Top 10 Stories of 2025: Long Beach Reaches Major Housing Milestone With Over 5,000 Homes Approved

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re celebrating the accomplishments that helped move Long Beach forward—and one of the most impactful is the City’s progress in expanding housing opportunities. Long Beach reached a major housing milestone: approving entitlements for more than 5,000 new homes over the past three years.

From January 2023 through November 2025, the City approved 5,210 housing units, including 1,117 affordable homes, creating options for low- and middle-income families, veterans and older adults. This represents an average of more than 1,700 new units approved each year—a 147% increase compared to the previous three-year period. These approvals reflect a balanced mix of market-rate and affordable housing and demonstrate Long Beach’s commitment to building a more inclusive housing landscape.

Beyond approvals, housing starts have climbed steadily in recent years, reaching more than 1,700 permits issued in 2024, with another strong year anticipated once 2025 totals are finalized. Long Beach has also emerged as a statewide leader in accessory dwelling units (ADUs), setting a new city record in 2024 with 747 ADU permits issued, expanding housing options within existing neighborhoods.

Looking ahead, Long Beach will start 2026 with three affordable housing developments under construction:

• The 101, located at 101 E. Pacific Coast Highway, will offer 51 apartments for people who have experienced homelessness.

• 300 Alamitos, north of Alamitos Beach, will have 81 apartments for older adults who have lower incomes or who have experienced homelessness.

• Habitat for Humanity Townhomes, on the 5500 block of Orange Avenue in North Long Beach, will give low-income families a path toward ownership of three- or four-bedroom homes.

The City and its development partners are also expected to break ground on five affordable housing projects in 2026, including:

• The Armory Arts Collective, the careful evolution of the historic Armory complex at 854 E. 7th St., which will provide 63 apartments for older adults.

• AMCAL Linden Apartments, on the 900 block of Linden Avenue just north of downtown, which will provide 99 affordable homes for families.

• 1401 Long Beach Blvd., which will have 151 apartments for low-income families.

• Fountain Street Apartments, consisting of 72 affordable rental units at 4151 E. Fountain St. near Traffic Circle, including some units specifically for individuals with disabilities.

• Habitat for Humanity Townhomes, seven units at 15th Street and Palmer Court, which will give families another opportunity for home ownership.

Together, these efforts reflect the City’s commitment to creating housing, greater stability and stronger communities for years to come.

For more information about future development planning in Long Beach, visit the Planning Bureau’s webpage. For more information about upcoming affordable housing developments, visit the Housing and Neighborhood Services Bureau webpage.