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Youth Power PB Returns: Long Beach Youth Vote on Summer Programming
By Staff Writer
Published on Tue, Nov 25, 2025
The City of Long Beach is kicking off the fourth year of Youth Power Participatory Budgeting (PB) Long Beach, a hands-on process that puts real decision-making in the hands of young people ages 12 to 26. During this process, local youth will help decide how to invest public dollars in summer programs.
Youth Power PB Long Beach is the City’s first citywide participatory budgeting initiative, supporting projects created by community organizations that align with the Youth & Emerging Adults Strategic Plan. The process gives young people a meaningful way to shape programs that build community, strengthen leadership skills and create lasting impact. For this cycle, participants will vote on proposals requesting between $10,000 and $50,000, with a total of $500,000 available. Winning projects will be funded in summer 2026 through Measure US and one-time General Fund support.
To get things started, the City is hosting four in-person community meetings where youth can pitch their ideas:
- Thursday, Dec. 4, 4:30–6:30 p.m. — Doris Topsy-Elvord Community Center at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.)
- Saturday, Dec. 6, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Youth Movement and Education Center (2217 E. 6th St.)
- Thursday, Dec. 11, 4:30–6:30 p.m. — Juanita Millender-McDonald Community Center at Admiral Kidd Park (2125 Santa Fe Ave.)
- Tuesday, Dec. 16, 4:30–6:30 p.m. — Whaley Park Community Center (5620 E. Atherton St.)
In January and February, youth steering committee members will review all submitted ideas and pair selected concepts with community organizations interested in bringing them to life. Youth and community organizations will then refine the ideas into full proposals during the project development phase in March.
Once the ballot is set, youth across Long Beach will be invited to vote online or in person at locations including teen centers, libraries and high schools.
Young people who want to get involved can complete the youth interest form to learn more about the different ways to participate. Community organizations eager to collaborate during the proposal development phase can fill out the organization interest form.
Last year’s Youth Power PB cycle saw a major surge in community engagement, with more than 400 ideas submitted—over nine times the previous year. The 11 funded projects focused on community care, housing, health and wellness, future planning and transportation, aligning with five of the six goals in the Youth & Emerging Adults Strategic Plan. Details about 2025-funded projects are available at longbeach.gov/youthfund.
For full program information, visit investinyouthlb.org.
