Long-time Long Beach resident Cindy Allen is running to represent the city’s 2nd District on the Long Beach City Council, the Business Journal learned this morning. Allen is locally known for her work as the founder of ETA Agency, a multi-million-dollar advertising firm in Downtown Long Beach which was recently sold to Blume Media Group Inc.

Allen was raised in Westside Long Beach, attended Long Beach Unified School District schools, and ultimately obtained a master’s degree from California State University, Long Beach. She worked for nearly a decade within the Long Beach Police Department, where she was recognized with more than 20 commendations for bravery and exceptional service, according to an announcement released this morning.

After founding ETA Agency 14 years ago, Allen was eventually appointed by Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn to serve as a commissioner for the L.A. County Small Business Administration. Allen employed more than a dozen Long Beach residents through ETA. The firm formerly owned the Long Beach Post for several years before selling it to local investment group Pacific 6.

Allen currently lives in Downtown Long Beach with her husband of 25 years, with whom she has two grown children aged 24 and 22.

“I love Long Beach. I loved growing up in our city, and as a homeowner and longtime community leader, I know we can do so much more to make the Second District safer, build more affordable housing, and reduce homelessness,” Allen stated in her announcement. “I am ready to bring people together and fight for our shared progressive values. Over the weeks and months ahead, I look forward to meeting with residents, hearing their concerns and sharing my plans on how we move forward and create more livable neighborhoods and an even more inclusive city.”

Allen will face off against incumbent Jeannine Pearce, as well as residents Jeanette Barrera and Robert Fox, in the March 3, 2020 primary.