The City of Long Beach is putting its money where its mouth is when it comes to investing in the future of public service. Starting off with a hands-on approach, the inaugural class of the Long Beach Public Service Corps kicked off their journey, with 48 fellows from local institutions including Cal State Long Beach and Long Beach City College being welcomed into the fold. These bright-eyed college seniors and graduates reported to their designated worksites throughout various city departments on their first day, as reported by longbeach.gov.
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson sang high praises for the cohort during his State of the City address, stating, “Public service is a gift that we should share with future generations.” Mayor Richardson, continuing to fortify his commitment towards nurturing local talent, says that the corps will provide access to "long-term employment with the City of Long Beach, and the healthcare benefits, secure retirement, and economic stability these jobs afford." The hope? To have those educated at Long Beach's educational institutions serving the community they call home.
The next few months for the fellows are chalked full of skill-building – from professional development workshops to networking opportunities with city leadership. By tackling substantial projects and initiatives, they are to pave their career paths while simultaneously addressing the strategic priorities and needs of the city. This hands-on experience is not just about clocking in hours; it's about building the foundations for a career rooted in public service.
Backing this innovative program is a partnership that stretches to the top rungs of Californian leadership. The enthusiastic support from Josh Fryday, California Chief Service Officer, aligns with Governor Gavin Newsom’s vision of "empowering Californians to take action in their communities." Fryday commended the City of Long Beach for "their leadership and innovation in developing this model program." Compliments that are echoed by city officials like Alisa Muñoz, Acting Executive Director of the city’s Workforce Development Board, who sees the program as a direct reflection of their mission to create economic opportunities.
Financial commitment from the city manifested when the City Manager's proposal of a one-time allocation of $300,000 for the program was given a thumbs up by the City Council last September. This investment into the Economic Development Department’s Workforce Development Bureau, also known as Pacific Gateway Workforce Innovation Network, was a tangible demonstration of Mayor Richardson's intention to establish a Public Service Pathways Program outlined during his first 100 days in office.
For interested parties looking for more information or hoping to join future cohorts, they can reach out to Workforce Officer Eli Romero at [email protected]. Meanwhile, the City of Long Beach continues to cement its reputation as a place where community, culture, and commitment to progressive municipal initiatives come together, promising a melting pot of opportunity for its citizens and the generations to follow.
