How has Whittier sustained interest as an attractive option for companies seeking new alternatives and locations, given the challenges of the past few years on the economy and daily work life?
Whittier offers a favorable combination of location, workforce, business-friendly policies, infrastructure and quality of life that make it an attractive destination for companies of all sizes. The City invests in diverse industry sectors and by adapting to market shifts, offering resources and grants, and working collaboratively with businesses entities like the Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce, Whittier Uptown Association and Uptown Whittier Improvement Association to navigate challenges, we’ve weathered economic disruptions together. Of equal importance, Whittier’s strong sense of community, quality schools, in-house public safety and vast cultural amenities continue to make it an attractive place to live, work, shop and play.
How does Whittier differentiate itself from others in the region?
Whittier is known for its celebrated community events, hiking trails, tree-lined streets, and small-town charm. Its proximity to major markets offers a broad consumer base and supply chain network, and its affordable commercial space makes it an ideal location for businesses large and small. The City has invested in a broadband master plan enhancing connectivity and high speed internet access, as well as a unique microwave communication system offering higher data and bandwidth capabilities. Whittier is also home to reputable institutions like Whittier College and Rio Hondo College, providing distinguished educational opportunities and a skilled workforce pipeline, as well top-tier healthcare partners like PIH Health. The City prides itself on streamlined permitting, dedicated business concierge services, and incentives for locating or expanding here, all of which helped Whittier gain recognition as the LAEDC’s “Most Business-Friendly City” in 2012 and 2018.
Which industries are demonstrating the most interest in Whittier today?
Whittier’s inventory of industrial real estate continues to attract logistics and manufacturing companies, including a current applicant poised to demolish and construct a new 295,000 sq. ft. facility. Similarly, the City has begun to position itself as a hub for startups and creative industries thanks to affordable commercial space and a new innovation zone adjacent to a regional hospital and future light rail transit line. With considerable investment marked for Uptown Whittier and a new 351-space parking structure recently completed, Uptown Whittier continues to attract new retailers, trendsetting general stores and eclectic eateries making it a truly sought after destination in Southern California.
In response to the pandemic, how is Whittier reimagining where residents live, work, shop, and play?
Whittier is investing in walkable neighborhoods, open spaces and mixed-use development to accommodate the changing preferences of residents and businesses. A key example is the 74-acre former Fred C. Nelles site, known as The Groves in Whittier, featuring a combination of 750 homes, retail, lifestyle services, a soon-to-be completed food hall concept dubbed Rodeo 72, and green spaces throughout. The pandemic presented an opportunity to implement a closed Greenleaf Avenue promenade and accommodate outdoor dining, prompting the City to commit $20M+ toward streetscape improvements and beautification including water and sewer upgrades, widened sidewalks, uniform outdoor dining, enhanced landscape and lighting, paved streets, and two pocket parks that will enhance the pedestrian-friendly experience in the City’s historic downtown district. A major renovation of Parnell Park is also underway including soccer fields, pickleball courts, an expanded petting zoo, and acoustic bandshell for outdoor performances adding considerable value for those on the east end of town. Whittier is served by 19 parks and a recently expanded 7.4 mile Greenway Trail now connecting West Whittier to the Orange County line near La Habra making it a sustainable, accessible City.
