The Long Beach City Council meeting on September 9, 2025, focused primarily on the adoption of the city’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting was notable for its lack of presentations, allowing council members to dive directly into discussions and public comments.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Guaranteed Basic Income program. Public speakers, including Kathleen Adams and Dr. Drew Jones, expressed strong support for the program, emphasizing its importance for community mental health and well-being. Adams shared a personal story highlighting the struggles faced by families in need, while Jones urged the council to ensure that no family or child goes without support.

The council also addressed the extension of a contract with California State University, Long Beach, to continue research on the Guaranteed Income pilot program. This extension aims to align with the university's academic calendar and is expected to yield a preliminary report by the end of the fiscal year.

In addition to budget discussions, several public comments raised concerns about safety and management issues within the city’s refuse department. Speakers highlighted allegations of corruption, safety violations, and inadequate responses to public safety issues, particularly regarding the unhoused population in downtown Long Beach. Business owners voiced frustrations over crime and safety, calling for more effective measures to protect their establishments.

The meeting concluded with a call for public comments on the budget, with 46 individuals signed up to speak. This reflects a high level of community engagement and concern regarding the city’s financial priorities and the effectiveness of its programs.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city council's commitment to addressing pressing social issues through budget allocations while also revealing significant public concern over safety and management practices within city departments. The council is expected to continue discussions and finalize the budget in the coming weeks.