Case Study

Long Beach, CA Streets CIP

Public Financial Management was engaged to undertake an Assessment of the Long Beach Streets Capital Improvement Program. The goal of the assessment was to inform policy officials of the City of Long Beach of the effectiveness and efficiency of the capital improvement program in achieving goals and objectives.

PFM held discussions with current Public Works managers and others to identify progress since the last audit done several years previously and to address energy issues and challenges. The potential under-utilization of the Gasoline Tax Street Improvement Fund (City Fund SR181) was analyzed since historically the variance between budgeted and actual expenditures had been significant.

The Streets CIP financial, administrative and operating documents along with the Streets CIP performance measures and performance accountability system were analyzed and comparisons to the best practices of other local governments in managing streets capital programs was reviewed.

The assessment contained recommendations on ways to more fully use Streets CIP funding, improve budget practices, meet staffing needs, measure program progress, reduce the backlog of projects and reduce deferred improvements. The report will serve as an important document in the redevelopment of the City's Comprehensive Capital Plan.