Port policies are set by the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners. Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor with confirmation by the City Council and are limited to two, six-year terms. The Executive Director has a staff of professionals in all disciplines to execute necessary activities. Revenue Sources State of California tidelands laws applicable to all California ports require ports to earn their revenues from activities related to commerce, navigation, marine recreation and fisheries, and spend their money on the same. The Port receives no funding from the City general fund.
All revenue is generated from terminal leases and from fees charged to ship services.
Most terminals exceed the minimum guarantees. City Council approves the port's annual budget and any bonded indebtedness. Revenue bonds are issued to finance port developments and are retired with future revenues. The projects will be financed with operating revenues, revenue bonds and short-term commercial paper. The port has a AA bond rating from Moody's, and a AA- bond rating from Standard and Poors.