored the political tensions surrounding City Hall — even as the mayor pitched optimism and growth for Long Beach’s future.
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