Whittier Economic Outlook

The City of Whittier’s economic future looks bright. The Community Development Department has been busy with the commercial revitalization through planning, redevelopment and economic development efforts. With the success of the recently redeveloped Whittwood Town Center combined with the new Whittier Boulevard Specific Plan, and the new Uptown Specific Plan currently being finalized, the City is in an excellent position for economic vitality and success.
The new Whittwood Town Center has had a positive impact on the community and on the City’s sales tax growth. Prior to the redevelopment of Whittwood, the City had not experienced the sales tax growth that is brought by new retail development. The sale of the 65-acre mall in 2002 has afforded the City the opportunity to grow its sales tax base with new retail and restaurant tenants. Target, Cost Plus World Market, Red Robin and Panera Bread have joined existing anchor tenants such as JC Penny, Sears, Mervyns for a complete transformation of the once struggling enclosed mall. To view pictures of the Whittwood Town Center, click here.
The City Council set the table for development and redevelopment on Whittier Boulevard with the adoption of the Whittier Boulevard Specific Plan in 2005. The template includes five distinct districts: Gateway Segment, Workplace District, Shopping Center Clusters, Commercial Expansion/Auto Sales Segment, and Neighborhood Spine. With this new zoning the area is entertaining economic revitalization and proactive economic development. The City’s Community Development Department has already received plans for a 96-unit residential project on the east end of the Boulevard.
The City contracted Moule and Polyzoides, an urban design and planning firm, to create a new Uptown Whittier Specific Plan, which will provide guidelines for well-designed new investment and help to revitalize the Uptown area. Led by Stefanos Polyzoides, the Uptown Specific Plan consultant team includes experts from across the country. One of the proposed changes in Uptown is to move from traditional land use zoning to a form-based code. Form-based codes focus on the design aspects of development; for example, how a proposed building fits the existing buildings and street. Other concepts presented include a “park once” parking strategy; enhanced sidewalks to provide for a more pedestrian friendly environment; and more residential housing to support the businesses and provide for a culture that promotes a stronger sense of place. The community’s enthusiasm and participation in the creation of the new Specific Plan by the community have been inspiring. The City is looking forward to seeing the transformation of Uptown and the return of a thriving business district. The Plan is expected to be adopted by Spring 2007. To view the Draft Uptown Specific Plan, click here.
In fiscal year 2004-2005, the City took a more proactive role in economic development activities particularly by hiring a Business Development Manager and bringing business attraction and marketing in-house under the Community Development Department. The partnership with the Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce remains strong. Together, the City and the Chamber, play an active role in assisting businesses to ensure a thriving community.For more information about City initiatives and Economic Development in the City of Whittier, please call the Community Development Department at (562)464-3380