Mayor

International Relations

Mayor Richardson has elevated Long Beach’s global profile through strengthened diplomatic, cultural, and trade initiatives. Recognizing the city’s strategic role as home to one of the nation’s largest ports, Richardson has focused on building relationships that promote investment, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Trade and Diplomacy

Under Richardson’s leadership, Long Beach launched new trade missions to Asia, Europe, and Latin America to promote the city as a leader in green shipping, logistics, and clean-tech innovation. These delegations advanced economic ties, environmental cooperation, and investment opportunities while reinforcing Long Beach’s status as a gateway for international commerce. Mayor Richardson has actively represented Long Beach on the global stage, participating in international trade missions across three continents and in five countries, including Austria (Vienna), France (Paris), China, Japan, and South Korea. Through these trade missions, he has worked to strengthen economic partnerships, attract foreign investment, and promote Long Beach as a premier destination for international trade, advanced manufacturing, and innovation. These efforts are part of his broader strategy to expand global relationships, open new markets for local businesses, and position Long Beach as a key player in the global economy.

Protocols Officer

In 2024, Richardson appointed the city’s first Protocols Officer to coordinate Long Beach’s growing international affairs portfolio. The position ensures seamless engagement with foreign dignitaries, supports diplomatic visits, and enhances global partnership development.

Sister Cities Program

Mayor Richardson reinvigorated the Sister Cities Program, expanding international partnerships focused on education, cultural exchange, and economic collaboration. His administration has signed new agreements with cities across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe, including efforts to grow relationships in Spain and Latin America, reflecting Long Beach’s increasingly global outlook. In 2023, he led a delegation to Yokkaichi, Japan, in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the two cities’ Sister City relationship. During that trip, Mayors Richardson and Mori opened a new park symbolizing Long Beach’s historical partnership with Yokkaichi — the first Sister City of Long Beach.

Long Beach is also celebrating its 40th anniversary with Qingdao, China, marking decades of friendship and collaboration. Under Richardson’s leadership, the Sister Cities Program has become a platform for civic diplomacy, student exchanges, high-level delegations, and global learning initiatives that strengthen Long Beach’s international ties.