Accomplishments & Vision — Mary Zendejas for City Council

Investing in Public Safety

When neighbors tell me what safety means to them, they talk about trust, respect, and knowing someone will show up when it matters. That’s why I’ve invested in both strong emergency response and community-centered approaches that reduce harm before it happens. We can — and must — bring humanity and accountability into the same room. My commitment is to a Long Beach where people feel safe not because they’re afraid, but because they’re supported.

Building Housing That is Affordable

Housing stability is deeply personal to me, because I’ve seen how quickly families can be pushed out when cities don’t act. I’ve pushed hard to bring more affordable homes online, protect renters from displacement, and make sure students and seniors aren’t priced out of their own neighborhoods. As we look to the future, I want Long Beach to be a place where people can build their lives, not worry about losing them — a city where stability is the rule, not the exception.

Supporting Local Businesses and Growing our Economy

I’ve spent years connecting with our business corridors, listening to business owners who put everything on the line to keep their doors open. Their resilience inspires me. That’s why I fight for investments that help small businesses grow, support immigrant entrepreneurs, and open doors to careers that offer real upward mobility. We have the talent and creativity in Long Beach to build an economy that works for everyone — and I’m determined to make sure we seize that opportunity.

Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders

Whenever I meet with our youth, I’m reminded how much hope and brilliance lives in this city. That’s why I’ve fought to expand youth jobs, strengthen after-school programming, and build real pathways from high school to college and careers. We owe our young people more than encouragement — we owe them opportunity. And I’ll keep working to ensure every young person in Long Beach has the support they need to lead, grow, and succeed.

Improving Our Public Infrastructure

Infrastructure isn’t just about concrete and asphalt — it’s about pride, safety, and whether residents feel seen. I’ve pushed to bring long overdue repairs and upgrades into neighborhoods that waited too long for attention. As we move ahead, I want our streets, sidewalks, and public spaces to reflect the dignity of the people who use them. Long Beach deserves infrastructure that feels maintained, modern, and worthy of the communities it serves.

Coordinating Effective Homelessness Strategies

Homelessness is one of the toughest issues we face, and I approach it with both compassion and urgency. I’ve supported expanding shelter beds, improving street outreach, and investing in long-term housing solutions that actually move people into stability. As we continue this work, I believe our strength lies in treating people with dignity while demanding real results. No one in our community should be written off — and I refuse to accept a system that does.

Building a Cleaner, Healthier Long Beach for Everyone

Growing up near the port taught me early how environmental impacts fall hardest on certain neighborhoods. That’s why I’ve championed cleaner air initiatives, climate-ready infrastructure, and investments that protect communities from extreme heat and pollution. We have a responsibility to lead with equity as we build a more sustainable city. My vision is simple: a Long Beach where every resident — regardless of zip code — feels the benefits of a healthier, greener future.