Whittier Uptown Association

Whittier Uptown Association is a community organization based in Whittier, California, dedicated to promoting and enhancing the Uptown Whittier area, which is surrounded by California State University, Los Angeles, Rio Hondo College, and Whittier College. The association works closely with local businesses, such as The Gas Company, Southern California Edison, and AT&T, to support economic development and growth in the region. As a member of the National Main Street Center, the Whittier Uptown Association follows the Main Street Four-Point Approach, which includes organization, promotion, design, and economic restructuring, similar to other successful downtown revitalization efforts in Pasadena, California, Santa Monica, California, and Long Beach, California. The association's efforts are also influenced by the Whittier City Council, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, and California State Legislature.

● History

The Whittier Uptown Association was established in the 1970s, during a time of significant change in Whittier, California, with the construction of the San Gabriel River (California) freeway and the redevelopment of the Uptown Whittier area. The association's early efforts were focused on promoting the area's unique character and attracting new businesses, such as The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal, and Warner Bros., to the region. Over the years, the association has worked with various partners, including the Whittier Chamber of Commerce, Whittier Rotary Club, and Whittier Lions Club, to support local events, such as the Whittier Uptown Christmas Parade, Whittier Uptown Farmers Market, and Whittier Dia de los Muertos Festival. The association has also collaborated with nearby institutions, including California State University, Los Angeles, Rio Hondo College, and Whittier College, to promote education and cultural exchange in the region.

● Organization

The Whittier Uptown Association is a non-profit organization, governed by a board of directors, which includes representatives from local businesses, such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank, as well as community leaders from organizations like the Whittier YMCA, Whittier Boys and Girls Club, and Whittier Community Center. The association's staff works closely with the City of Whittier, Los Angeles County, and State of California agencies, such as the California Department of Transportation, California Highway Patrol, and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, to support economic development and growth in the region. The association is also a member of the National Main Street Center, which provides resources and support for downtown revitalization efforts across the United States, including New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco.

● Activities

The Whittier Uptown Association is involved in a variety of activities, including promoting local businesses, such as The Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen, and Starbucks, and supporting community events, like the Whittier Uptown Christmas Parade, Whittier Uptown Farmers Market, and Whittier Dia de los Muertos Festival. The association also works to improve the physical appearance of the Uptown Whittier area, through initiatives such as the Uptown Whittier Beautification Project, which is supported by partners like The Home Depot, Lowe's, and Southern California Gas Company. Additionally, the association provides support for local arts and culture, including the Whittier Museum, Whittier Art Gallery, and Whittier Community Theater, which showcase the work of local artists, such as David Hockney, John Baldessari, and Robert Rauschenberg.

● Impact

The Whittier Uptown Association has had a significant impact on the Uptown Whittier area, with efforts to promote local businesses, support community events, and improve the physical appearance of the area. The association's work has helped to attract new businesses and investment to the region, including companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook, and has supported the growth of existing businesses, such as The Gas Company, Southern California Edison, and AT&T. The association's efforts have also contributed to the development of a vibrant and diverse community, with a strong sense of pride and identity, similar to other successful downtown areas in Pasadena, California, Santa Monica, California, and Long Beach, California. The association's impact is also reflected in the recognition it has received from organizations like the National Main Street Center, California Downtown Association, and International Downtown Association.

● Membership

The Whittier Uptown Association offers membership opportunities for local businesses, organizations, and individuals, including companies like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank, as well as community groups like the Whittier YMCA, Whittier Boys and Girls Club, and Whittier Community Center. Members of the association receive benefits, such as promotional support, networking opportunities, and access to resources and expertise, similar to members of the Whittier Chamber of Commerce, Whittier Rotary Club, and Whittier Lions Club. The association also provides opportunities for members to get involved in community events and initiatives, such as the Whittier Uptown Christmas Parade, Whittier Uptown Farmers Market, and Whittier Dia de los Muertos Festival, which are supported by partners like The Home Depot, Lowe's, and Southern California Gas Company. By joining the Whittier Uptown Association, members can help support the growth and development of the Uptown Whittier area, and contribute to the creation of a vibrant and thriving community, similar to other successful downtown areas in Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose, California.

Category:Community organizations in California