8 September 15, 2026
Honorable Mayor and City Council
City of Long Beach
California
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation to adopt Specifications No. RFP LS-25-665 and award a contract to JAF Creative Solutions, LLC, of Long Beach, CA, for the development of a Feasibility Study for the Historically Black Cultural District, in a contract amount not to exceed $300,000, for a period of two years, at the discretion of the City Manager; and, authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to enter into the contract, including any necessary subsequent amendments. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into a contract with JAF Creative Solutions, LLC, to develop a feasibility study for the Historically Black Cultural District (HBCD) located primarily in Central Long Beach. The study will assess the cultural, economic, historic, and infrastructural viability of such a district, with the goal of fostering cultural preservation, economic development, and community resilience.
The City of Long Beach (City), particularly Central Long Beach, has a rich legacy of African American history, culture, and community-building. In response to community-driven advocacy and increasing interest in cultural equity, the City intends to explore developing a designated cultural district that centers Black heritage and celebrates the contributions of Black residents, past and present, by creating a space where culture, history, and community pride are visibly celebrated and preserved. Similar to ongoing efforts by the City to establish an LGBTQIA+ Cultural District, the City aims to develop the HBCD to strategically and thoughtfully invest in its Black community and commemorate its contributions. The HBCD presents an opportunity to uplift heritage, support Black-owned businesses and institutions, and ensure future generations understand and feel connected to the legacy of Black excellence in Long Beach.
JAF Creative Solutions, LLC, will begin the study by meeting with City leaders and community stakeholders to clarify vision and conduct a survey of national cultural district comparables. A historical and cultural inventory will be created, coupled with community engagement activities such as stakeholder interviews and community outreach meetings. A market and creative economy analysis will be conducted, and district boundaries and public realm strategies will be proposed. The final stage before completion of the study will include a community demonstration project event to test proposed practices at a modest scale.
The Request for Proposals (RFP) was advertised in the Long Beach Press Telegram on December 9, 2025, and 95 potential proposers specializing in cultural district creation were Library, Arts, and Culture
200 W. Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 570-7500
Honorable Mayor and City Council
September 15, 2026
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notified of the RFP opportunity. Of those proposers, 54 downloaded the RFP via the City’s electronic bid system. The RFP document was made available from the Purchasing Division, located on the 6th floor of City Hall, and the Division’s website at www.longbeach.gov/purchasing.
An RFP announcement was also included in the Purchasing Division’s weekly update of Open Bid Opportunities, which is sent to 44 local, minority-owned, and women-owned business groups. There were 12 responses received on February 18, 2026. Of those 12 proposers, 6 were Minority-owned Business Enterprises (MBEs), 4 were Women-owned Business Enterprises (WBEs), 3 were Small Business Enterprises (SBEs), and 2 were Long Beach vendors (Local).
The selection committee determined that JAF Creative Solutions, LLC, of Long Beach, CA, (MBE, SBE, Local) was the most qualified to provide the services.
JAF Creative Solutions, LLC, demonstrated competence and experience in similar endeavors that required extensive community engagement with projects focusing on Black community and cultural spaces. The firm also presented a comprehensive approach that utilizes experienced personnel with an in-depth understanding of the Long Beach context, experience, and community history.
Local Business Outreach
To align with the City’s outreach goal, Long Beach businesses are encouraged to submit proposals for City contracts. The Procurement Services Division also assists businesses with registering on the Long Beach Buys platform to download RFP specifications. Through outreach, 15 Long Beach vendors were notified to submit proposals, 7 downloaded the proposal of which 2 submitted a proposal. The Procurement Services Division is committed to continuing to perform outreach to local vendors to expand the bidder pool.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Atoy H. Wilson on August 28, 2026, Procurement Analyst Tommy Ryan on August 12, 2026, and by Acting Budget Development Officer Jaime Tamura on August 19, 2026.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action to adopt Specifications No. RFP LS-25-665 and award a contract concurrently is requested on September 15, 2026, to ensure the contract is in place expeditiously.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total contract amount will not exceed $300,000. The contract will be used to develop the HBCD Feasibility Study, which is to be completed within a two-year period. The study is funded within the Elevate ’28 FY 23 – FY 27 Infrastructure Investment Plan with $300,000 of Measure A funds currently appropriated in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. The award of this contract will provide continued support to our local economy by assisting in the preservation of employment for 8 full-time employees residing in Long Beach.
Honorable Mayor and City Council
September 15, 2026
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SUGGESTED ACTION:
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy De Leon
Department of Library, Arts, and Culture Director