Long Beach has a rich history of multi-family living, but the current real estate market paints a challenging picture for many first-time homebuyers. With the median single-family home price soaring to $1,050,000, young families and locals feel the dream of homeownership slipping away. However, there's a viable solution in our city's DNA: duplexes. Right now, duplex prices are at a comparative advantage, with the median price at $980,000—$60,000 less than a single-family home. Yet, they remain overlooked due to outdated perceptions.

Duplexes were once essential to the Long Beach community, allowing for multi-generational living, affordable housing, and a strong neighborhood identity. But the post-war shift to single-family homes as the 'American dream' has marginalized this sustainable housing option. It's time for Long Beach to reclaim this tradition and bring it into the present day.

By incentivizing duplex purchases for first-time buyers, we can make housing more affordable and attractive for young families. Fewer bidding wars and more mortgage assistance options mean that locals can stay in the city they love. House hacking—living in one unit while renting the other—can provide financial relief that traditional single-family homes cannot offer.

We call upon the city of Long Beach to create incentives such as down payment assistance, tax breaks, or subsidized interest rates specifically for duplex purchases. This initiative would not only assist young families in becoming homeowners but also revitalize our neighborhoods, preserve our city's heritage, and keep the community intact.

Let's act quickly before duplex prices rise and more families are forced to leave Long Beach. By signing this petition, you're supporting a future that keeps our city's charm and offers more opportunities for everyone. Let's make Long Beach a place where homeownership is accessible to all. Sign now and help us create a brighter future for our city.