Long Beach's youth have spoken, and in doing so, they've tripled voter turnout from last year's participatory budgeting project. Nearly 2,000 individuals, aged between 12 and 26, stepped up to have their say in the Youth Power PB Long Beach 2025 initiative. This democratic process, directed at choosing which local youth-focused programs will get a slice of the $550,000 in funding, was organized by the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Youth Development, alongside several key partners.
Mayor Rex Richardson hailed this year's turnout as a testament to youth commitment, stating, “Participatory budgeting is more than a civic process—it’s a promise that every voice matters, and every young resident has the power to shape our community,” in a statement obtained by the City of Long Beach. Eleven organizations were selected for grant awards, showcasing projects that ranged from mental health initiatives to automotive education.
The electorate cast their votes at various locations, including schools, libraries, and other community venues from April 8 to 23, choosing up to four programs they wanted to fund. The projects that resonated most centered on key areas like community care, health and wellness, and future planning. Each winning initiative is set to receive $50,000 to foster activities throughout the summer months in Long Beach.
Among the awarded projects, the Volunteer Center received 397 votes for their youth-led Impact Makers: Act Now Long Beach program, while the Sowing Seeds of Change garnered 342 votes with their Cultivating Young Chefs endeavor. Youth looking to explore cultural identity and build life skills might take an interest in Project Optimism's Boys of Optimism Leadership & Development (B.O.L.D.) Summer Academy, a mentorship and leadership program that attracted 253 votes. Further details on these and the other winning projects can be found on the Office of Youth Development Youth Fund webpage.
