Nearly $4 Billion Budget: Residents Question Spending as Fire Cuts Enter Debate

Long Beach leaders have released their proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, a spending plan approaching $4 billion that is already creating debate over how the city should use taxpayer money.

City officials say Long Beach is facing major financial challenges, including slower tax revenue growth, rising employee costs, inflation, and uncertainty over future funding. Officials have warned the city could face a $60 million to $80 million budget gap in the coming years if spending continues to grow faster than revenue.

To address the financial pressure, the city is looking at possible budget reductions, including delaying projects, reducing department spending, and leaving some positions unfilled.

Public safety has become one of the biggest concerns in the budget discussion. While the city has not approved cuts to fire engines, budget planning materials included possible scenarios that would reduce fire resources, including eliminating one fire engine and one paramedic rescue ambulance if certain cuts were needed. City officials say these are options being studied, not final decisions. (Long Beach Legistar⁠)

The possibility has raised concerns among residents who worry that fewer emergency resources could increase response times and impact public safety.

Some residents are also questioning whether Long Beach is spending its money on the right priorities. Critics say the city should focus more on issues people see every day, including fixing streets, improving public safety, addressing homelessness, and keeping neighborhoods clean before funding new programs and projects.

Mayor Rex Richardson and City Manager Tom Modica say the proposed budget focuses on protecting essential services while making responsible decisions to keep the city financially stable.

The proposed FY27 budget will go through public meetings and City Council hearings before a final budget vote later this year. Residents will have opportunities to weigh in on how Long Beach spends billions of dollars in taxpayer money. (Long Beach Government⁠)