Reading has the power to inspire and uplift, much like the remarkable leaders in our community. In Long Beach Leaders Are Readers, we celebrate the individuals whose dedication and vision shape the city we call home.
For our January Long Beach Leaders Are Readers feature, we’re thrilled to highlight Austin Metoyer, President & CEO of the Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DTLB Alliance). A lifelong Long Beach resident with a passion for building community, Austin is dedicated to creating a downtown that’s vibrant, inclusive, and full of opportunities.
Scroll down to read the book that inspires Austin’s work and why reading plays a pivotal role in his leadership journey.
Why do you recommend The Sandman by Neil Gaiman?
The Sandman is a story about transformation, identity, and the tension between tradition and change. At its heart, it follows a protagonist, Dream, also known as Morpheus, who is forced to confront his rigid adherence to principles and the consequences of his past choices. Through a series of events that challenge his understanding of himself and his role in the world, Dream must grapple with whether to change, adapt, or remain the same—and face the costs of that decision. His ultimate fate is something I’ll leave for readers to explore, but what I found most compelling about this story is its exploration of how clinging too tightly to our ways, traditions, and mindsets can limit growth, empathy, and our ability to connect with the world around us. It’s a powerful reminder that transformation, though difficult, is often necessary for true understanding and growth.
Let’s learn a little more about Austin:
How old were you when you got your first library card?
7 years old. I remember my dad taking me to the Long Beach Main Library in Downtown Long Beach in second grade to get my library card. I felt like an adult once I got my library card and it was laminated. My dad would take me regularly to the Main Library to pick out a new book for the month.
What are your favorite genres to read?
I bounce between reading fiction (fantasy and sci-fi) and non-fiction (biographies and urban policy).
What’s the last book you read?
The last book I read was a reread of President Obama’s Promised Land. I read the book when it came out in 2020 and thought the themes and subject matter were timely for the moment. It has become a comfort book and guidance on leadership.
What book will you read next?
I want to start reading Just Action by Richard Rothstein and Leah Rothstein. It’s a follow-up to The Color of Law, which denoted America’s history with the practice of redlining and its impacts on Black communities historically and in the present day.
Austin Metoyer, a Long Beach native, is the President & CEO of the Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DTLB Alliance).
At the DTLB Alliance, Austin spearheads initiatives to enhance Downtown Long Beach’s appeal as a destination for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. His leadership focuses on revitalizing the urban core through housing advocacy, adaptive reuse projects, and placemaking strategies that foster economic growth and cultural vibrancy. Austin is also an advocate for sustainable development, balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders to create a resilient and thriving downtown.
He served as President of the California Downtown Association, champing statewide initiatives supporting downtown recovery, housing solutions, and economic equity.
Austin holds a Bachelor’s in International Business from Long Beach State University and a Master’s in Urban Planning from the University of Southern California, where he stays involved as an enthusiastic alumnus. He also serves as a Commissioner on Long Beach’s Economic Development Commission.
A lover of anime and video games, Austin can be found at his home in Long Beach, relaxing with his partner, Justin, and their dog, Mochi, watching the latest episode of My Hero Academia.
With a passion for the city’s culture and history, Austin is dedicated to making Downtown Long Beach a vibrant place to live, work, and play.
