We are ecstatic and look forward to celebrating in person, when the time is right. For now here are some milestones from the Long Beach Invest in Youth campaign. 2017 Along with door knocking and phone banking, KGA's Haunted House brought in youth surveys and showcased the horrors that out of a $430 million budget, only 5% goes toward youth development. 2018 The IIY research and survey results were received and filed as official city data, we hosted the City's first Young People's Budget Hearing at Councilmember Rex Richardson's office in the 9th district, and Mayor Garcia approved a seed fund of $200K for a youth strategic planning process.
Youth Ambassador, Alexis Chem shared how positive youth development resources could have supported refugee children, like her uncle, who were impacted by systemic divestment and tough on crime policies that increased rates of incarceration, detainment, deportation and family separation for Black and Brown youth. 2019 Youth continued to grow their leadership and advocacy at delegation meetings and outreached to young people in all 9 districts to participate in a focus group to inform a strategic plan.
Youth leaders shared stories of how political issues like our city's budget shape our lives and experiences during our Yellow Lounge community event. Meanwhile alumni and canvassers continued voter engagement.
2020 Youth leaders moved Measure US to the ballot. We contacted over 10,000 voters this year and 57% of Long Beach voters passed a local oil tax increase to pool in a new revenue source, especially needed during a pandemic and recession.
Additionally, Youth and community leaders strengthened statewide partnerships to advance our fight for tax equity and systemic investments in our communities, instead of corporations.
2021 Long Beach Councilmembers voted unanimously to adopt a Youth Strategic Plan and one week later moved forward with new oil tax as one of the funding streams to create and sustain a Long Beach Youth Fund.
We look forward to ensure an equitable oversight and implementation process that prioritizes our community's needs including climate resiliency, youth programs and racial equity. To learn more visit www.investinyouthlb.org and www.kgalb.org.
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