Long Beach faces $58 million deficit, plans cuts to public safety and city services

Long Beach officials are confronting a $58 million budget shortfall for the 2026‑27 fiscal year. City Manager Tom Modica presented a $4 billion budget that would eliminate more than 260 positions and cancel over 200 vacant jobs, representing roughly 4 % of the city’s nearly 6,000 employees. The cuts target public safety, libraries, youth programs and the health department, including the shutdown of Fire Engine 14, removal of 17 vacant patrol officer slots, and a $2.68 million reduction in police overtime.

The city also plans to raise hourly parking rates from $2 to $3, reduce library hours, and cut several community‑service programs. Despite the reductions, funding for a 12‑officer High Crime Focus Team, a real‑time crime center, and a $6.5 million police helicopter will be preserved. Long Beach has already drawn $27 million from its reserves, leaving $33.6 million available.

Financial reports show the city’s cash‑to‑priorities ratio fell 41 % to 193 %, and total long‑term debt stands at $2.4 billion, with $1.58 billion in bonds owed, including $533 million to the Port of Long Beach. Mayor Rex Richardson has indicated a desire to restore 70 positions while protecting key public‑safety functions.