Long Beach Advances $1B Infrastructure Plan, Park Upgrades and Lagoon Restoration
Long Beach, CA – March 27, 2026 – City leaders push forward on a $1B infrastructure plan, major park upgrades and final lagoon restoration work.
Long Beach city leaders are pressing ahead with a sweeping slate of capital projects as part of the Elevate ’28 Infrastructure Investment Plan, now topping $1 billion in planned improvements across parks, streets and public facilities.
Infrastructure Investment Surges
The city’s adopted FY 26 Capital Improvement Program outlines continued work on mobility upgrades, sidewalk repairs, bridge rehabilitation and traffic safety enhancements. Funding comes from a mix of local sales tax revenue, grants and state and federal sources.
Officials say infrastructure spending has grown dramatically over the past decade, with more than 180 projects in planning, design or construction. The goal is twofold: address long-standing deferred maintenance and prepare Long Beach to serve as a global host city during the 2028 Olympic Games.
Parks and Open Space Improvements
More than 160 parks citywide are part of the long-term reinvestment strategy. Recent and ongoing projects include playground renovations, restroom rehabilitations, greenbelt improvements and community center upgrades.
Several park expansions and trail enhancements are scheduled for completion in FY 26, adding new recreational amenities while modernizing aging facilities with more energy- and water-efficient systems.
Colorado Lagoon Restoration Nears Finish Line
Environmental restoration remains a priority as the multi-phase Colorado Lagoon project moves toward its anticipated 2026 completion. The effort has focused on improving tidal flow, water quality and habitat conditions, while strengthening shoreline resilience.
City officials view the lagoon work as a model for balancing recreation, environmental stewardship and climate adaptation in coastal neighborhoods.
Balancing Needs and Funding
Despite the progress, city documents acknowledge that Long Beach still faces a substantial annual infrastructure funding gap. Leaders continue to weigh bond financing, grants and voter-approved revenue measures to close that gap without overburdening the general fund.
For residents, the coming year will bring visible construction activity across corridors and parks — part of a broader push to modernize public assets while positioning the city for long-term growth.
Sources
https://lbelevate28.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Elevate-28-Infrastructure-Investment-Plan-Summary-Report-as-of-FY-26-Adoption-1.pdf
https://www.longbeach.gov/globalassets/pw/media-library/documents/resources/general/capital-improvement-plan/capital-improvement-plan/fy-26-adopted-cip-budget-book-final
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorado_Lagoon
