Explore skyline-changing projects that were recently completed, are under construction or are in the pipeline at Accelerate Long Beach.
About this event
Join the Long Beach Economic Partnership for Accelerate Long Beach, our quarterly economic forum, where we’re focusing on real estate and development.
This FREE, virtual event will explore skyline-changing projects that were recently completed, are under construction or are in the pipeline. Investors who are in-the-know are building on a solid foundation and betting on Long Beach’s future.
We’ll hear from the Cal State University, Long Beach Office of Economic Research about Long Beach’s economic picture, and how the city has been experiencing massive growth in development over the past couple of years. The buildout of thousands of residential units and millions of square feet of commercial real estate help attract and retain professional workers and world-class corporations to this waterfront metropolis.
Real estate development accounts for about 17% of gross regional product (GRP) in the Long Beach area, and this massive industry is one that fuels itself. Businesses and developments attract more business and development, with that growing ecosystem building a higher quality of life overall.
We’ll also hear from real estate industry leaders on how those looking for a place to invest can find opportunity, success and an affordable beach city lifestyle in Long Beach. The information and data we’ll share will be useful not only to those already doing business in the city, but anyone looking to relocate or work here.
This live, virtual conference is free and open to all. Live Q&A sessions with our speakers and experts will give you a chance to get deeper insight into Long Beach’s economic picture, and the opportunities available in the local real estate sector.
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Hosted by Long Beach Business Journal editor Hayley Munguia.
Ryan Altoon is the Executive Vice President of Anderson Pacific, the firm that co-developed The Current and Shoreline Gateway projects in downtown Long Beach. He has more than 16 years of experience in real estate, strategic planning, management and finance, as well as a background in architectural design.
Jason Silver is the Vice President of Development for Ledcor, the firm that co-developed The Current and Shoreline Gateway projects in downtown Long Beach. Ledcor, in partnering with local developers or on its own, has contributed to the development of more than 70 projects, at a valuation exceeding $5 billion.
Jean Paul Wardy is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of CenterCal Properties, the developer behind Long Beach’s beachside 2nd & PCH shopping center. Wardy has been in real estate since 1990 and is committed to creating successful retail-driven projects that enhance and elevate the communities they serve. His is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers.
City Ventures Senior Vice President Ryan Aeh, a residential and retail real estate expert whose efforts over the past two decades have led to the development of more than 2,500 homes in Southern California’s supply-constrained coastal infill markets, including residences in Long Beach. He’s a board member of the Irvine Community Land Trust, a nonprofit dedicated to creating permanently affordable housing in Orange County.
City Ventures Division President Natasha Zabaneh is a real estate professional with more than 15 years of infill residential and mixed-use development experience. She’s worked on developments in more than 40 cities in 15 different counties across California.
Laserfiche CEO Chris Wacker is a content management software company pioneer who started a worldwide business from the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach. With a massive headquarters, on display for drivers on the 405 Freeway, Laserfiche is a homegrown success that recently expanded its footprint on Long Beach Boulevard and continues to spread its global reach.
Alan Pullman, AIA, is Senior Principal and Founder of Studio One Eleven, helping lead the design and integration of the firm’s architecture and urban design work. He is a licensed architect with over 30 years of experience working with cities, communities and private interests to improve the quality of our urban environment. Alan is a registered architect in California and a member of the American Institute of Architects and the Urban Land Institute, where he serves on the Urban Revitalization Council.
Marty Borko, Executive Director of the Urban Land Institute Los Angeles, left his post as Principal at Gensler in Los Angeles to command the day-to-day workings and long-range planning of one of ULI’s largest and most active regional chapters.
City of Long Beach Economic Development Director John Keisler creates economic opportunities for workers, investors, and entrepreneurs in one of the nation’s largest, most diverse, and most active urban cities. His work with the city, holding various positions since 2005, has made it easier for businesses to start and grow in Long Beach.
Mayor Robert Garcia, Ed., is an educator and the 28th Mayor of Long Beach. He is focused on making the City of Long Beach a leader in education, economic development and climate protection.
Vice Mayor Rex Richardson represents the Ninth District in North Long Beach and is the Immediate Past President of the Southern California Association of Governments and a member of the South Coast Air Quality Management District Board of Directors.
A champion for the Third District, Councilmember Suzie Price played a key role in helping facilitate the development of 2nd & PCH. She is the Vice Chair of the Long Beach Budget Oversight Committee and a member of the Tidelands and Harbor Committee. Additionally, she has been a prosecutor for more than 20 years and is currently a Deputy District Attorney.
Cal State University, Long Beach Professor & Associate Director of the Office of Economic Research Robert A. Kleinhenz, Ph.D., brings more than three decades of experience to his public speaking, economic studies and policy analysis.
Cal State University, Long Beach Professor & Chair of Economics Seiji Steimetz, Ph.D., helped develop the Accelerate Long Beach quarterly economic forums and specializes in urban and environmental economics, with emphasis in applied econometrics and methodology.
AGENDA
Welcome
World-class real estate developers are taking bets on Long Beach, and those bets keep paying off as other in-the-know investors take note and put their money on Long Beach’s future.
Who’s Shaping Long Beach’s Skyline
Corporate headquarters, big businesses and major developments attract more of the same, creating a real estate ecosystem that fuels itself and capitalizes on Long Beach being a unique investment opportunity on an urban waterfront. Recently completed projects, as well as an influx of corporate headquarters, are attracting exciting startups, allowing existing businesses to expand, and putting Long Beach on the map for more future development from big investors. We take a look at the visionary developers who took a big bet on Long Beach — and have seen it pay off.
Regional Economic Picture: Robert Kleinhenz, Ph.D.
Cal State University, Long Beach economist Robert Kleinhenz will share valuable insight on the economic recovery in Long Beach and on the national level.
Breaking Ground: What’s on the Horizon for Long Beach
Long Beach’s landscape is rapidly changing. There are more developments breaking ground now than we’ve seen in decades, and those developments are translating to more jobs and a higher quality of life for residents who are shaping the future of Long Beach.
Local Economic Picture: Seiji Steimetz, Ph.D.
Chair of the Cal State University, Long Beach Department of Economics, Seiji Steimetz, will discuss Long Beach’s economic picture, including employment data and how the real estate sector is creating new jobs and opportunities locally.
Business-Friendly Initiatives: John Keisler
Long Beach leaders understand that local government can pave the way or block the road for new development. Because of that, Long Beach strives to be business friendly, and it has been recognized for its efforts to capitalize on attracting investors to this dynamic city.
Live Q&A with Dr. Kleinhenz and Dr. Steimetz
Our expert economists answer your questions about Long Beach’s economic picture, and the real estate and development industy. Hosted by Long Beach Business Journal editor Hayley Munguia.
Rountable discussion: The Long Beach real estate boom
With Real Estate booming across Southern California, why is Long Beach attracting so much investment all over the city? What is compelling about this city and what do developers see in their crystal ball that give them confidence to make major, long term investments here? With special guests Marty Borko, Executive Director of the Urban Land Institute Los Angeles and Alan Pullman, AIA, Senior Principal and Founder of Studio One Eleven.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Many thanks to our generous sponsors for making this event free and open to all those interested in real estate development in Long Beach.
