Long Beach's youngest residents get another shot at municipal decision-making with the Office of Youth Development's second year of Youth Power PB (Participatory Budgeting). Mayor Rex Richardson lauds this initiative, proclaiming, "The youth participatory budgeting process allows young people themselves to decide on which projects best support positive youth development." The program opens the financial gates, with a tidy sum of $400,000 at the behest of those aged 13 to 26. Projects ranging from $10,000 to $75,000 will be up for grabs and the pot comes courtesy of Measure US Youth Fund dollars, according to a press release from the City of Long Beach.
On January 25, the Health Department's Office of Youth Development will be briefing potential young innovators about the participatory budgeting framework and how they can throw their ideas into the ring. As per the release, the think tank session is just the beginning of an inclusive phase where all proposals are welcomed through February 18. Acting Health and Human Services Director Alison King is about as excited as they come, stating, "We’re thrilled that the Youth Power PB Long Beach process can continue to strengthen shared governance, build community connections, and expand a multi-racial democracy in Long Beach."
The three-phase system moves from idea collection to proposal development and finally to the ballot box. Come April, Long Beach youth will exercise their democratic muscles across a span of ten days, though physical presence at various voting centers dotted across the city is a must. Last year's pilot proved to be a roaring success, with 60 ideas distilled into 19 viable options and over 800 validated votes, redirecting funds into projects focused on community care, housing, health and wellness, and transport. Each pillar aligns snugly with the city's Youth & Emerging Adults Strategic Plan.
Support for Youth Power PB Long Beach is robust, with non-profit organizations stepping up to bat, and drafting proposals in harmony with the Long Beach Youth and Emerging Adults Strategic Plan. The financial injection is thanks to Measure US with an assist from the Wallace Foundation as part of the Mayor’s Fund for Long Beach. Citywide, the initiative is heralded as a beacon of youth empowerment, and Long Beach itself – a Southern California gem boasting nearly half a million souls – sets the scene. Culture, community, and now, citizen-led financial planning, continue to thrive under its auspices.
