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

Santa Monica’s decline shows that retail alone cannot sustain a destination. Compton should focus on experience—food, culture, and consistent activation—while keeping spaces filled, safe, and accessible to small businesses. Large budgets don’t create vitality; activity does. With the World Cup bringing visitors, Compton’s opportunity is to offer something authentic, active, and intentional.

Compton EMS Corps is a transformative program providing young adults with a structured pathway into emergency services and healthcare careers. Through a five-month earn-and-learn model, participants receive over 400 hours of EMS training, mentorship, college credit, and real-world support. With housing, stipends, and career placement, the program builds discipline, purpose, and long-term opportunity while strengthening Compton’s workforce and community.

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.

Women’s History Month celebrates the remarkable contributions of women who have shaped communities across America. In Compton, women of color have played a vital role in strengthening families, neighborhoods, and local businesses since the 1970s. From civic leadership and entrepreneurship to athletics and the arts, generations of Compton women continue to inspire and empower the next generation while shaping the city’s future.

The Superior Court of Los Angeles County is bringing Court Commons to the Compton Courthouse on March 3, 2026, from 10 AM to 2 PM. This FREE Community Information Hub helps residents understand how the courts work, learn the process, know their rights, and speak directly with on-site court staff. Through interactive exhibits and clear explanations, community members can gain practical knowledge and feel more prepared when navigating the justice system.

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 article explains how the trillion-dollar AI expansion is built on physical infrastructure—data centers, power systems, and utilities—that often develops quietly and quickly. It clarifies what the “cloud” really is, why data centers cluster once approved, and how their constant demand for electricity and water turns routine utilities into long-term planning issues. The goal is education: helping communities understand what is coming early, without opposing technological p

One year after the Palisades and Altadena fires, rebuilding remains stalled as insurers and banks withdraw from fire zones using “climate risk” to justify cancellations and financing blocks. Displaced households move into insurable cities like Compton, driving prices, rents, and redevelopment beyond local incomes. Over the next five years, this regulatory-insurance squeeze will reshape Compton’s housing market.

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.

Metro’s LB-ELA Zero-Emission Truck (ZET) Program has moved from planning into implementation. Two public electric truck charging depots—Rio Vista Ave (Boyle Heights) and Las Hermanas St (Rancho Dominguez)—are advancing through design and community engagement. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with operations projected for early 2027, aiming to reduce freight emissions and improve air quality along the corridor.

As the year comes to a close, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our members, partners, and the Compton community for your continued support and engagement throughout the year. We truly appreciate being able to work alongside such a dedicated and supportive community. From all of us at the Compton Chamber of Commerce, we wish you a joyful holiday season, a Merry Christmas, and a bright and prosperous New Year ahead.

Compton’s economy is driven by logistics, healthcare, education, and construction, with warehousing the largest employer due to proximity to the LA and LB ports. While employment has grown modestly, unemployment remains elevated because of workforce skill gaps, underemployment, and structural barriers. Recent investments in infrastructure, housing, and industrial real estate signal opportunity, but long-term stability depends on fiscal reform, workforce development, and accou

Gas prices in Compton have dipped mainly because U.S. oil production surged under Trump, lowering global crude prices. California refineries temporarily avoided outages, allowing costs to ease. But long-term issues remain: too few refineries, dependence on foreign crude, California-only gasoline rules, and strict environmental policies that block cheaper imports and keep prices high.

Compton’s Winter 2025 Recreation Guide highlights upgraded parks, vibrant youth sports, creative classes, senior activities, and festive events across the city. From new playgrounds to after-school programs and the 70th Annual Christmas Parade, the season brings fresh opportunities for families, seniors, and kids to stay active, connected, and inspired.

Compton native Aaron Grimes rose from Maggie Hathaway’s WSGA junior program to become a determined competitor. Despite no golf team at Compton High, he transferred to St. John Bosco, battled injuries in college, and spent years caddying to fund his dream. His persistence, discipline, and resilience inspire young golfers as he continues pursuing a path to the PGA Tour.

Compton residents are encouraged to enjoy more time outdoors for better health, lower stress, and community connection. Compton Creek Natural Park offers walking paths, native habitats, gardens, and educational programs for families, students, and volunteers. It’s a peaceful place to explore nature, learn, grow, and support a greener, healthier Compton.