Mobility, Ports, & Infrastructure Committee

Speed Safety Systems Pilot Program | MPI Meeting Oct 7

Early last year, the passage of Assembly Bill 645 (AB645) allowed Long Beach to participate in the Speed Safety Systems Pilot Program, aimed to mitigate unsafe driving and reduce speeding-related accidents and fatalities. Long Beach will be allowed to install 18 speed systems designed issue warnings and citations for excessive speeding on high-injury networks, near schools, or on known street-racing corridors. Per AB645, implementation must be prefaced with a Speed Safety System Use Policy and a Speed Safety System Impact Report. These reports are now available, and the findings will be presented by the Traffic Engineering team at the upcoming MPI Committee meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 7th, at 2pm in the City Hall Chambers. I encourage you to attend, watch online, or submit your public comment to the City Clerk. As an additional avenue for community input, Public Works has created a website where you can learn more and submit your feedback during the 30-day review/public comment period, which will open from Oct. 7 to Nov. 7, 2025.

In an effort to expedite the process of implementing this highly anticipated program, the presentation at the MPI Committee meeting will serve as the main form of public outreach regarding staff recommendations for speed system locations. As such, this is a crucial opportunity for any and all interested stakeholders to learn about the program, the process behind identifying recommended locations, and to provide feedback to the Public Works Traffic Engineering team. As you consider your own feedback, please remember that AB645 includes stipulations and requirements regarding where the speed systems can be placed. Learn more about the program and its requirements by reviewing AB645, or at the City's informational webpage.

Banned Books Week

Upcoming Council Presentation & "Books Unbanned" at LBPL

For more than 40 years, Banned Books Week has brought librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types together in shared support of the freedom to seek and express ideas, even when those ideas may be controversial or challenging. As we continue to see escalation in attempts to ban books in libraries, schools, and bookstores around the country, it’s as crucial as ever to stand up for the right to read, and to protect our nation’s diverse voices, stories, and young minds against the harms of censorship and silencing. 

On Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, Long Beach will reaffirm its commitment against book bans and censorship, with a proclamation and a presentation from the Friends of the Long Beach Public Library and the Long Beach Public Library Foundation during the City Council meeting. Tune in or attend to learn more about the importance of raising awareness, protecting against censorship, and Long Beach’s participation in Books Unbanned. This initiative, inspired by the Brooklyn Public Library and others, empowers teens and young adults residing outside of LA County with free, unrestricted digital access to thousands of books in the Long Beach Public Library catalog. As censorship attempts continue nationwide, this is one way Long Beach can take a stand for the freedom of access to information of all types, regardless of the limitations young people may face in their own communities. Learn more online at LBPLFoundation.org/BooksUnbanned, or find the Friends of the LBPL in person at local events throughout the month, including tonight’s First Fridays in Bixby Knolls! 

District 5 Office

CD5 Community Meeting | Oct 23

Join us at next month’s CD5 Community Meeting on Thursday, October 23rd, at 6pm at the Expo Arts Center (4321 Atlantic Ave). We will be joined by members of the LBPD as well as an additional speaker pending confirmation. Keep an eye out for more details as the date approaches!

While not required, we ask that those who plan to attend please RSVP to help us prepare adequate seating. We hope to see you there! 

Public Works

Green Bin Distribution for Thurs/Fri Collection Continues, Service to Begin Oct 9/10

*Reminder: While most of the green organics collection bins have already been rolled out to residents, those with Thursday/Friday collection days will not be picked up until October 9th and 10th. This two-week allowance for bin distribution before collection begins is consistent with the previous phases of the program rollout.

While residents cannot “opt out” of this State-mandated service, the City is offering bins in 3 sizes (95-gallon, 65-gallon, or 35-gallon) to help residents find the right size for their household, which can help reduce spills, contaminations, and costs. For more details on how to request a different bin size, in addition to guidelines and tips on separating your organics, visit longbeach.gov/LBOrganics or call 562-570-2876.

*Note: The City is currently experiencing shortages of 35-gallon trash and all organics carts due to high demand. Cart exchanges are scheduled to resume the week of November 3rd. Learn more on the Organics FAQ page.

Public Works thanks you for your continued patience throughout the implementation of this new service. Change never comes without challenges, but Public Works is working diligently to onboard more trucks, drivers, and call center staff to better serve our neighborhoods. In the meantime, please keep the following in mind:

• New Routes & Pickup Times: Truck routes are being optimized and pickup windows may vary from what you are used to. Please set your bins out by 6am on your collection day to avoid service interruptions.

• Missed Pickups: Please allow the full day (6am-6pm) for collection to occur; the crew may still be on the way. If your bins have still not been serviced after 6pm on your collection day, please complete the form online. Leave the bin in its service area (curb or alley) and collection should occur the following day.

• Contamination & Inaccessible Bins Protocol: When drivers observe contamination or an area is not accessible, they will place a tag on the bin to inform residents of the reason for the missed service. This process is intended to improve communications and prevent future interruptions in service. Crews will still be working to return and service the bins as soon as possible.

*Kitchen Pail Distributions: To help make separating food scraps in the kitchen easier, Public Works will be distributing free kitchen pails at various locations across the city this month. Find them at First Fridays in Bixby Knolls tonight, Oct. 3rd, or look for Kitchen Pail Distribution Events on the Public Works event calendar!