About

Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie, Ph.D. represents North Long Beach on the Long Beach City Council, proudly representing the diverse neighborhoods and communities of the Ninth Council District. Elected in 2022, she brings a rare blend of scientific expertise, community advocacy, and policy experience to City Hall — all rooted in her deep commitment to equity, public health, and North Long Beach families.

Dr. Ricks-Oddie currently serves as Chair of the Budget Oversight Committee, Vice Chair of the Government Operations and Efficiency Committee, and Vice Chair of the Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach. She also plays a key role on the Housing and Public Health Committee, the I-710 Oversight Committee, and the City Charter Amendment Committee. Regionally, she represents Long Beach on the Gateway Cities Council of Governments and the 91/605/405 Corridor Cities and Homelessness Committee, ensuring the voices of North Long Beach residents are heard beyond city boundaries.

Since taking office, she has focused on delivering measurable results: strengthening city services, increasing transparency in the budget process, expanding access to affordable housing, and advancing public health initiatives tailored to underserved neighborhoods. Her leadership reflects a commitment to using data and community feedback to create policies that work for everyday residents.

Before her election, Joni served as Chair of the Long Beach Planning Commission and was deeply engaged in civic life through her work with the North Long Beach Neighborhood Alliance, Uptown Property and Business Improvement District, and Citizens Police Complaint Commission.

Professionally, she is the Director of the Center for Statistical Consulting at UC Irvine, where she specializes in Biostatistics and Epidemiology. Her work has focused on health disparities impacting communities of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and women facing systemic barriers, experience she brings directly into her policymaking.

A proud mother of two and a resident of Deforest Park with her husband Keith, Joni holds a Ph.D. in Epidemiology from UCLA, a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Michigan, and a B.S. in Microbiology from the University of Iowa.

Whether she’s analyzing a city budget or walking her neighborhood streets, Dr. Ricks-Oddie leads with integrity, preparedness, and a clear vision: to build a healthier, more equitable Long Beach — one policy at a time.