The City is one step closer to bringing a plan to revitalize Whittier Boulevard by adopting the Historic Whittier Boulevard Vision Plan.
During a meeting of the City Council held last month, the City Council unanimously voted to approve the Historic Whittier Boulevard Vision Plan (HWB Vision Plan), a plan that will guide the long-term development and transformation of Whittier Boulevard. Dubbed El Camino Real or the Kings Highway, Whittier Boulevard is a major east/west thoroughfare that runs from the City of Brea to the City of Los Angeles. Between those two Cities, approximately a mile and half of Whittier Boulevards lies within the City limits of Pico Rivera.
For decades, Whittier Boulevard has been one of the major focal points of revitalization in the City. In the 1980’s, new shopping centers were created to bring economic vitality to the City. Through the years, the roadway has been improved for better drivability and aesthetics.
Fast forward to 2022, the Historic Whittier Boulevard Vision Plan is initiated, and the intention is to take a more comprehensive approach to the corridor’s transformation, from east to west. The Plan expands beyond mobility to include design and policy recommendations for land use, economic development, climate resilience, and public realm improvements.
The Plan itself was developed through a community-led process with extensive public engagement to ensure that the vision for Whittier Boulevard reflected the needs and aspirations of Pico Rivera’s diverse population and business community.
As a whole, the HWB Vision Plan positions Whittier Boulevard as a model for 21st-century urban development, envisioning the corridor’s transformation into a vibrant, walkable, mixed-use main street that serves as a cultural and economic hub for the City.
The HWB Vision Plan builds upon existing planning efforts but introduces new strategies to promote affordable housing, create more public spaces, and foster local economic growth by supporting small businesses.
“This is the type of forward-thinking that positions our city to be more economically sustainable and environmentally friendly,” said City Manager Steve Carmona. “This plan will not happen overnight, but future generations of City residents will benefit greatly from this plan.”
In addition to its local significance, the HWB Vision Plan aligns with broader regional and state goals. California’s climate policies, including AB 32 and SB 743, are embedded into the Vision Plan’s framework. These policies encourage the development of multimodal transportation networks, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating equitable, resilient urban spaces. By aligning the vision for Whittier Boulevard with these state-level priorities, the City is positioning itself to leverage additional funding opportunities, including grants for transportation, housing, and climate adaptation projects.
Residents are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the Historic Whittier Boulevard Revitalization Program including online surveys and community open houses held at the Idea Lab. In fact, the city will undertake a community process to solicit suggestions and select a formal name for the “uptown” district of Pico Rivera. For more information on Historic Whittier Boulevard Vision Plan and the Historic Whittier Boulevard Revitalization Program, visit www.pico-rivera.org/historic-whittierboulevard-revitalization-program.
