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Long Beach Launches AI Strategy and Community Digital Skills Training
By Staff Writer
Published on Wed, Feb 18, 2026
The City of Long Beach is taking a major step forward in responsible innovation with the launch of a new artificial intelligence strategy designed to strengthen City operations, support the workforce and help the community confidently navigate an increasingly AI-driven world.
The strategy focuses on building internal AI capacity by equipping staff with the skills, tools and resources needed to use emerging technologies safely and effectively. Just as importantly, the plan prioritizes community trust and transparency. The City will host AI workshops for residents, publish clear information about its AI initiatives on a dedicated website and create opportunities for community co-design — helping ensure everyone can benefit from new technologies.
To support thoughtful adoption, the strategy outlines actions such as launching pilot programs, conducting risk assessments and developing responsible procurement practices. The City will also establish an inventory and use-case registry for AI technologies to promote accountability. Recognizing the environmental impacts associated with AI systems, including electricity and water demands, the strategy calls for exploring sustainability measures in alignment with the Climate Action Plan.
To further advance these efforts, Long Beach has secured $171,820 in California Advanced Services Fund grants through the California Public Utilities Commission to expand community digital skills and AI education programs.
The funding will support three hands-on initiatives:
- Silverado Park Digital Skills Learn and Earn
This program will provide residents living or working in West Long Beach with 10 hours of basic digital skills training in a culturally relevant and language accessible format at the Silverado Park Community Center.
- AI & Data Privacy Learn and Earn
This program will provide up to 80 community members with 10 hours of hands-on training, and participants who complete the program will receive a computing device to support continued learning and use.
- Microentrepreneur Digital Skills Program
This program aims to empower up to 80 Long Beach entrepreneurs by providing essential digital skills to enhance business operations, expand market reach, and foster sustainable growth. During this multi-week program, residents will complete 10 hours of digital skills training, including computer basics, navigating the internet, online safety and security, email basics and other relevant digital skills.
This comes after the City was awarded the Digital Inclusion Trailblazer award in January, recognizing Long Beach’s broader efforts to close the digital divide.
These efforts reflect the City’s continued commitment to innovation that is thoughtful, inclusive and community-centered. To learn more about digital inclusion programs and upcoming opportunities, visit longbeach.gov/smartcity.
