A Downtown for All
We believe thriving cities are built from the ground up through both economic development and public spaces that feel safe, beautiful, and welcoming to everyone. Our mission is to support the revitalization, growth, and prosperity of Downtown Long Beach through community service, public art, placemaking, beautification, and inclusive programming.
From murals and neighborhood cleanups to inclusive public events and volunteer-powered projects, we focus on the kind of work that directly improves quality of life and creates visible, people-first impact that you can see, touch, and feel on the sidewalks and street corners of Downtown every day.
Our Vision
We envision a Downtown Long Beach where every resident, business owner, artist, and visitor feels a sense of belonging and sees themselves reflected in the spaces and experiences that surround them. We see a Downtown that is:
- Equitable – where public investment serves all communities.
- Beautiful – with inviting streetscapes, green spaces, and public art.
- Connected – with opportunities for neighbors to meet, gather, and grow together.
- Creative – where culture and artistic expression thrive in the public realm.
A Trusted Partnership
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Downtown Difference creates another way to invest in Downtown, one that allows us to accept charitable gifts, pursue grants and philanthropic support, and direct those resources toward community-focused projects and programs. Our work complements the Alliance’s efforts while giving individuals, businesses, foundations, and other partners an opportunity to directly support the people, places, and ideas at the heart of our mission.
Gifts to Downtown Difference are tax-deductible and go directly toward our charitable mission. They are separate from the assessment-district funds that support the Downtown Long Beach Alliance.
A Commitment to Inclusion
At the heart of our work is a strong commitment to inclusion which shapes every project we pursue and every partnership we build. We work to ensure:
- All communities have a voice in how Downtown evolves.
- Our programs reflect the cultural richness of Long Beach.
- We invest in underserved neighborhoods and underrepresented groups.
- Every person feels welcome and safe in Downtown’s public spaces.
What Makes Us Different
We aren’t a traditional nonprofit, and we’re not a government agency — we’re something in between. Downtown Difference is nimble, collaborative, and rooted in the belief that public space belongs to everyone. We work to amplify the voices of diverse communities and help Downtown Long Beach grow in a way that reflects its people: bold, resilient, and beautifully diverse.
Impact
Although The Downtown Difference is newly formed, our roots run deep. As a sister organization to the Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DTLB Alliance), we stand on a strong foundation of progress. For years as the Alliance, we have transformed Downtown through innovative programs, public-private partnerships, and a deep commitment to place-based investment. From installing street signage and supporting small businesses to leading public art campaigns and community cleanups, we have helped make Downtown Long Beach what it is today.
Happening Now
Follow along as we grow. Join us on Instagram @DowntownDifference.LB for volunteer days, event recaps, and behind-the-scenes looks at projects in progress. And follow @DTLBAlliance for all the day-to-day news and happenings in DTLB.
