Highlights
- Opposed proposals to increase Long Beach’s sales tax, which would raise the cost of everyday purchases for residents and local businesses
- Secured a financial analysis on the economic impacts to Long Beach associated with California’s transition away from crude oil and natural gas production
- Secured an audit of the Tidelands Fund to strengthen oversight of funds that support Long Beach’s coastline and coastal services
- Launched the Keep Long Beach Oil Revenue Local effort to advocate for Long Beach receiving its fair share of oil revenue produced in our city
- Opposed proposals to significantly increase the Mayor and City Council office budgets while the City faces a structural deficit
The Approach Behind the Work
Protecting Taxpayers and Strengthening City Finances
Long Beach is becoming more expensive, and the City must do its part to keep costs down. I have focused on protecting taxpayers by opposing policies that raise prices for families and pushing City Hall to use existing tax dollars more responsibly. When we spend wisely, we can do more with the resources we already have.
Long Beach is facing real financial challenges. The City currently faces a structural budget deficit estimated between $60 million and $80 million, meaning ongoing expenses are projected to exceed ongoing revenue. In recent years the City has closed these gaps using one-time dollars that were set aside for that purpose, but that approach cannot continue indefinitely.
These challenges are compounded by the long-term decline in oil production and the expected loss of oil revenue that has historically supported city services. Together, these trends mean the City must plan carefully, control spending, and make responsible financial decisions now to protect the services residents rely on.
That is why I have opposed proposals to increase the City’s sales tax, which would make everyday purchases more expensive for residents and raise operating costs for local businesses. Instead of increasing taxes, the City should focus on responsible budgeting, careful prioritization, and improving how public dollars are used.
Long Beach is becoming more expensive, and the City must do its part to keep costs down. I have focused on protecting taxpayers by opposing policies that raise prices for families and pushing City Hall to use existing tax dollars more responsibly. When we spend wisely, we can do more with the resources we already have.
Long Beach is facing real financial challenges. The City currently faces a structural budget deficit estimated between $60 million and $80 million, meaning ongoing expenses are projected to exceed ongoing revenue. In recent years the City has closed these gaps using one-time dollars that were set aside for that purpose, but that approach cannot continue indefinitely.
These challenges are compounded by the long-term decline in oil production and the expected loss of oil revenue that has historically supported city services. Together, these trends mean the City must plan carefully, control spending, and make responsible financial decisions now to protect the services residents rely on.
That is why I have opposed proposals to increase the City’s sales tax, which would make everyday purchases more expensive for residents and raise operating costs for local businesses. Instead of increasing taxes, the City should focus on responsible budgeting, careful prioritization, and improving how public dollars are used.
Strengthening Oversight of Public Funds
Fiscal responsibility also requires strong oversight of how public funds are managed.
I secured two important audits to strengthen transparency and improve long-term planning. The first examined the economic impacts to the City of Long Beach associated with California’s anticipated transition away from crude oil and natural gas production. This analysis helps the City better understand how declining oil production and future well abandonment costs could affect Long Beach’s finances.
I also secured an audit of the Tidelands Fund, which supports critical coastal services such as lifeguards, beach maintenance, shoreline protection, and improvements along our waterfront. Strengthening oversight of these funds promotes transparency and helps protect one of Long Beach’s most important public assets.
Fiscal responsibility also means leading by example. I opposed proposals to significantly increase the Mayor and City Council office budgets at a time when the City faces a structural deficit and departments across the City are being asked to manage costs carefully.
Fiscal responsibility also requires strong oversight of how public funds are managed.
I secured two important audits to strengthen transparency and improve long-term planning. The first examined the economic impacts to the City of Long Beach associated with California’s anticipated transition away from crude oil and natural gas production. This analysis helps the City better understand how declining oil production and future well abandonment costs could affect Long Beach’s finances.
I also secured an audit of the Tidelands Fund, which supports critical coastal services such as lifeguards, beach maintenance, shoreline protection, and improvements along our waterfront. Strengthening oversight of these funds promotes transparency and helps protect one of Long Beach’s most important public assets.
Fiscal responsibility also means leading by example. I opposed proposals to significantly increase the Mayor and City Council office budgets at a time when the City faces a structural deficit and departments across the City are being asked to manage costs carefully.
My focus moving forward will be:
- Keeping everyday costs down by avoiding policies that make life more expensive and complicated for families.
- Addressing the City’s structural budget deficit through responsible spending, long-term planning, and careful prioritization.
- Protecting Long Beach’s financial future as oil revenues decline while avoiding new taxes on residents.
- Continuing independent audits and financial oversight to promote transparency and accountability.
Kristina in the News About Fiscal Responsibility
Long Beach to study impact of weaning city off oil money - May 23, 2023, Press-Telegram
Long Beach to look into how to best use its tidelands funding for city services, future projects - February 7, 2025, Press-Telegram
Lawsuit says Long Beach illegally raised its sales tax rate - February 10, 2025, The Long Beach Post
Long Beach to look into how to best use its tidelands funding for city services, future projects - February 7, 2025, Press-Telegram
Lawsuit says Long Beach illegally raised its sales tax rate - February 10, 2025, The Long Beach Post