Leaving A Lasting Legacy

The Equitable Engine: The First Black Mayor of Long Beach and His Vision for an Inclusive Future 

Long Beach, a city rich in history and diversity, has made strides in creating opportunities for underrepresented people of color to gain education and resources. This success is due in no small part to the hard work of Rex Richardson, the city's first Black mayor who has, and is leading the charge for a more equitable and inclusive Long Beach. This achievement is a defining moment, not just for Richardson personally, but for the entire Black Long Beach community and for every underrepresented group in the city. 

A Milestone for Representation and Responsibility 

For Richardson, these accomplishments hold deep personal significance. Growing up in North Long Beach, a community historically left out of the city’s decision-making processes, Richardson never imagined that he would one day sit at the helm of city leadership. But today, as Long Beach's first Black mayor, he is proud to represent not just his neighborhood but the countless communities across the city that have long sought a voice in local government. 

"It's a watershed moment," Richardson says. "Communities like North Long Beach, which have never had a seat at the table, now have representation at the highest level." His victory is about more than just representation—it's about setting an example for future generations of young Black people in Long Beach who may never have thought such a leadership role was attainable. 

As a father of young children, Richardson is aware of the unique perspective he brings to the office. "No one in this city's history has had young children while serving as mayor," he reflects. "I understand firsthand the importance of creating a city that provides every opportunity for children, especially in underrepresented communities." 

Advancing Equity Through Action 

Richardson’s work in government began long before he became mayor. He served on the City Council for eight and a half years, where he led key initiatives aimed at addressing economic disparities in Long Beach. One of the most significant initiatives he spearheaded was "Everyone In," a program designed to close the racial wealth gap by promoting economic inclusion, particularly for communities of color. 

Richardson’s work didn’t stop there. He was instrumental in the creation of the Office of Equity, which reviews city policies and practices to ensure they promote fairness and reduce disparities. By embedding equity into the very structure of government, Richardson is ensuring that future generations of Long Beach residents, regardless of their background, will have a fair shot at success. 

“We must change the systems that perpetuate inequity,” Richardson explains. "Creating the Office of Equity was about making sure our city government produces results that benefit everyone, particularly our most vulnerable communities." 

The Opportunity Beach Agenda: From Challenges to Change 

One of Richardson's flagship initiatives as mayor is the Opportunity Beach Agenda, which turns Long Beach’s challenges into opportunities for growth and transformation. A cornerstone of this agenda is creating pathways for local students to transition into meaningful careers in city government. Partnering with local colleges like Long Beach State, Long Beach City College, and Cal State Dominguez Hills, Richardson’s administration has launched the Public Service Corps program, offering paid fellowships to college students who work in city departments. 

Richardson’s administration has also championed Measure JB, a new preference program that gives graduates from Long Beach-area colleges extra points when applying for city jobs. This initiative is a first-of-its-kind program that ensures local college graduates—many of whom are Black and Latino—have a leg up in securing stable, well-paying government jobs. 

“This is about creating generational wealth and economic mobility for our youth,” says Richardson. "By providing pathways into public service, we’re giving them more than just a job. We’re giving them a chance to build a career, pay off student debt, and invest in their future." 

Housing: A Legacy of Homeownership and Wealth Building 

Richardson’s focus on homeownership is another vital part of his agenda. He remembers buying his first home in Long Beach at 25, thanks to the federal government’s First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit and FHA loans. Today, however, housing prices in Long Beach have tripled, making homeownership a distant dream for many young people, especially those from lower-income communities. 

To address this, Richardson has introduced a $25,000 Down Payment Assistance Program for first-time homebuyers, a direct response to the skyrocketing cost of living. This program helps young families, many of whom face financial hurdles, afford to purchase homes and begin building wealth. 

“These programs helped me when I was 25. Now I want to help others achieve what I did,” Richardson says. “Homeownership is one of the most powerful ways to create generational wealth, and I’m committed to making it accessible for everyone in Long Beach.” 

Inspired by Family and Community 

For Richardson, the driving force behind his work is his family and the community that raised him. As a father, he is deeply motivated to create a Long Beach where his children and all children can thrive. "My biggest motivator is my family. I want to make sure my children—and all young people in Long Beach—grow up in a city where they have the opportunity to achieve their highest potential." 

He’s also motivated by the spirit of Long Beach itself—a place that gave him the tools and opportunities to rise to leadership. "Long Beach has been a place where dreams are made possible, and I want to continue making that a reality for others." 

Engaging the Next Generation 

Richardson knows that to create lasting change, the next generation of Long Beach leaders must be involved in the political process. During his time as a student at Cal State Dominguez Hills, Richardson founded the Black Business Student Association and became involved in student government—experiences that shaped his understanding of leadership and service. 

He encourages young people today to take similar steps. "Get involved. Know who your council members are. Do internships. Learn how the city works. Local politics is the most accessible, and it’s where you can make a real difference," he advises. 

Richardson’s message to youth is clear: "Be the change you want to see. The world has changed and will continue to change, but your values should remain steadfast. The future is in your hands." 

Leaving a Lasting Legacy 

As Richardson looks toward the future, he hopes to leave behind a legacy that reflects both the progress Long Beach has made and the work that still needs to be done. "My legacy will be shaped by the people I serve," he says. "It’s not about being remembered for what I did, but for how I made people feel. If I can leave a city where people feel supported, empowered, and able to achieve their dreams, then I’ll have done my job." 

In the end, for Richardson, leadership is about service. It’s about breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and ensuring that every resident—regardless of their background—has the chance to build a better future. 

Long Beach is on the cusp of something special, and with Rex Richardson at the helm, the city is well on its way to becoming an engine of equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all.