Long Beach’s Youth Power Participatory Budget

In April 2025 young people ages 12-26 who live, work or play in Long Beach, California had the chance to vote on how $550,000 will be spent on a wide range of youth-centered projects, with awarded sums ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Nearly 2,000 individuals, aged between 12 and 26 voted.

“Young people are at the heart of our city’s future, and their voices deserve to be heard in shaping the programs that impact them,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. A video was produced informing young people of the opportunity.

The Youth Power PB Long Beach program is Long Beach’s first citywide participatory budget process and entrusts the city’s young people to decide how Measure US and Racial Reconciliation Funding dollars are distributed. Eleven organizations were selected for grant awards, showcasing projects that ranged from mental health initiatives to training, cultural identity and leadership skills.

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Find out more on the LB Youth Power website