About
About
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Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.
A Lifetime of Service Rooted in Community
Councilwoman Mary Zendejas has never waited for someone else to take action. Every day, she’s on the frontlines of making Long Beach work better for everyone — delivering results for residents, workers, small businesses, and families who call Long Beach’s First District home.
Mary’s dedication to service spans more than three decades, long before her election to public office. She served on the Long Beach Transit Board of Directors and the Disabled Resource Center, championing access, dignity, and opportunity for those who needed it most. Born in Mexico to immigrant parents and diagnosed with polio at eight months old, Mary learned early what it means to navigate barriers and push forward anyway. She became the first in her family to graduate high school, later earning her degree from California State University, Long Beach — milestones that shaped her belief that every resident deserves the chance to succeed.
Breaking Barriers — and Turning Representation Into Results
Elected to Long Beach City Council in 2019, Mary made history as the first Latina wheelchair user elected to public office in the nation — and she’s spent every opportunity proving that hard work and results go hand in hand.
She is no stranger to hard work, given her upbringing and overcoming adversity. Mary’s leadership experience, hard work ethic, and track record of delivering on District One investments has led to positive change and results. While others talk about equity, Mary builds it into the fabric of City policy. She’s authored tenant protections that prevent unfair “substantial remodel” evictions, expanded pandemic Hero Pay for frontline workers, and invested in affordable housing projects that prevent displacement. Each of these victories came from Mary’s insistence that government must work for everyone — not just those with power or privilege.
Focused Leadership in Times of Crisis
She is tackling the homelessness crisis head-on, securing $6.5 million for a new homeless shelter at 702 West Anaheim and funding CRISIS Response Teams for the downtown. Building housing is key, and under her leadership, affordable housing projects by responsible developers are being funded in District One to serve the community that needs it the most. Her approach reflects a belief that in times of crisis, we must remain focused on delivering results.
Championing the Arts, Culture & Local Economy
Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.As Chair of the Arts, Culture & Tourism Committee, Mary has championed the creative economy as both a cultural driver and a tool for neighborhood revitalization. She has strengthened partnerships with local artists, cultural institutions, and creative entrepreneurs, helping grow District One’s identity as a hub of creativity and opportunity.
A proven partner of business, her leadership has resulted in a historic $8.7 million investment for revitalization and the hiring of a full-time Business Liaison to ensure small businesses receive timely, hands-on support from City Hall.