Revitalization of the Santa Fe Ave Business Corridor
In the wake of the challenges brought about by the pandemic, the Long Beach Economic Partnership (LBEP) recognized an urgent need to breathe new life into the Santa Fe Avenue business corridor in West Long Beach. Fortified with a generous grant of $200,000 from Prologis, LBEP embarked on a pioneering campaign of economic revitalization has already catalyzed at least an additional $1.2 million of direct investment in the corridor’s beautification, job training programs, tenant improvements as well as reductions in the cost of doing business, and public space creation and programming (a 6x multiplier from our initial investment).
Rather than adhering to traditional models of development that could lead to gentrification via solely focusing on large capital transformations, LBEP innovated a grassroots approach. We deployed Project Business Lift, dedicated local field experts, to engage directly with small businesses, understanding their unique needs and aspirations. This hands-on approach aimed to identify immediate steps businesses could take to enhance their operations, from cost reduction strategies to tapping into beautification programs.
Furthermore, LBEP facilitated connections among businesses, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. This was complemented by promotional efforts, including the establishment of a dedicated website–westsidelbvibe.com–and leveraging social media to spotlight these businesses.
LBEP’s strategy was not merely about physical or economic transformation. It was about filling a unique gap in the economic landscape: serving as a robust platform for targeted investments in minority businesses, catalyzing community spaces, and igniting a renewed sense of vibrancy and hope. The ripple effect of these efforts has been profound, leading to numerous positive outcomes and setting the stage for sustained momentum in the corridor’s rejuvenation.
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