Bits 'n' Pieces

$20M for Pier Wind

The Port of Long Beach (POLB) has been awarded $20 million by the California Energy Commission to fund the ongoing development of Pier Wind, a proposed 400-acre terminal to assemble and deploy floating offshore wind turbines.

As the largest recipient of the agency’s Offshore Wind Energy Waterfront Facility Improvement Program from state bond funding, the POLB will match $11 million to complete engineering, environmental, business planning and community outreach requirements needed to begin construction on Pier Wind. The proposed $4.7 billion facility aims to help California meet a goal of generating 25 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2045 – enough to power 25 million homes statewide.

“Our Pier Wind project will ensure California’s offshore wind energy goals are achieved,” said POLB CEO Mario Cordero. “We thank the California Energy Commission for funding the Pier Wind project, which will enhance the nation’s energy independence and strengthen the electric grid to support electrification investments across the supply chain.”

“California’s offshore wind energy goals cannot be achieved without onshore development at port facilities like Pier Wind, which will create thousands of manufacturing jobs across the U.S.,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “We are grateful for this state funding to make offshore wind a part of California’s energy portfolio.”

The grant funding came from Proposition 4, the climate bond measure approved in 2024 by California voters which set aside $475 million for port infrastructure projects connected to offshore wind development. The POLB will seek additional Proposition 4 proceeds for Pier Wind as the state releases those funds.

Pier Wind would allow for the staging, storage and assembly of some of the world’s largest offshore wind turbines, standing as tall as the Eiffel Tower. The fully assembled turbines would be towed by sea from the Port of Long Beach to wind lease areas 20 to 30 miles off the coast in Central and Northern California.

The proposed project is undergoing extensive environmental review by local, state and federal regulatory agencies as the POLB gathers input from the community. Construction could start as soon as 2027, with the first 200 acres completed in 2031, and the final 200 acres coming online in 2035. A recent preliminary economic impact report found that Pier Wind could create more than 6,000 jobs and generate $8 billion in labor income, $14.5 billion in economic output and $1.3 billion in state and local taxes between now and 2045.

“The $20 million award from the California Energy Commission is a commitment and investment in healthy, thriving communities and a sustainable future,” said state Sen. Lena Gonzalez. “With this funding, the Pier Wind project will break ground, creating jobs, boosting economic growth, and propelling progress on our state’s ambitious goals for offshore wind energy and emissions reductions.”

“Despite facing significant challenges in this year’s budget, we remained laser-focused on investing in our priorities, including offshore wind development,” said Assemblyman Josh Lowenthal. “The funding we secured will support critically important offshore wind projects in our district, lift up marginalized communities, and create new opportunities for underrepresented populations in the workforce, including women and previously incarcerated individuals, to build careers in engineering, construction, and maintenance of offshore wind construction sites and our farms.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill last year that would streamline the design and development of Pier Wind by allowing the POLB to use alternative construction delivery methods. In 2024, the California Energy Commission adopted a final strategic plan for offshore wind energy developments for the state, authorized through Assembly Bill 525. The plan references the need to prioritize seaports, like the POLB, to serve as assembly and staging sites for wind turbines.

The California State Lands Commission and the ports of Long Beach and Humboldt entered into a memorandum of understanding in December 2024 to collaborate on permitting, community engagement, environmental justice, clean energy strategies and Native American Tribal consultation to advance a multiport strategy for offshore wind deployment and workforce development.

Sister Cities Appoints First Executive Director

Sister Cities of Long Beach (SCLB) announced the appointment of Douglas Erber as the organization’s first executive director, effective Oct. 20. The new role marks a milestone in SCLB’s transition from a volunteer-led organization to a rising civic nonprofit positioned to expand its impact on international friendship, youth leadership and cultural exchange.

“Hiring our first Executive Director is a historic step for Sister Cities of Long Beach, and Doug Erber is the right leader for this moment,” said Richer San, chair of the board of SCLB. “Doug brings over 20 years of experience building cross-cultural partnerships, engaging civic and business leaders, and elevating international programs. With Doug at the helm, we’ll strengthen ties with our sister cities, expand opportunities for students, and enhance Long Beach’s global profile.”

Erber, a Long Beach resident, will oversee daily operations, development and sponsorships, program strategy, and external relations, working closely with the SCLB Board, City of Long Beach, the Port of Long Beach, Long Beach City College (LBCC), California State University Long Beach (CSULB), community partners, and each of the eight sister city committees.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Doug,” added Susan Redfield, president of SCLB. “His track record in international exchange, cross cultural programming and community engagement will accelerate our work across all eight sister cities as we prepare to launch our ninth.”

Erber previously served as president & executive director leading strategy, fundraising and operations of the Japan America Society of Southern California – an international nonprofit founded over a century ago.

“I’m honored to join Sister Cities of Long Beach at this pivotal time,” said Doug Erber. “SCLB’s volunteers have built a remarkable legacy. I look forward to partnering with the board, city leaders, schools, and our sister cities around the world to expand programs that inspire students, foster cultural understanding, and create lasting civic and economic connections.”

Erber is a veteran nonprofit and cultural diplomacy leader with extensive experience in international exchange, civic partnerships, and community programs. He has led and advised organizations that build bridges between the U.S. and global partners, with a focus on education, arts, and business engagement. In his volunteer roles, Erber served as president of the Huntington Beach Sister City Association and serves on the board of the U.S.-Japan Sister Cities Association based in Tokyo.

Landmark 30-Year Lease Agreement at LGB

Long Beach Airport (LGB) is proud to announce a new 30-year lease agreement with JetZero, Inc., a pioneer in next-generation aircraft design. The long-term commitment and plans for expansion cement JetZero’s Design Center at LGB, reinforcing the airport’s legacy as a hub for aerospace innovation and advancement.

Under the new agreement, approved by the Long Beach City Council with a 7 to 0 vote at the Tuesday, Oct.14 meeting, JetZero will extend its lease on approximately 16.5 acres at LGB for 30 years. It enables the company to move forward with $50 million in planned capital improvements to transform the campus, including a two-story atrium entrance, a Customer Experience Center, a wellness facility with a cafe and fitness center and other enhancements to support a growing workforce.

“This agreement represents a major investment in Long Beach’s future,” said Fifth District Councilwoman Megan Kerr.  “JetZero’s decision to solidify its presence in our city means continued momentum for Long Beach as a center of aerospace excellence and as a leader in the next generation of sustainable, efficient aviation.”

“Long Beach has always been at the forefront of aviation innovation, and JetZero’s investment here reaffirms that our city is the place where the future of flight belongs,” said Fourth District Councilman Daryl Supernaw. “We’re proud to be home to a company that’s reinventing air travel.”

JetZero, which established operations at the former Gulfstream service facility in October 2023, is leading the development of a groundbreaking all-wing airplane – a design that could revolutionize the efficiency and sustainability of commercial aviation. The company recently announced plans to establish its first production facility in Greensboro, North Carolina while keeping its Design Center firmly rooted in Long Beach.

“Long Beach has always been at the heart of JetZero’s innovation, and we’re proud to continue designing the future of flight right here at our Design Center,” said Tom O’Leary, JetZero CEO and co-founder. “Long Beach remains our home for advanced concepts and breakthrough aircraft design. This lease extension gives us the stability to invest in our team and facilities in Long Beach, ensuring we keep one foot firmly planted on Space Beach as we redefine what’s possible in aviation.”

The current term of JetZero’s lease was set to expire in March 2029. With the new 30-year term, which will extend the lease through March 13, 2059, with an option to renew for an additional five-year period, the company will have the certainty needed to expand operations while anchoring its vision for next-generation aviation in Long Beach.

“This long-term lease secures JetZero’s future here at Long Beach Airport and highlights the unique environment we provide for aerospace companies to thrive,” said Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. “JetZero’s investment demonstrates confidence in LGB as a place where aviation innovation takes flight.”