Top 10 Stories of 2025: Long Beach Responds to Federal Immigration and Funding Impacts

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the stories that moved Long Beach forward—even in the face of uncertainty. Significant shifts in federal funding and immigration policies created new challenges for residents, businesses and City staff—but throughout it all, the City remained focused on clear communication, supporting the community and upholding the values that define Long Beach.

Federal funding is critical to delivering many services, including affordable housing, public safety, public health, youth programs, infrastructure improvements and more. When federal grant programs were reduced or eliminated due to Executive Orders and policy changes, the City moved quickly to communicate what these changes could mean locally and to minimize impacts on residents and operations. Each affected program was carefully evaluated to determine service continuity, workforce impacts and alignment with City priorities.

One significant cut was to long-standing public health programs funded by federal dollars. The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (LBHHS) adjusted certain STI and HIV prevention, outreach and testing services following the loss of approximately $1.3 million in federal funding. While some services were discontinued, the City ensured continued access to comprehensive sexual health care through the Health Department’s Sexual Health Clinic and continues to explore alternative funding sources to restore or adapt services where possible.

Federal funding changes additionally led to the end to the SEED program that was conducted by the City’s Library, Arts and Culture Department as well as the Healthy Active Long Beach program conducted by LBHHS. Employees affected by federal funding losses were also supported through connections to internal opportunities aligned with their skills, reinforcing the City’s commitment to workforce stability.

To keep the community informed as conditions evolved, the City launched a dedicated federal funding updates webpage at longbeach.gov/fedfundingupdates, providing residents with information and reinforcing Long Beach’s commitment to openness and accountability.

Federal immigration policy changes also brought heightened uncertainty and anxiety to our community, including City staff. Understanding the real fear these unprecedented changes can create, the City took steps to support and educate employees on federal law enforcement activity and immigration enforcement. Staff was provided with relevant and practical information sessions, materials for the workplace and training, which will support employees directly, but also the community who visit public City buildings. To further support the community, the City worked closely with trusted community-based organizations to share accurate information and support trainings, while also assisting local businesses impacted by federal immigration enforcement activity. Following a number of federal immigration enforcement incidents at Long Beach businesses, City staff were deployed to provide outreach and connect affected individuals with resources, including the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network, BizCare, emergency relief, case management, social services and free legal support, ensuring residents were not navigating these challenges alone.

At the same time, Long Beach reaffirmed its commitment to the Long Beach Values Act, which underscores the City’s dedication to upholding the rights and protections of all residents. This commitment is further advanced through the Defending Our Long Beach Values Plan, included in the FY 26 budget and supported by more than $5 million in available assistance. Investments include expanding the Long Beach Justice Fund to $1.85 million, $500,000 for emergency relief and rapid-response services, and $150,000 to launch a Safe Place Business Certification Program with multilingual know-your-rights trainings and materials. The Mayor’s FY 26 recommendations, approved by City Council through the budget process, strengthen accountability and preparedness across City operations.

Amid federal funding challenges and immigration policy changes, the City of Long Beach took consistent action guided by transparency, compassion and a commitment to supporting residents and essential services.