The City of Long Beach has released the Downtown Shoreline Vision Plan – Draft Vision Concept (Draft Vision Concept) for the downtown waterfront.
“The Draft Vision Concept is a bold step toward reimagining our waterfront as a world-class destination that is vibrant, sustainable and accessible to all,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “This Vision will ensure that Long Beach remains a leader in innovative urban planning, fostering a dynamic waterfront experience that connects our residents, businesses and visitors to our city’s natural beauty.”
Led by the city’s Community Development Department, the Draft Vision Concept’s key proposals include the siting of a cultural and/or research hub, the potential creation of a new hotel opportunity, and the relocation of Catalina Landing to Rainbow Harbor to introduce a new outdoor wetland. The plan envisions improved pedestrian and bicycle connectivity along the waterfront, enhanced resilience to sea level rise, expansion of the marina system, and the transformation of open spaces like Marina Green into venues for large-scale community events. For a virtual guide of the draft concepts, view the online video available in both English and Spanish.
The city invites all Long Beach residents to review the Draft Vision Concept and share their input online at longbeach.gov/dtshorelb now through Sunday, June 15, 2025. Feedback collected during this period will help refine the final Vision Plan, set for completion in fall 2025. Residents can also visit the webpage for project updates and details on future engagement opportunities.
“This Vision challenges us to reimagine our beautiful downtown shoreline and sets the stage for a more inclusive and sustainable future that further prioritizes community by creating more opportunities for people to come together,” said First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas. “We invite the community to join us in shaping a waterfront where businesses, residents and visitors alike can experience a new and exciting chapter in Long Beach’s dynamic evolution.”
Throughout spring and summer 2025, the city will also host a series of community engagement pop-ups, including at the upcoming Earth Day: Teen Climate Fest at the Aquarium of the Pacific and Beach Streets West. Engagement will culminate with a larger-scale community event and celebration at Shoreline Aquatic Park on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 5 to 8 p.m. The event will include opportunities to learn more about the Vision, give feedback, participate in a collaborative art project to represent the Vision, take a boat ride along the shoreline on Long Beach Transit’s AquaLink, and enjoy a local DJ and refreshments. More information about these events will be provided in the coming weeks.
“Building on what is already wonderful about Long Beach, this Vision points the way to an even better, exciting, equitable, shared Downtown Shoreline,” said Long Beach Community Development Director, Christopher Koontz. “With sports facilities, performing and visual arts, wetlands, spaces to create community and celebrate, the City’s commitment to thoughtful, inclusive planning shows in this document. We encourage all residents to share their input and ideas as we grow Long Beach’s economy and waterfront in a sustainable and community-driven manner.”
For more information and to stay updated on the project, visit longbeach.gov/dtshorelb.
