TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to provide a detailed report that outlines what has been specifically done by City staff within the past twelve (12) months to attract employers, especially Tesla Motors.
DISCUSSION
Unemployment continues to soar in California and more locally in Long Beach. Unless the City increases its jobs base, the major employers in our City will remain government (City and schools) and the City will not have the revenue stream sufficient to maintain services.
Recently, the U.S. Department of Energy gave approval of a $465 million lowinterest loans to Tesla Motors to accelerate the production of affordable, fuelefficient electric vehicles.
Tesla Motors has expressed interest in relocating a plant to the current site owned by Boeing Company on Lakewood Boulevard across from the planned Douglas Park project. This relocation would not only bring a source of new jobs but involve Long Beach in being a focal point for alternative energy.
The City of Long Beach has spent considerable time and money on efforts to retain the C-17 at Boeing. The Council needs to be assured that similar energies are being expended to attract other employers.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
Gerrie Schipske
Councilwoman Fifth District