The Long Beach Economic Development and Finance Committee will convene a special hearing on Thursday afternoon to discuss the city’s economic recovery from the coronavirus shutdown.

The hearing, organized by Councilman Rex Richardson, the chair of the committee is scheduled to receive testimony from representatives of the food and hospitality industry, as well as the nonprofit sector.

“Now is a critical time that the City Council and the public hear from impacted business sectors and stakeholders as we chart our course to recovery,” Richardson said. “This process will provide transparency and oversight into the reopening of our city’s economy, help us better assess impacts, and allow us to collaborate on solutions.”

Former Mayor Bob Foster will make his first official appearance as chair of the recently formed Long Beach Economic Recovery Task Force. The remaining presentations will be given by John Keisler, director of Economic Development; Steve Goodling, president and CEO of the Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau; Michelle Byerly, executive director of The Nonprofit Partnership.

Also on the schedule: testimony from small businesses, restaurants and nonprofits.

The meeting will be held at 4 p.m. via teleconference. For the meeting agenda and livestream, visit https://longbeach.legistar.com.