The Long Beach City Council convened on September 9, 2025, to discuss a range of budgetary motions and proposals aimed at enhancing city services and community programs for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting focused on various funding requests and policy directions, reflecting the council's commitment to addressing community needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

The session began with a motion to support the budget oversight committee's proposed budget recommendations, which included one-time enhancements to the mayor's budget. A significant priority was the enhancement of paramedic rescue response capabilities, with a request for the city manager to identify immediate solutions and funding sources for these improvements.

Several motions were made to allocate funds for public health initiatives, including a request for $318,187 to support positions in the Black Infant Health Program until grant funding becomes available in 2026. Additionally, the council discussed reserving unspent funds for the Dia de los Muertos parade, which will not occur in fiscal year 26, to ensure $100,000 is available for the event in fiscal year 27.

The council also addressed the cultivation cannabis tax rate, opting to maintain it at 13.09% through October 2026, despite an automatic increase scheduled for October 2025. Other motions included revisions to funding policies for special events and filming, allowing council offices to manage event budgets more flexibly.

Further discussions included a request for $185,000 from the Tidelands operating fund to support municipal band events and a motion to revise the design and permitting funding for pickleball courts at Marina Vista Park. The council also prioritized funding for opioid settlement proceeds to distribute fentanyl detection kits and improve public safety through enhanced lighting and camera installations in business districts.

In terms of community engagement, the council proposed funding for a skate park feasibility study and long-term restoration efforts at Willow Springs Park. The meeting also highlighted the importance of supporting micro-entrepreneurs and enhancing economic opportunities through various funding reallocations.

The council concluded with motions to strengthen the city's general fund reserves and to ensure transparency in the budgeting process by requiring community feedback to be provided before budget adoption. The meeting underscored the council's ongoing efforts to balance community needs with fiscal prudence as they prepare for the upcoming fiscal year.