The Long Beach City Council voted Jan. 7 to strengthen the Long Beach Values Act, asking the city’s appointing authorities to affirm their commitment, tightening contractual data-privacy language and authorizing an additional $200,000 for removal-defense services through the Long Beach Justice Fund.

The measure, introduced as a communication from Vice Mayor Ron Yuranga and co-sponsors Councilwoman Mary Zendejas and Councilmember Rick Soady, directs each separate appointing authority — including the Harbor Department, Utilities Department, City Clerk’s Office, Police Oversight, and the elected offices of the City Prosecutor, City Auditor and City Attorney — to formally commit to the Long Beach Values Act and to send letters to City Council confirming that commitment. The motion also asked staff to draft contract language to integrate the city’s data-privacy guidelines into standard agreements and to implement formal data-transfer and use agreements when data is shared.

City leaders and community groups framed the vote as a preemptive step ahead of an expected federal administration change. “We have a responsibility to stand firm on our principles,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in opening remarks before turning the item to Vice Mayor Yuranga. Yuranga described the adopted updates as a reaffirmation that “the City of Long Beach will continue to support diversity, will continue to support equity, and we'll continue to be inclusive in every action that we take.”

The council’s action included three specific staff directions: (1) ask the city manager to include draft language integrating the city’s data-privacy guidelines into contracts and to develop standard data-transfer and use agreements; (2) request that the city manager authorize the additional $200,000 for removal-defense support via the Long Beach Justice Fund as part of the FY 2024 year-end recommendations; and (3) develop new educational materials and community partnerships to inform residents about their rights and available protections. The council accepted a friendly amendment to require a six-month report back on implementation and feasibility.

During the public-comment period, more than two dozen community members and nonprofit leaders urged stronger protections. Speakers included family members of people killed during police contacts, immigrant-rights advocates and representatives from local organizations. Common calls from the public included removing any contractual or policy exceptions that could allow city cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, prohibiting city resources from being used for immigration enforcement, expanding legal-defense funding, and ensuring no inadvertent sharing of personally identifying data with federal immigration authorities.

Councilmembers from both sides of the dais spoke in support. Councilmember Rick Soady said Long Beach has a “duty to lead with compassion and take action.” Councilmember Christina Kerr, Councilmember Thrash Ntuk and other members echoed support and asked staff to report back on the additional requests submitted by community groups.

The council vote carried without a recorded no vote. After the vote, Vice Mayor Yuranga said the city would continue to coordinate with community partners and city departments to implement the measures.

The item does not change state law or federal policy; it directs local departments and appointing authorities to adopt and formalize commitments and to prepare contractual and programmatic steps the city can implement locally.

Implementation steps and timelines will be clarified in the six-month report requested by council.