SACRAMENTO, CA – On September 21, 2026, Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) issued the following statement announcing new state budget investments in Senate District 33.

“I am thrilled to announce new state funding commitments to organizations across Senate District 33 that will uplift our communities and invest in our shared future. These much-needed investments will support economic development and small businesses, local nonprofits, public safety, cultural preservation, and conservation of our coastline and marine environments. I’m proud to champion these important local priorities that will bring lasting benefits to communities in Long Beach and Southeast LA that have often been overlooked and underserved,” said Senator Lena Gonzalez.

Read more about how the state budget funding secured by Senator Lena Gonzalez will help support local economies and strengthen communities across Long Beach and Southeast Los Angeles (SELA).

$1,250,000 was awarded to the SELA Collaborative to support economic development initiatives, assistance for small businesses, nonprofit capacity-building, and programs to strengthen SELA’s economy.

“We are incredibly grateful to Senator Lena Gonzalez for believing in our work and securing this historic $1.25 million investment. For too long, Southeast Los Angeles communities have been asked to do more with less, despite the incredible strength and leadership that exists here,” said Dr. Wilma Franco, Executive Director, SELA Collaborative. “This investment will help strengthen our nonprofit sector, build long-term sustainability, and advance economic opportunity across the region. Most importantly, it is an investment in the people and organizations already working every day to build a stronger future for the SELA region.”

$2,000,000 was awarded to The Nonprofit Partnership to support nonprofit capacity building through leadership development, organizational support, and grant funding to nonprofits serving Long Beach and Lakewood.

“We are deeply grateful to Senator Gonzalez for the $2 million investment in the nonprofit sector in Long Beach and Lakewood, recognizing the vital role nonprofits play in our communities. This funding is a commitment to the strength and sustainability of our local nonprofit sector,” said Michelle Byerly, Executive Director, The Nonprofit Partnership. “Investing in the leadership, capacity and resources comes at a critical time when community needs continue to grow, and resources are uncertain. When we ease the burden of organizational costs and build nonprofit capacity, we give organizations greater ability to focus their resources on serving our communities.”

$1,000,000 was awarded to the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach to preserve and celebrate African American heritage through youth programming, performing arts, education, and community engagement. Funding will also support critically needed facility improvements.

“With this state investment, the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach (AACCLB) will continue to serve the Mission of sharing unique stories of culture, impact and legacies that have contributed to making Long Beach a great International City,” said Darick J. Simpson, Board President, African American Cultural Center of Long Beach. “The AACCLB demonstrates that when many join as one with a common cause, sustainable change can occur, and communities can thrive. The AACCLB will proudly move forward with enhanced programs and engagement as a result of this transformative support.”

$250,000 was awarded to the Aquarium of the Pacific to support conservation, ocean education, community engagement, and programming that supports the Aquarium’s mission to instill environmental stewardship and respect for the Pacific Ocean’s ecosystems and inhabitants.

“We are incredibly grateful to Senator Lena Gonzalez and her office for their support of our non-profit aquarium and our commitment to conservation, education, and community. This funding advances our work in saving animals, connecting people of all ages and backgrounds to nature, engaging the community, and programs that improve the health of our ocean,” said Jeff Flocken, President and CEO, Aquarium of the Pacific.

$500,000 was awarded to the Long Beach Fire Department Marine Safety Division for the hiring and training of marine safety personnel, and the purchase of watercraft and equipment needed for water rescue, emergency response, and security during special events like the LA28 Olympics and Paralympics.

Together, these investments represent a strong commitment to uplifting the communities of the 33^rd Senate District and supporting local organizations already working across Long Beach and SELA. As federal funding cuts hit local governments, small businesses, and nonprofits, this state funding is critical to preserving and expanding the programs and institutions that benefit the residents of Senate District 33.

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Senator Lena Gonzalez proudly represents one million residents in California’s 33rd Senate District, which encompasses Southeast Los Angeles, the City and Port of Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill, and Catalina Island. She serves as Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus and is a dedicated advocate on key priorities that impact Californians from economic development and environmental justice to LGBTQ+ and women’s rights, digital equity and more. Senator Gonzalez has championed major policies, including broadband for all, expanding paid sick leave, advancing clean transportation incentives, and ending neighborhood oil drilling. She lives in Long Beach with her family. To learn more, visit www.sen.ca.gov/gonzalez.

The SELA Collaborative is a regional convener dedicated to strengthening organizations, leaders, and communities across Southeast Los Angeles. Through nonprofit capacity building, civic engagement, and data-driven research, SELA Collaborative brings partners together to build community power, advance collective solutions, and create a stronger Southeast LA.

Since 1993, The Nonprofit Partnership has been a cornerstone of the nonprofit community in Greater Long Beach. TNP strengthens the community by equipping hundreds of nonprofit organizations, professionals, board members, and volunteers with the tools to lead and deliver impact throughout LA County. We support nonprofits through affordable, high-quality services, capacity-building programs, collaborative learning, and advocacy- ensuring nonprofits have the resources they need to support the community. TNP helps organizations thrive.

The African American Cultural Center of Long Beach (AACCLB) was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in July 2020. AACCLB preserves, honors, and celebrates the rich heritage and contributions of African Americans in Long Beach and beyond. Through exhibitions, educational programs, cultural events, and community partnerships, AACCLB engages people of all ages in African American history, art, and culture while fostering connection, understanding, and community pride. https://aacclb.org/

Located in Long Beach, California, in Los Angeles County, the Aquarium of the Pacific is home to over 12,000 animals and engages 1.5 million annual visitors, and is active in marine species conservation, as well as rescue, rehabilitation and release or sanctuary of imperiled species.