PRESS RELEASE

The City of Long Beach will be hosting the ‘Everyone In’ Economic Equity Summit on Thursday, May 17, 2018, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, at the Long Beach Convention Center.The ‘Everyone In’ Summit is a culminating event that will showcase the progress made with the ‘Everyone In’ economic inclusion initiative since its launch by the Long Beach City Council in November 2017, and will further explore innovative approaches to building a more inclusive economy as part of the City’s innovative Blueprint for Economic Development. Anyone interested can register for free event tickets by visiting bit.ly/everyoneinsummit. Space is limited.

“The City of Long Beach is experiencing a period of incredible economic growth and we need to make sure that everyone benefits,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “The Equity Summit is an extension of our 10 Year Economic Blueprint and our work to promote economic inclusion for our entire community.”

The ‘Everyone In’ Summit, in partnership with Los Angeles Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LA LISC), will bring together local business leaders, community leaders, policymakers, and philanthropic partners for a deep exploration of strategies that advance economic equity, through topics such as:

• Strengthening entrepreneurship and small businesses in diverse communities.
• Financial inclusion and access.
• Pathways to homeownership.
• Fostering equity in new and emerging industries.
• Approaching transit-oriented development with an equity lens.
• Developing the next generation of leaders. 

“This groundbreaking initiative enables us to place a laser focus on providing economic opportunities to all corners of our city,” stated Vice Mayor Rex Richardson. “Economic inclusion is a smarter proposition for our city. It means that everyone benefits, and everyone has a seat at the table.”

Dr. Manuel Pastor, Director of USC’s Program for Environmental and Regional Equity (PERE) and Director of USC’s Center for the Study of Immigration Integration (CSII), will deliver the opening keynote address, while Valeisha Butterfield Jones, Google’s Head of Women and Black Community Engagement will deliver the luncheon keynote address.

“All of Long Beach should have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the City’s growth and economic prosperity,” said Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, Executive Director of Los Angeles Local Initiatives Support Corporation. “The best chance at sustaining a local thriving economy requires that we take concerted action to foster economic inclusion to ensure that low-income communities are not left behind.” 

Wilson & Associates will be presenting findings from the ‘Everyone In’ Listening Tour, a series of focus groups with underrepresented communities; and PolicyLink will be presenting preliminary findings from the Economic Equity Profile, a study funded by Citi Community Development, that serves as a basis for ongoing dialogue about the economic challenges and opportunities facing Long Beach communities. Both projects were approved by the full City Council on November 7, 2017, at the request of Vice Mayor Rex Richardson.

Attendees will also hear from experts from around the county on how economic inclusion practices are benefiting their communities through a plenary panel discussion as well as participate in a series of breakout sessions on increasing local and inclusive procurement, workforce development, alternative models of business and homeownership, and youth leadership development.

Sponsors for the ‘Everyone In’ Economic Equity Summit include Wells Fargo, the City of Long Beach, Long Beach Transit, the Southern California Association of Governments, and the Port of Long Beach.

About Economic Development

The mission of the City’s Economic Development Department is to create economic opportunities for workers, investors, and entrepreneurs through its innovative 10-Year Blueprint for Economic Development. This includes making it easier to start and grow a business, streamline the process for property development, and provide businesses with a skilled workforce. The Department includes Property Development, Business Development, and the Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network. For more information on the Economic & Property Development Department, please visit http://www.longbeach.gov/economicdevelopment/ or follow us on Twitter @LBEconDev and Facebook.