|
Home >
Track the Issues
>
Downtown Long Beach
 November
10, 2006
Chamber Responds to DLBA
Report on Downtown Long Beach's Economic Presence
On Tuesday, November 8,
2006 the Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA) released a report on the
economic impact of downtown Long Beach.
According to the Press Telegram, "proponents of downtown's continued
revitalization hailed the report as justification for the millions of public
dollars that have been invested in the area, while some say it's time to
invest more money in other parts of the city. Others attacked the report's
author as being biased."
Blake Christian, CPA and
Vice-Chair of Economic Development for the Long Beach Chamber releases the
following statement in response to recent community comments on the DLBA's
report:
Apparently the glass is always half empty for some people around town.
While the Chamber is very pleased, and not surprised, with the findings of
the DLBA-commissioned report that the Downtown region is producing
significant positive economic impact for the City of Long Beach, the Chamber
was quite disappointed with the reactions and the inappropriate remarks made
by community activist Ms. Myown in the Press Telegram (“Downtown L.B. a
Benefit to City” 11/8/2006, Page A25)
These negative sound bites from community activists should not make their
way onto the Business page, since these types of divisive comments can
counteract all the hard work of city staff in making Long Beach one the
“Most Business Friendly” cities in Los Angles County.
Ms. Myown’s personal attack of CSULB Professor Joe Magadino’s research and
character was uncalled for and somewhat disturbing. Mr. Magaddino is not
only a well-respected economist, and active community leader, in the 30
years I have been acquainted with Mr. Magaddino (first as a student of his)
he has always handled himself in the most professional and ethical manner.
The Renaissance of Long Beach, beginning in the 1980’s, is an incredible
success story. The fact that the Downtown area, and its committed
entrepreneurs, lead the city’s turn-around should not be viewed as a
negative. For a city the size of Long Beach, the residents, businesses and
city leaders should be ecstatic with the amazing progress the city has made
over the last two decades – despite a general attitude of no-growth or
slow-growth amongst various City Councils during this period. Thankfully we
have been blessed with a city staff and Mayors that have recognized the
importance of a strong local economy to increase the opportunities for
residents in all corners of Long Beach.
While there is still much to do throughout the city in terms of education,
poverty reduction, crime prevention and economic development, Long Beach
clearly has the location, talent and resources to continue its path to
becoming a world-class city, thereby benefiting everyone that lives and
works in Long Beach.
Mr. Magadino’s research and the DLBA report should not be used as a
lightening rod for those in the community that feel that their represented
residents have been somehow “left behind”. Instead, they should take the
time to read the report and learn how their district can benefit from a
similar strategy.
The Chamber is confident that the DLBA Board and Mr. Magadino will gladly
spend some time with these detractors, explaining how their districts might
benefit with a concerted economic development plan, assuming they are
willing to pick up the phone or send an email. The Chamber Board will also
continue to work with all members of the community to continue the momentum.
Mayor Foster, certain council members, and city staff clearly recognize the
need to make sure that residents in every district are also provided with
the similar opportunities.
Now is the time for business leaders and elected officials to get on the
same page and work together to fix the remaining problems, rather than
continue the political sniping.
Click here to view the Press Telegram article
Email
us for more information. |
|
