As summer 2026 ends, Compton faces major decisions on its 2045 General Plan, permanent City Manager, vacant City Attorney position, unresolved Public Safety Commission leadership, infrastructure spending, fiber-optic construction and economic development. The Chamber calls for stable leadership, public participation, transparent contracting, stronger safety coordination and measurable results that benefit Compton residents and locally owned businesses.

LET’S UNPACK IT. Under the Compton City Charter, the City Manager is the chief executive officer responsible for administering City government. Key duties include preparing and managing the budget, overseeing departments, implementing City Council decisions, supervising staff, monitoring finances, improving services, reporting City conditions, and recommending needed changes. Compton residents: Which responsibility needs the most urgent attention?

Compton residents are invited to help define the experience, leadership abilities, and proven results the City should require from its next City Manager. Community priorities include fiscal responsibility, reliable public services, public safety, infrastructure and El Niño preparedness, business growth, accountability, and affordable housing. Attend the town hall September 16, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers or participate through Zoom.

A candid discussion among emergency medical responders reveals a striking divide between Compton’s reputation and reality. Responders describe a predominantly uneventful city where routine medical and social emergencies—not nonstop shootings and trauma—define most calls. Their recent, unforced accounts show that Compton continues to be unfairly painted with a broad brush of violence, while serious incidents occur throughout neighboring communities.

Compton has approved a major public safety initiative featuring 74 Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras and 37 PTZ cameras supplied by Flock Safety. The program aims to help recover stolen vehicles, support criminal investigations, and potentially deter dangerous activities such as street takeovers. As implementation begins, residents can expect ongoing discussions about effectiveness, transparency, privacy safeguards, and measurable public safety benefits.

Compton/Woodley Airport can become a stronger center for aviation businesses, workforce training, youth education, local contracting, and community events. The Chamber encourages an updated economic-impact study, a public status report on the replacement terminal, a directory of airport businesses, and formal career pathways connecting local students to aviation and aerospace jobs. Compton should receive measurable economic value from this historic asset.

New housing investments are reshaping Compton Boulevard, including 60 townhomes at Concord Court and 75 affordable and supportive apartments under construction. But housing alone will not revitalize the corridor. Compton must connect new residents and construction spending with local businesses, jobs, contractors, occupied storefronts, safer streets, public improvements, and a coordinated strategy that converts development into lasting economic value.

The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, in partnership with Community Legal Aid SoCal, has launched the Eviction Diversion Pilot Program (EDPP) to help landlords and tenants resolve rent-related disputes before eviction. The program offers free mediation, case management, and up to $10,000 in rental assistance for eligible households, helping participants avoid costly court proceedings and promote housing stability.

The Compton Chamber of Commerce was honored to host the Grand Reopening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Community Legal Aid SoCal's newly renovated Compton office. The event celebrated the organization's continued commitment to serving local families and expanding access to justice. More photos will be shared soon. Congratulations to the Community Legal Aid SoCal team, and thanks to photographer Chico and Apple Spice for helping make the event a success.

The recent arrest in the Fourth of July shooting is an important step toward justice and a reminder that public safety and economic development go hand in hand. Safe communities attract investment, support businesses, and strengthen neighborhoods. Lasting progress requires accountability, opportunity, and collaboration among residents, businesses, civic leaders, and public institutions. A safer Compton is a shared responsibility built through stronger community connections.

Join the Compton Chamber of Commerce and Community Legal Aid SoCal on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from 11am–1pm for the Grand Reopening & Ribbon Cutting at 725 West Rosecrans Avenue, Compton, CA 90222. Celebrate the newly renovated offices at the historic Thurgood Marshall Justice Center, serving Compton and surrounding communities since 1993. Tours, music, a light lunch buffet, refreshments, and community leaders will be part of this special occasion.

The Compton Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the 23rd Annual Compton Veterans Stand Down, returning September 26–28, 2026, at the Compton Housing Authority. This three-day overnight event provides veterans with access to housing, employment, healthcare, legal aid, benefits assistance, meals, clothing, and more. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, this year's event carries special significance and calls for greater community support for those who served our natio

Compton proudly celebrates 138 years since its incorporation on May 11, 1888. Join the City of Compton on May 11, 2026, for a special Founders Day Celebration at City Hall featuring an Open House, guided tours, and a birthday dessert celebration. Together, we honor Compton’s history, resilience, community spirit, and bright future while celebrating the people who continue shaping the city every day.

Compton is advancing long-term planning through its 2045 General Plan and proposed downtown Metro-area redevelopment. The vision includes new housing, mixed-use development, infrastructure improvements, economic growth. While these plans may bring investment and revitalization, residents are raising questions about affordability, local business stability, and community impact. As the process continues, public awareness and participation will play a key role in shaping how the

Compton’s Spring 2026 Recreation Guide brings parks to life with programs for youth, families, and seniors. From after-school tutoring and sports to arts, wellness, and food support, it creates safe, local spaces for connection, growth, and community pride. More than activities, it’s a citywide effort to build stronger neighborhoods, support healthy lifestyles, and give residents of all ages real opportunities to engage, connect, and thrive.

The Compton Chamber invites the community to watch the Compton Mayoral Candidates Forum live or via replay. Join us on Saturday, March 28, 2026, 12–3 PM either in person at Compton College or on YouTube live stream online. This non-partisan forum helps voters hear directly from candidates and make informed decisions. Free and open to the public. Hosted and sponsored by generous efforts of the Compton Chamber of Commerce with support from the NAACP Compton Branch and Co

The Compton Chamber of Commerce will host a Mayoral Candidates Forum on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Compton College, 1111 E. Artesia Blvd. Doors open at 11:30 AM. The event is free and open to the public and will also be livestreamed. Certified mayoral candidates will discuss key issues ahead of the June 2, 2026 election. The forum is a non-partisan public service to help voters hear directly from the candidates and make informed decisions.

Founded in 2013 in Compton, Trap Kitchen was built by former rivals Malachi “Spank” Jenkins and Roberto “News” Smith. Starting from a grandmother’s kitchen and selling through Instagram, they transformed hustle into a nationally recognized brand. Blending soul food, Southern comfort, and bold flavors, they grew through pop-ups, food trucks, catering, and cookbooks—proving authenticity, resilience, and digital entrepreneurship can turn second chances into lasting success.

This Chamber report documents Compton’s 2025 conditions across housing, business costs, workforce mobility, public safety, homelessness, infrastructure, transit, logistics, education, healthcare, food access, arts, and community services. It presents a data-grounded civic record showing how interdependent systems shaped economic resilience, quality of life, and long-term capacity during a year of structural transition.

A quarter of the 21st century has passed, yet plastic recycling still fails to reduce plastic waste. In Compton, most plastics placed in recycling carts are not recycled but discarded, driven by market economics rather than resident behavior. Only plastics 1 and 2 have limited recyclability; most packaging is non-recyclable. Real solutions require reducing plastic use and holding producers accountable, not relying on sorting illusions.