To continue to advance Long Beach City College’s (LBCC’s) vital mission of providing affordable higher education options for local residents, returning veterans, and college students seeking job training and preparation for successful careers, the Long Beach Community College District (LBCCD) Board of Trustees took action last night to place a $990 million facilities bond proposal on the November 5, 2024 General Presidential Election ballot. The Board’s vote was unanimous, with all five trustees voting in favor of the resolution.  

The District’s bond proposal is intended to support LBCC’s longstanding commitment to serving current and future LBCC students with classrooms, labs, and facilities that provide the advanced training and courses that students need and meet job market demands.  

“The need to improve deteriorating classrooms and outdated buildings is urgent,” said Vivian Malauulu, LBCCD Board of Trustees President. “The communities we serve are counting on us to improve our aging facilities so we can continue to provide our local families and students with a high-quality affordable education. Our veterans deserve assistance and support to re-enter the workforce in this booming technology era. Future generations of nurses, first responders, and healthcare professionals need a community college with modern facilities so they can train on state-of-the-art equipment. Please partner with us to provide these opportunities by voting YES on this measure to ensure that YOUR community college continues to be the pride of the city.”

“This is a significant step toward updating our LBCC facilities and demonstrating our commitment to providing high-quality education and preparing our students for successful careers,” said Dr. Mike Muñoz, LBCC Superintendent-President. “This bond measure is crucial for our students, particularly those in our science and nursing programs, as it will provide the necessary technology and latest equipment they will use as they enter the workforce. We are asking the communities we serve to invest not just in our students, but all of our futures.”

The District’s needs are real. After decades of constant use, many LBCC buildings are outdated and deteriorating. The District’s Facilities Master Plan has identified over $1.5 billion in need, well beyond the college’s limited state-allotted maintenance budget, including: upgrading nursing, vocational, and job training classrooms and labs; removing asbestos and mold; providing clean drinking water; upgrading electrical and sewer systems; major repairs to old bathrooms and plumbing; repair leaky roofs; fix faulty gas, sewer, and electrical lines; and improve campus security, among other items. 

The bond measure will also help expand the successful Long Beach College Promise by enabling the college to upgrade technology and classrooms for hybrid teaching. By doing so, LBCC can invite more high school students to get a jump-start on college by taking LBCC courses while still in high school.

The bond measure includes fiscal accountability requirements such as a Citizens’ Oversight Committee and independent annual financial and performance audits to monitor that funds are used as promised. By law, all funds stay local and are dedicated to LBCC. No funds can be used for employee salaries, pensions, or benefits.

The ballot measure yet to be named, will be filed with the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters Office today, just before the Friday, August 9, 2024 state filing deadline. Voters will have the final say when they cast their ballots on or before November 5, 2024. Subject to provisions of State Proposition 39, this LBCC bond measure will require 55% voter support for passage.