-continued-
July 7, 2023 Mayor Rex Richardson Members of City Council City of Long Beach 411 W. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90802 Subject: Item R-38 (23-0728) Letter of Support for the Early Childhood Education Infrastructure Hub R38 Dear Honorable Mayor Richardson and Honorable City Councilmembers: On behalf of the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, representing over 800 local businesses, we express our unequivocal support for establishing the Long Beach Early Learning Hub, "The Hub." We understand that early childhood education and daycare services are fundamental to fostering a robust workforce and retaining talent. The Hub embodies this understanding and underscores our shared mission to elevate early childhood education in our city. The Hub is not simply a facility, it's a strategic investment in our children's future and the enduring prosperity of our city. This forward-thinking initiative aims to give our children the strongest possible start in life while building a more resilient, inclusive, and dynamic workforce in Long Beach. This investment provides equitable access to early learning programs for all children, irrespective of socio-economic status. With this endeavor, Long Beach stands to surpass similar initiatives in cities like San Diego and San Francisco. Our effort exemplifies our city's commitment to equality and inclusion, seeking to eradicate early educational disparities and cultivate upward mobility for every child and allow parents the opportunity to enter the workforce.
We firmly believe that a community prioritizing quality education from the beginning creates a fertile ground for businesses to thrive. Thus, we, the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, urge you to support the establishment of The Hub. This facility promises to transform the lives of our children and, at the same time, foster a flourishing, sustainable, and innovative business environment in our beloved city. Sincerely, Jeremy Harris President & CEO Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce