11 September 8, 2026
Honorable Mayor and City Council
City of Long Beach
California
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation to authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to enter into a release and indemnification agreement (Agreement) between the City of Long Beach and Baby2Baby for the donation of essential baby gear for families in need during an emergency. The Agreement shall commence upon the effective date and may be terminated by either party with 30 days’ prior written notice. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to authorize an agreement with Baby2Baby, a nationally recognized nonprofit public benefit corporation headquartered in Los Angeles, to provide essential supplies, including diapers, wipes, baby formula, baby food, clothing, blankets, cribs, and other infant and child necessities, to families affected by disasters. Baby2Baby's proximity to Long Beach supports timely access to donated supplies and enhances the City's ability to respond efficiently during emergencies.
Through its Disaster Relief and Emergency Response Program (DRERP), Baby2Baby has distributed more than 100 million essential items in partnership with local governments, emergency management agencies, hospitals, shelters, and nonprofit organizations nationwide. In 2025, Baby2Baby responded to 34 disasters and emergencies in 25 U.S. states, including the California Eaton and Palisades fires, distributing 35 million emergency supplies.
The proposed Agreement establishes a framework for coordination between the City of Long Beach and Baby2Baby before large-scale disasters occur, enabling the rapid deployment of essential supplies during emergencies. According to the City of Long Beach 2024 - 2029 Early Childhood Education Strategic Plan, Long Beach is home to 32,474 children under the age of five, 27 percent of whom live in poverty. This data underscores the heightened vulnerability of families with young children, who may face greater challenges accessing essential supplies during disasters. Formalizing this partnership will strengthen the City's emergency preparedness by enhancing its ability to provide essential infant and child supplies, advance an equitable disaster response, and support community resilience.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Nicholas Masero on August 11, 2026, and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on August 17, 2026.
Health and Human Services
2525 Grand Ave, Long Beach, CA 90815
(562) 570-4000
Honorable Mayor and City Council
September 8, 2026
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TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on September 8, 2026, to expedite the provision of the Agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal or local job impact associated with the recommendation. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities.
SUGGESTED ACTION:
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully submitted,
Alison King
Director
Health and Human Services
APPROVED:
_______________________
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER