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Long Beach Seeks Community Input to Improve Access and Participation in City Council Meetings
By Staff Writer
Published on Mon, Jan 26, 2026
The City of Long Beach is inviting residents, community-based organizations and local business owners to help shape the future of City Council meetings. Through a new community survey, the City is seeking input on how to make meetings more accessible and inclusive.
The survey is designed to better understand how community members currently engage with City Council meetings and identify barriers that may limit participation. It is available online in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog, and will remain open through March 20. Residents who need computer access may use public computer labs at any open Long Beach Public Library location. Printed copies of the survey will also be available at upcoming City Commission meetings through the City Clerk’s Office.
The community survey was previously circulated in October 2025, leading to a variety of proposed changes to City Council meetings. Suggested changes include expanding early public comment, estimating times for high-interest agenda items, adjusting public comment periods, setting earlier meeting start times and maintaining current limits on ceremonial items and presentations.
In November, City Council directed the City Manager and City Clerk to further evaluate the proposed changes and consider implementation of Senate Bill 707, a new state law that requires hybrid meetings and virtual public comment options. The City also requested another round of community surveys to explore other ways to streamline meetings and broaden public participation.
Survey results will be shared with the Citizens Advisory Commission on Disabilities (CACoD) after the survey closes in March. The commission will use the feedback to inform additional recommendations, which are expected to be presented to the City Council in mid-2026.
