12 September 22, 2026
Honorable Mayor and City Council
City of Long Beach
California
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents and any subsequent amendments, including to the award amount or terms, with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to accept and expend funds in the amount of $800,000, to participate in the California Perinatal Equity Initiative (PEI) program, which expands Black Infant Health (BIH) services through culturally responsive, community-based interventions for a period of two years, beginning July 1, 2026, with the option to renew for one additional one-year period, at the discretion of the City Manager; and,
Increase appropriations in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department by $800,000, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The California Perinatal Equity Initiative (PEI) serves Black/African American pregnant, postpartum, preconception, and inter-conception individuals, along with their infants, partners, and families. Its primary goal is designed to reduce Black maternal and infant mortality and improve birth outcomes.
Because the City of Long Beach was previously ineligible for PEI funding, PEI services have not previously been available locally. The program will expand and complement services currently provided through the City's BIH Program. Services will be provided throughout the City of Long Beach, serving eligible participants across all nine City Council Districts. Community-based services will be delivered by a qualified Community-Based Organization in partnership with the Health and Human Services Department.
This is not an extension of an existing City program. Although Long Beach has administered the Black Infant Health Program for decades, the City was previously ineligible for PEI funding because State law had limited eligibility.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Nicholas Masero and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on August 31, 2026.
Health and Human Services
2525 Grand Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90815
(562) 570-4000
Honorable Mayor and City Council
September 22, 2026
2 3
4 6
APPROVED:
_______________________
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on September 22, 2026, to be compliant with the program's statutory requirements and administer contracts before the deadline set forth by the funder.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive funding of $400,000 for year one of the grant period and an additional $400,000 for year two of the grant period, beginning July 1, 2026. The City can submit a competitive PEI application upon release of the next PEI Request for Supplemental Information for the period beginning July 1, 2028, to secure continued funding. An appropriation increase is requested in the amount of $800,000 in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department, offset by grant revenues. No match or in-kind service mandate is required.
Non-reimbursable costs associated with this grant during the initial period will be covered by grant funding. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond restoring the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation. Overall, this grant will positively impact the Health Operating Fund by $167,110 over the two-year period due to staff charges shifting to the grant.
SUGGESTED ACTION:
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully submitted,
Alison King
Director
Health and Human Services