Chinese delegation tours Long Beach

A delegation from the China National Development and Reform Commission met with City of Long Beach officials to learn about governmental policies, community infrastructure and development, and public safety on March 10.

The meeting was arranged after a representative from the China Foreign Expert Bureau contacted City Manager Charles T. Theofan about the opportunity to see the nineteen members of China’s Small Towns Development Center. The group, who work for various provinces around Beijing, made the trip to the United States in order to obtain a better understanding of current practices of American local government management.

“We were honored to be asked to meet with the delegation and discuss our city government,” said Theofan. “We were one of only three cities that the delegation met with while they were here in the United States: Berkeley, California, Washington, DC and Long Beach, New York.” The Long Beach Public Library played host to the visitors and the City Manager, along with Deputy City Manager Lisa Mulligan, Public Works Commissioner Kevin Mulligan, City Comptroller Sandra Clarson, LB Police Commissioner Thomas R. Sofield, Sr., Inspector Lt. Bruce Meyer and City Council Member John McLaughlin.

There, they discussed topics of concern such as public works development and infrastructure matters, budgeting, capital bonding, the City’s election process, traffic problems, tourism, police recruitment, public safety and quality of life issues.

The majority of the delegation members hold positions in the areas of economic development, planning and law enforcement.

The meeting concluded with Theofan offering a City of Long Beach flag to the visitors, and they presented officials with silk scarves and framed art from China. Following the exchanging of gifts, the City Manager provided the group with a personal tour of City Hall.