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City of Long Beach Launches Vacancy to Vibrancy Storefront Program to Revitalize Business Corridors

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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach is taking steps to revitalize its commercial spaces through a new initiative called the Vacancy to Vibrancy Storefront Program. In partnership with the Arts Council for Long Beach (ACLB), the City's Department of Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO) has announced this program that aims to transform vacant storefronts into visually engaging community assets through art installations created by local artists.

Mayor Rex Richardson expressed his excitement about the program, stating, "The Vacancy to Vibrancy Storefront Program is a creative and community-driven initiative to bring life and color back to our commercial spaces. By connecting local artists and property owners, we're turning vacant storefronts into opportunities for creativity, connection, and economic growth."

The Program offers property owners free-of-cost vinyl window wraps designed to enhance curb appeal, deter vandalism, and attract new tenants to the city's diverse business corridors. Eligible property owners can apply online and have their storefronts temporarily wrapped in artwork inspired by Long Beach's unique neighborhoods, culture, and history.

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EDO staff will lead the application and selection process to identify suitable vacant commercial properties while ACLB will manage artist engagement, design, and installation. Applications will be reviewed within 60-90 days of submission on a rolling basis until all funds are exhausted. Preference will be given to long-term vacancies located along key commercial corridors.

"The goal is to enhance the beauty and vibrancy of Long Beach's unique and authentic commercial corridors," said EDO Director Bo Martinez. "By integrating local art into these spaces, we are supporting homegrown talent, strengthening the vitality of our neighborhood marketplaces, and demonstrating that Long Beach is a city that welcomes and celebrates business."

This program aligns with EDO's broader efforts towards revitalization and small business support through programs like BizCare and Visual Improvement Program. These initiatives assist businesses and property owners in maintaining attractive and welcoming spaces. It also aligns with the goals of the Grow Long Beach Economic Blueprint, which prioritizes investment in façade improvements, creative placemaking, and small business corridor activation.

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Griselda Suárez, Executive Director of ACLB, emphasized the importance of this program for local artists. "Artists have always been at the heart of Long Beach's identity, and this Program lets their creativity strengthen our neighborhoods. Vacancy to Vibrancy is more than beautification - it's an investment in local talent and a more welcoming city for residents and small businesses."

The City has allocated a one-time funding of $25,000 as part of its adopted Fiscal Year 2025 Budget to launch this pilot program. This funding will support the installation of artistic window wraps on vacant or underutilized storefronts to improve aesthetic appeal and deter vandalism.

EDO is dedicated to driving inclusive economic growth and opportunity by supporting business development, real estate investment, workforce initiatives, and public-private partnerships throughout Long Beach. The ACLB is a nonprofit organization that strives to cultivate the physical, social, and economic characteristics of Long Beach neighborhoods by nurturing and enlivening the arts.

For businesses interested in participating in the Program or learning more about resources for small businesses in Long Beach, they can contact BizCare at 562.570.4BIZ (4249) or BizCare@longbeach.gov. More information can also be found on EDO's website at longbeach.gov/bizdev.

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