City of Long Beach - Community Development Department - Annual Report (2024)

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

Management Team

Building Tomorrow, Today

Dear Long Beach Community,

As we reflect on the past year, we at the Community Development Department are filled with a profound sense of pride and renewed dedication thanks to the unwavering dedication of our 200+ employees, collaborative partnerships and collective commitment to results for the betterment of Long Beach. Alongside the Mayor, Elected Officials, staff and commissioners, we made progress on all fronts, which prepared us for our current work in 2025.

Our mission is clear: to enhance Long Beach by fostering quality development, ensuring housing stability, revitalizing neighborhoods and preserving our rich history. We’ve exceeded our goals with record-breaking housing projects that cement Long Beach as a state leader in housing facilitation, finance and production. We are building homes, building lives and building a more equitable future for all.

At the heart of this is our "Building a Better Long Beach" initiative, which guides our new strategic

plan, informs our Downtown Plan and drives our innovative programs to transform our City. Our approach has earned recognition from the American Planning Association recognizing Long Beach's excellence in urban planning, affordable housing and neighborhood development.

An example of this work is the revitalized Victory Park, a project that transformed this space into a sustainable and inviting heart of Downtown Long Beach and earned the Urban Design Award. It exemplifies our commitment to community-driven development, where the voices of residents shape the spaces they inhabit.

We are also immensely proud to recognize Truong Huynh, our Community Development Deputy Director and professional engineer, as the Safer City Public Official of the Year by the Structural Engineers Association of Southern California. This prestigious award underscores our commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of our built environment. Truong's dedication exemplifies the expertise and passion that drive our Department.

These accomplishments are not merely statistics or accolades; they are the building blocks of a brighter future for Long Beach. We are creating a City where everyone can thrive, where neighborhoods are vibrant and inclusive and where our history is honored and preserved. While this work is ongoing and the challenges ahead are significant, we are confident that we can overcome them by listening, learning and adapting to the evolving needs of our community.

We invite you to join us in celebrating the successes of 2024 and in looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we are building a better Long Beach!

With gratitude and dedication,

Christopher Koontz Director, Community Development Department

Administrative & Financial Services

Our Administrative and Financial Services Bureau provides the essential human resources and fiscal services that support the operational teams delivering programs and services. The Bureau’s Human Resource professionals provide key services to facilitate hiring, ensure accurate compensation and benefit administration and design strategies that empower our workforce and aid in employee retention. The Finance team ensures our fiscal activities are handled responsibly and transparently across many areas, including accounting, budget management, contract administration and vendor management, financial reporting and procurement services.

BUREAU METRICS

January – December 2024

53 Employees hired

31 Staff promoted

9 Department transfers facilitated

5 Request for Proposals (RFPs) managed

51 Vendor agreements (20% with Long Beach businesses) managed

345 Purchase Orders issued

3,207 Payments (totaling nearly $35 million) processed

$80M Loan portfolio managed

Building & Safety

The Building and Safety Bureau ensures the safety and integrity of Long Beach buildings by enforcing regulations on fire prevention, electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems. They promote sustainability through energy efficiency standards and review construction plans in proximity to oil and gas wells The Bureau also staffs the Development Permit Center at City Hall, assisting thousands with permits and regulations to support orderly urban development.

BUREAU METRICS

January – December 2024

3,682 Plan checks conducted

12,035 Permits issued

31,420 Customers assisted on the Permit Center help line

$591M Construction valuation (retail and commercial)

56,047 Inspections conducted

Plan review during an on-site inspection

Code Enforcement

The Code Enforcement Bureau upholds state and local regulations by addressing code violations affecting safety and community well-being. They investigate noncompliant buildings, enforces zoning and land-use regulations and manages issues like abandoned vehicles and graffiti. With support from the Board of Examiners, Appeals and Condemnation, the Bureau ensures Long Beach remains safe, functional and visually appealing.

BOARD OF EXAMINERS, APPEALS & CONDEMNATION

The Board of Examiners, Appeals and Condemnation (BEAC) evaluates alternative construction methods, reviews substandard building corrections, addresses nuisances and hears appeals related to state regulations on disability access to public accommodations.

• Janet Lipson, Chair

• Steve Askin, Vice Chair

• Ismar Enriquez

• Ethel Powers

• Erin Hoops

Code Enforcement staff

BUREAU METRICS

January – December 2024

8,071 Complaints received

3,973 Cases opened

4,295 Cases closed

184,593 Fine and fees billed

58,524 Fine and fees collected

CODE VIOLATIONS BY TYPE IDENTIFIED

January – December 2024

199 Abandoned vehicle

5,340 Building code

2 Business license 4 Garage conversion 33 Miscellaneous

3,342 Property maintenance

907 Weed abatement

839 Zoning (signs, fences, unpermitted uses)

10,666 Total code violations

Housing & Neighborhood Services

The Housing and Neighborhood Services Bureau advances Long Beach’s goals of creating and preserving affordable housing while fostering inclusive, thriving communities. They work with the Long Beach Community Investment Company (LBCIC) to address housing availability and affordability, ensuring long-term accessibility through housing covenants. The Bureau supports first-time homebuyers, low-income renters and neighborhood revitalization, enhancing residents' quality of life and contributing to the City's commitment to sustainable, equitable communities.

THE LONG BEACH COMMUNITY INVESTMENT COMPANY

The LBCIC and Housing and Neighborhood Services Bureau — in partnership with the City, developers and community groups — work to improve housing availability, affordability, sustainability and neighborhood revitalization in Long Beach.

• Alejandra Ramirez, Chair

• Eva Melgarejo, Vice Chair

• Hakim Chambers, Director

• Hilda Delgado, Director

• Jasmine Esparza, Director

• Ruben Minjarez, Director

• Woody Sides, Director

BUREAU METRICS

January – December 2024

67 Home and commercial improvement applications received

71 Home and commercial improvement projects completed

31 Neighborhood grants provided

28 Neighborhood projects completed

108 Neighborhood clean-up events

927 Tons of trash and debris collected

2,429 Volunteers at clean-up events

$90,949 Dollar value of neighborhood grants

128 First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program applications received

20 First–Time Homebuyer Program grants awarded

Planning

The Planning Bureau plays a key role in shaping Long Beach’s future development by working closely with the Mayor, City Council, developers, engineers, residents and business owners. Their mission is to balance the City's growth with the preservation of its unique character while ensuring development aligns with community values. Through collaboration and inclusive dialogue, the Planning Bureau fosters a safe, innovative and sustainable urban landscape that reflects the evolving needs of the community.

PLANNING COMMISSION

The seven-member Planning Commission, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council, provides leadership on land-use matters in Long Beach. They collaborate with Community Development staff, neighborhood groups and other stakeholders to support the community’s interests and guide development.

• Richard Lewis, Chair

• Jane Templin, Vice Chair

• Alvaro Castillo

• Josh LaFarga

• Michael Clemson

• Michele Ware

• Susana Gonzalez-Edmond

BUREAU METRICS

January – December 2024 Planning staff meeting

36 Community outreach activities and events

701 Historic preservation cases completed

268 Project applications received

183 Project reviews completed

7,749

8,410

Permit Center customers helped

Zoning Info Line customers supported

Streamlining Core Services

LB BUILDS – ENTERPRISE LAND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (ELM)

This new system is a licensing and permitting platform that will be rolled out over the next two years. It will significantly reduce permit processing times, increase accessibility and enhance digital permitting features with real-time project status updates.

PERMIT CENTER IMPROVEMENTS

In 2024, the Department upgraded the Development Permit Center to enhance customer service and streamline the check-in process.

• Virtual Counter Services: Virtual services have broadened to include transfers from Building Engineers to Planning staff, in addition to addressing building code inquiries. This enhancement enables direct communication with Planners to discuss project requirements and zoning before engaging with the Building and Safety Bureau. The service has been well received, with over 300 virtual meetings already conducted. Soon, the Permit Center will introduce virtual meetings with the Planning Bureau and Fire Department staff.

• Walk-In Kiosk: The Permit Center launched a new kiosk to serve walk-in customers and decrease waiting times for everyone. These kiosks are available for customers visiting the

Permit Center for business licenses, code enforcement needs and planning and zoning. Customers with appointments can register using the kiosks, and those customers walking-in will receive a ticket to be served. Other walk-in services will continue to check in at the Information Counter.

• Communications Monitor: A new centralized monitor was installed in 2024 to help provide helpful and accurate information for guests upon check-in. Displayed details include hours of operation, holidays and closures, contact information for bureaus and helpful resources to explain key services like virtual meetings, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and building inspections.

• Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic System: With support from a $100,000 grant, customers can now submit rooftop solar photovoltaic system plans and applications online.

Building a Better Long Beach

ADOPTION OF ZONE IN: CITY CORE

Zone In: City Core updated zoning regulations to support the development of new housing and a greater mix of uses, particularly along commercial corridors in the area, including Anaheim Street and Pacific Coast Highway. The plan created opportunity for residents, businesses, jobs and shopping to all be located near each other with a more pedestrian-friendly design. The updates to the zoning helped facilitate more than 3,000 market-rate and affordable housing units in the project area.

UPTOWN PLANNING LAND USE AND NEIGHBORHOOD STRATEGY (UPLAN)

The Uptown Planning Land Use and Neighborhood Strategy (UPLAN) equity-based framework was focused on both changes to zoning and land-use regulations and the planning process itself. North Long Beach was prioritized for the first comprehensive zoning code update in 30 years because of the community's history and marginalization of its Black and Brown residents. UPLAN was grounded in a community power and capacity-building process in which the people most impacted by planning decisions, including young people, renters and people of color, were prioritized in the process and had their voices and feedback uplifted, leading to special mobility recommendations and zoning regulations.

UPLAN meeting notes documenting community feedback

WILLOW SPRINGS REZONING AND DEDICATION

Zoning and General Plan updates permanently preserved Willow Springs Park as open space. The park, home to diverse native species and community events, features three loop trails and Long Beach’s highest accessible peak, Longview Point.

ADOPTION OF LGBTQ+ STRATEGIC IMPROVEMENT PLAN

On May 21, 2024, the City Council unanimously approved the Strategic Improvement Plan for the Broadway Corridor, ensuring future improvements that celebrate LGBTQ+ history, culture and identity. Extensive community engagement guided the plan, which will support local businesses and establish a Cultural District.

EVERYONE’S COAST GRANT SECURED

The Planning Bureau secured a $690,000 Sustainable Communities grant to update outdated zoning in the Coastal Zone, improving beach access and housing equity for marginalized communities. The project will develop a community-access study and prioritize transportation improvements while expanding affordable housing opportunities.

WESTSIDE PROMISE (WSP)

The Westside Promise is a 10-year community investment initiative focused on West Long Beach, a historically under-resourced area. The WSP initiative encourages residents to actively participate, engage and take leadership roles in community programs to promote a flourishing Westside. Key focus areas include health, livability, housing, financial empowerment, jobs, small businesses, culture, mobility, investment and community empowerment.

BUILDING SEISMIC RESILIENCY PROGRAM

This program drives our commitment to protect the community from major earthquake devastation. Located along the Pacific Ring of Fire and near the San Andreas and Newport-Inglewood faults, Building and Safety staff engage residents and property owners in enhancing resilience and habitability. In response to increasing seismic activity, the Bureau accelerate our focus on strengthening the community's capacity to withstand a major seismic event, securing resident safety and housing stability.

• Program Summary: The program encourages voluntary retrofit compliance for existing multi-family soft story residential buildings.

• Upcoming Outreach: The City will be mailing out a notice to property owners of buildings initially identified as having characteristics consistent with Soft, Weak or Open-Front (SWOF). An outreach campaign is underway to help develop a program to address vulnerable buildings in Long Beach.

FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program has expanded to provide more opportunities for Long Beach residents. This initiative supports low- to moderate-income families, particularly those traditionally underrepresented in homeownership, in purchasing their first home. Around 100 households will receive up to $25,000 to help cover expenses such as down payments, one-time closing costs (including loan, title and escrow fees) and loan-related fees to reduce mortgage interest rates. Today, 27 households have received assistance.

Program Eligibility:

• Household income must not exceed 200 percent of the Los Angeles County Area Median Income (AMI).

• Participants must be pre-approved by a lender for a 30-year fixed mortgage loan. Cash purchases are not eligible.

HOMEOWNERS

Nareth and Seila

“Owning our home is important because it’s not just a home for the family,” said the couple. “It’s a home for friends, socialization, cook outs and everything!”

Nareth and Seila, First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program grant recipients

Current Income Limits as of January 2024*

*Income limits are updated annually

HOME IMPROVEMENT ROOF GRANT PROGRAM

The Home Improvement Roof Grant Program (HIRGP) provides low-income eligible owner–occupied, single-family residence property owners with up to $20,000 in grant funding for the rehabilitation or replacement of their home roof. The goal of HIRGP is to enhance the quality of life for low–income property owners, particularly those on fixed incomes, and help them obtain a safe and code–compliant roof.

• Program Launch Date: Spring 2023

• Completed Roofs: 50 families

• Future participants: 56 families are currently at various stages of the program pipeline

Ms. King–Haywood in front of her newly repaired roof

NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

The Neighborhood Leadership Program (NLP) is offered by Neighborhood Services Bureau. This five–month multilingual program assists grassroots residents by providing them the skills, knowledge and resources needed to make a difference in the quality of life of the community. This program is free to participants and is partially funded through the Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

HOMEOWNER

Coronada King–Haywood, Long Beach resident of 29 years

"Thank you, CIty of Long Beach. I would not have been able to fix my roof without you. I appreciate it!"

SHORT TERM RENTAL PROGRAM

The Short–Term Rental (STR) program continued to register eligible dwellings and conduct pro–active enforcement activities to ensure compliance with applicable City ordinances. In 2024, the program approved 354 new STRs and renewed another 629. Facilitated by the Code Enforcement Bureau, the program is designed to provide additional lodging opportunities while safeguarding and preserving the character of diverse residential neighborhoods throughout Long Beach.

PROACTIVE RENTAL HOUSING INSPECTION PROGRAM

In 2024, the Proactive Rental Housing Inspection Program (PRHIP), under the purview of the Code Enforcement Bureau, conducted a total of 388 property inspections, 706–unit inspections and responded to 1,768 customer service requests. PHRIP is part of the Department's comprehensive strategy to maintain livability standards, protect tenants against blight and ensure citywide compliance through efficient enforcement of the Long Beach Municipal Code.

Historic Preservation

CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMISSION

The Cultural Heritage Commission (CHC) plays a vital role in Long Beach’s commitment to preserving its rich heritage while fostering a vibrant future. Appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council, the CHC identifies buildings and neighborhoods with architectural and historical value, recommending their designation as City landmarks to the Mayor, City Council and Planning Commission. In collaboration with the City, the Commission promotes public awareness and appreciation of historic resources and reviews the design of proposed changes to designated properties and landmarks.

• Kevin McGuan, Chair

• Mark Grisafe, Vice Chair

• Tasha Hunter

• Marco Pizzo

• Amy Bodek

• Jocelynn Pryor

• Jacqueline Padilla Perez

THE MILLS ACT PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT PROGRAM

This program provides property tax relief to owners who commit to restoring, rehabilitating or maintaining historic properties under a minimum 10–year contract. CHC reviews applications, forwarding them to the City Council for final approval. In 2024, 14 properties were awarded Mills Act contracts.

2024 MILLS ACT RECIPIENTS

4210 CALIFORNIA AVE.

• Architectural Style: Ranch

• Neighborhood: Bixby Knolls

746 DAWSON AVE.

• Architectural Style: Craftsman

• Neighborhood: Rose Park

802 DAWSON AVE.

• Architectural Style: Craftsman

• Neighborhood: Rose Park

834 DAWSON AVE.

• Architectural Style: Craftsman

• Neighborhood: Rose Park

2425 EAST 2ND

ST.

• Architectural Style: Spanish Colonial

• Neighborhood: Bluff Park

3753 GUNDRY AVE.

• Architectural Style: Spanish Colonial

• Neighborhood: California Heights

4401 MYRTLE AVE.

• Architectural Style: International

• Neighborhood: Bixby Knolls

6050 Walnut Ave.

3720 OLIVE AVE.

• Architectural Style: Spanish Colonial

• Neighborhood: California Heights

82 RIVO ALTO CANAL

• Architectural Style: International

• Neighborhood: Naples

293 TEMPLE AVE.

• Architectural Style: Craftsman

• Neighborhood: Bluff Heights

6050 WALNUT AVE.

• Architectural Style: Spanish Colonial

• Neighborhood: Grant

445 WEST 4TH ST.

• Architectural Style: Vernacular

• Neighborhood: Drake Park

519 WEST 10TH ST.

• Architectural Style: Craftsman

• Neighborhood: Drake Park

422 WEST 11TH ST.

• Architectural Style: Craftsman

• Neighborhood: Drake Park

HISTORIC LANDMARKS

The City’s Landmark Designation Program helps promote and protect significant properties that are located outside of historic districts. The following properties received designation as historic landmarks in 2024.

4210 CALIFORNIA AVE.

• Architectural Style: Ranch

• Neighborhood: Bixby Knolls

4401 MYRTLE AVE.

• Architectural Style: International

• Neighborhood: Bixby Knolls

82 RIVO ALTO CANAL

• Architectural Style: International

• Neighborhood: Naples

CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS

In 2024, the CHC approved five applications for a certificate of appropriateness, which enables the owner of a property designated as a historic landmark or within a historic district to make alterations to the site’s appearance. To be approved, the proposed changes must be consistent with the City’s Historic District Design Guidelines. The following are some of the highlighted projects.

• 1508 E. 8th St.

• 335 Gladys Ave.

• 792 Gladys Ave.

• 3618 Rose Ave.

• 2720 E. Vista St.

Long Beach RHNA Progress (Unit Count) Regional Housing Needs Allocation

Affordable Housing Projects

Through community-focused planning, new programs supporting renters and landlords and the development of housing communities, the City remains dedicated to expanding housing access for all Long Beach residents. The following policies, initiatives, programs and housing projects highlight the progress made in 2024.

• 328 affordable units submitted for entitlement

• 225 affordable units entitled

PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT

The following represents affordable housing projects that have been completed, are under construction or have been approved.

COMPLETED

The Cove: The new community on the Century Villages at Cabrillo campus will feature various amenities, including a central courtyard with recreational areas and common spaces.

• Address: 2121 Williams St.

• Neighborhood: West Long Beach

• Building Height (stories): 4

• Units + Affordable Units: 90 (89 affordable)

• Funded by LBCIC (Y/N): Yes

Meet Jason Smith

U.S. Army veteran Sergeant Jason Smith served for seven years before his honorable discharge in 2012. After returning to Long Beach in 2021, he worked at a construction warehouse that later supplied materials for The Cove. In 2024, he lost his job, facing uncertainty once again. After nine months in the U.S. VETS transitional housing program, Sergeant Smith finally found stability and now calls The Cove home.

COMPLETED

Heritage Gardens: Affordable housing development with onsite health and wellness, financial literacy, art and cooking programs.

• Address: 941 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.

• Neighborhood: Midtown Long Beach

• Building Height (stories): 4

• Units + Affordable Units: 68 (67 affordable)

• Funded by LBCIC (Y/N): Yes

26 Point 2: The affordable housing development features studio units, a multi-purpose room with a kitchen and lounge, an outdoor courtyard with barbecue areas and onsite social services.

• Address: 3950 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.

• Neighborhood: Traffic Circle Area

• Building Height (stories): 5

• Units + Affordable Units: 77 (76 affordable)

• Funded by LBCIC (Y/N): Yes

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

300 Alamitos Ave: The development will offer seniors various amenities and is located near Downtown’s East Village, with easy access to the Long Beach Senior Center, public transit, grocery stores, museums and public parks. To be completed by Summer 2026.

• Address: 300 Alamitos Ave.

• Neighborhood: Downtown Long Beach

• Building Height (stories): 5

• Units + Affordable Units: 82 (81 affordable)

• Funded by LBCIC (Y/N): Yes

1400 Long Beach Blvd: The development will be comprised of one-, two- and three-bedroom units and feature numerous amenities including a community room, an outdoor courtyard and children’s play area. To be completed by mid2026.

• Address: 1400 Long Beach Blvd.

• Neighborhood: Midtown Long Beach

• Building Height (stories): 6

• Units + Affordable Units:163 (162 affordable

• Funded by LBCIC (Y/N): No

APPROVED

1401 Long Beach Blvd: The Midtown development will include amenities such as a play structure, BBQ area, community room, fitness and yoga center, bike storage, computer room and two courtyards.

• Address: 1401 Long Beach Blvd.

• Neighborhood: Midtown Long Beach

• Building Height (stories): 6

• Units + Affordable Units: 153 (151 affordable)

• Funded by LBCIC (Y/N): Yes

Downtown Plan Update

DOWNTOWN PLAN

Initiated in 2012, our award-winning Downtown Plan (Plan) has propelled our vision of a highquality urban environment that functions as the City's core and links the surrounding neighborhoods and coastline. Over the past 12 years, the Plan has served as a guiding document for development in Downtown Long Beach with thousands of approved housing units, a new Civic Center and various pedestrian, retail and other improvements. The City continues to see the benefits of this Plan as evident by its positive effect on Long Beach’s economy and evolving cityscape that serves as a nexus of tourism, business and transit.

The Community Development Department is beginning to review its downtown land-use planning documents, and the Downtown Plan will be updated with a renewed focus on preventing tenant displacement and building housing for all income levels, which includes affordable housing.

Rendering of 600 W. Broadway

DOWNTOWN PLAN PROGRESS SUMMARY 2012-2024

The following table reflects project data for the major developments featured in this Downtown Plan update report.

Development Projects

COMPLETED

The Inkwell – 201 The Promenade N

The Inkwell is a five-story mixed-use building featuring an apartment community with 189 residential units and 10,000 square feet of retail and flex space.

• Neighborhood: Downtown

• Building Height (stories): 5

• Units: 189

Aster – 250 E. Broadway

Aster is an eight-story mixed-use building including an apartment community with 218 residential units and 7,292 square feet of retail and commercial space.

• Neighborhood: Downtown

• Building Height (stories): 8

• Units: 218

Inspection in progress

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

The following represents the projects that have been approved under the Downtown Plan and are currently under construction.

300 Pacific Ave.

300 Pacific Ave. is an eight-story mixed-use development featuring an apartment community of 271 residential units and 2,647 square feet of retail space.

• Neighborhood: Downtown

• Building Height (stories): 8

• Units: 271

5th Street Apartments - 425 E. 5th St.

5th Street Apartments is a five-story residential community offering 18 market-rate apartments, including one affordable unit.

• Neighborhood: Downtown

• Building Height (stories): 5

• Units: 18

600 W. Broadway

600 W. Broadway St. is a mixed-use development featuring an apartment community with 756 residential units and 2,450 square feet of retail space.

• Neighborhood: Downtown

• Building Height (stories): 7

• Units: 756

Precious Lamb Expansion

Precious Lamb Preschool, a faith-based daycare serving children up to age five from families experiencing homelessness, is set to expand. The additions will include new classrooms, offices, restrooms, a kitchen, dining space and a 4,429 square-foot playground.

APPROVED

The following represents the projects that have been entitled under the Downtown Plan.

615 E. Ocean Blvd.

615 E. Ocean Blvd. is a 21-story high-rise featuring 203 residential units and 264,628 square feet of building area. The project includes 13 proposed Very Low-Income units under the Inclusionary Housing requirement and utilizes the Enhanced Density Bonus.

• Neighborhood: Downtown

• Building Height (stories): 21

• Units: 203

999 Atlantic Ave.

999 Atlantic Ave. is an adaptive reuse project converting an existing three-story commercial building into a residential community with 30 units.

• Neighborhood: Downtown

• Building Height (stories): 3

• Units: 30

Long Beach Community Development

411 W. Ocean Blvd., 3rd Floor Long Beach, CA 90802

Visit us at longbeach.gov/lbcd Email us at lbcd@longbeach.gov

To request this information in an alternative format or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Community Development Department at longbeach.gov/lbcd and 562.570.3807. A minimum of three business days is requested to ensure availability; attempts will be made to accommodate requests with shorter notice.