The Downtown Shoreline is a regional amenity that should serve all Long Beach residents. Through our outreach efforts in 2023, we heard that some community members never visit the Downtown Shoreline, some only visit when they are entertaining guests, and others have fond memories of visiting prior attractions but no longer feel they have a reason to frequent the area. We also heard that it is difficult to get there without a car, and with a car, parking fees can be prohibitively expensive.

The City also drafted a Race and Suburbanization Historic Context Statement in 2022. The statement acknowledges that during the early 20th century, there is documented evidence of overt racism against the local African American community, many of whom had migrated West to escape racism and violence in the South. In 1919, African American residents unsuccessfully protested a dunking booth at the Pike, the title of which involved a racial slur. Despite their efforts to remove it, the game remained at the Pike into the 1950s. As part of our Vision for 2050, it is critical to consider the historical context so the future of Downtown Shoreline is one where all Long Beach residents feel welcome.

The City of Long Beach is committed to making our city a place where everyone can thrive and reach their highest level of health and potential for a successful life, regardless of background, neighborhood, or identity. The role that the Downtown Shoreline should play in promoting this commitment is something that must be considered in the Vision for the district.

"The road to equity isn’t easy. It requires a long-term commitment to learning, the courage to have hard conversations, and a willingness to try new things and think about investments in a different way."

-The Long Beach Equity Toolkit

What is equity?

When everyone can reach their highest level of health and potential for a successful life, regardless of their background and identity. Equity is when everyone has what they need to be successful, while equality is treating everyone the same. Equality seeks to promote fairness, but it can only work if everyone starts from the same place and needs the same help.

What is diversity?

Diversity describes the physical, social, and psychological differences between people and groups, including things like race, ethnicity, gender, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, tribe, socio-economic status, thinking and communication styles.

What is inclusion?

Inclusion puts diversity into meaningful action and builds a culture of belonging, respect, and connection by actively inviting the contribution and participation of all people.

What is an equity lens?

Using an equity lens means we are thoughtful and inclusive in all decisions, including policies, practices, programs, and budgets. An equity lens can be applied to decisions around how funding is allocated, how programs are planned and implemented, and how we prioritize maintenance of our existing assets.

It means we partner with the community to set goals and strive for processes and outcomes that promote health and wellbeing for all community members. We take an equity lens when we ask ourselves questions about community involvement, decision-making processes, values and assumptions, and outcomes.

Note: Talking points are subject to change.