Chamber of Commerce supports local housing preference idea

The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce released a statement today in support of a proposal by City Council members Robert Garcia and Gary DeLong to begin investigating how to increase the number of locals who receive affordable housing. About 60 percent of the city's affordable housing residents were already living in Long Beach. Here's the full statement:

Randy Gordon, President and CEO of the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
released the following statement today regarding Councilmembers Robert
Garcia and Gary DeLong's proposed housing preference:

"It is a policy priority of the Long Beach Chamber to support responsible
housing policies that help attract and retain Long Beach businesses.
Specifically, the Chamber is committed to supporting efforts, such as the
proposed housing preference, which will increase workforce housing
opportunities for Long Beach residents."

"The Chamber supports Councilmembers Robert Garcia and Gary DeLong's
upcoming request of the City Attorney and City Manager to return to the
Council within 60 days to report on approaches to strengthen the local
housing preference program in new and existing residential developments."


"When housing developments open, the City of Long Beach conducts an outreach
effort to local residents before opening up the new housing to applicants
who do not live in Long Beach. According to Garcia and DeLong,
approximately 60% of new units go to people who live or work in Long Beach
at the time of application. This leaves 40% of Long Beach's workforce
housing stock to residents who do not live or work in Long Beach. Long Beach
residents deserve better."

"The Chamber looks forward to working with Councilmembers Garcia and DeLong
to create a stronger housing preference for Long Beach residents and
workers. City resources should serve Long Beach residents first."