Compton Sets the Stage for Citywide Economic Renewal

The Compton Chamber of Commerce is proud to share a major development that will help shape the future of our city. The Compton City Council has officially approved a partnership with The Natelson Dale Group, Inc. (TNDG) to develop a comprehensive Economic Development Strategic Plan, a citywide roadmap designed to strengthen Compton’s business environment, attract investment, and expand opportunities for residents, entrepreneurs, and local startups.

Under this newly authorized resolution, the City Manager may enter into a professional services agreement with TNDG and establish a purchase order valued up to $143,270 to carry out this initiative. The plan represents a major investment in Compton’s long-term economic revitalization.

Why This Plan Matters for Compton

This Strategic Plan will serve as a framework to:

• Modernize the city’s business support systems

• Revitalize major commercial corridors

• Identify and grow key local industries

• Expand opportunities for minority-owned and small businesses

• Improve access to state and federal funding

• Strengthen the local workforce

• Support sustainable, community-focused economic development

These improvements will help Compton attract new employers, retain existing businesses, and create local jobs.

How the New Economic Development Strategic Plan Could Affect Local Businesses & Startups

The decision to hire TNDG signals major opportunities for Compton’s entrepreneurial community. Below is a detailed breakdown of how the plan may impact small businesses, food startups, specialty retailers, and other local ventures.

1. Improved Support for Small Businesses

TNDG typically recommends:

• streamlined permitting

• clearer licensing steps

• small-business assistance programs

• entrepreneur “concierge” support

Impact: Businesses will experience easier, faster processes for obtaining permits—critical for commercial kitchens, food production, tasting events, and workshops.

2. Identification of Target Growth Industries

Compton may designate high-opportunity sectors, such as:

• specialty food manufacturing

• health & wellness

• cold-storage & distribution

• grab-and-go food for service stations

• artisan, small-batch goods

Impact: Preferred industries often receive incentives, quicker approvals, and city marketing support.

3. Retail Corridor Revitalization

Expect major improvements to:

• Rosecrans Ave

• Compton Blvd

• Alondra Blvd

• Long Beach Blvd

• Gateway Town Center

Impact: Increased foot traffic and new retail opportunities. Local products—like Býli Provisions or Býli Bowls—may find placement in:

• bodegas

• specialty shops

• small health-food stores

• service stations

4. Expansion of Food Production, Commercial Kitchens & Light Manufacturing

TNDG often supports:

• food-production hubs

• incubator kitchens

• shared cold-storage

• flexible-use zoning for small manufacturers

Impact: Lower overhead, enhanced storage options, and compliant workspaces—ideal for scaling small-batch foods and local brands.

5. Grants, Incentives & Federal Funding

The plan strengthens Compton’s eligibility for:

• EDA economic development grants

• USDA food-system grants

• workforce development funds

• façade improvements

• refrigerated-vehicle and equipment grants

Impact: More financial support for kitchen expansion, distribution equipment, and staffing.

6. Stronger Business Networking & Partnerships

Expect growth in:

• business roundtables

• incubators

• Chamber–City collaborations

• public–private partnerships

Impact: Increased visibility, investor access, pilot programs, and partnership opportunities with youth programs in STEM, culinary arts, and nutrition.

7. Workforce Development & Talent Pipelines

New training programs may include:

• culinary arts

• digital skills

• logistics

• food safety

Impact: A stronger, better-trained local workforce.

8. Marketing Campaigns Supporting Local Businesses

Cities often launch:

• “Buy Local”

• “Made in Compton”

Impact: Local brands, including artisan and health-forward food products, gain recognition and retail leverage.

Bottom Line

This Strategic Plan is positioned to benefit local entrepreneurs across multiple sectors by improving permitting, expanding facilities, providing access to grants, revitalizing retail corridors, and strengthening the overall ecosystem of support.

The Chamber’s Role Moving Forward

The Compton Chamber of Commerce will stay fully engaged by:

• advocating for business needs

• ensuring equitable representation for minority-owned businesses

• supporting entrepreneurs during implementation

• participating in stakeholder sessions

• sharing grant and funding opportunities

• hosting informational events for the community

Together, we are building a stronger, more connected, and more prosperous Compton.

Follow the Compton Chamber for updates, community meetings, and opportunities to participate in the planning process.

About The Natelson Dale Group (TNDG)

Founded in 1974, TNDG is a respected economic and financial consulting firm that specializes in economic development & revitalization, fiscal & economic impact analysis, real estate economics, public-private partnership structuring, and strategic planning.

TNDG is known for delivering high-quality technical work combined with senior-level involvement in every project. The firm’s major accomplishments include preparing economic development strategic plans for cities such as City of Vista, City of Beumaont and several counties, and structuring public/private development agreements across California.

Contact Information:

Website: www.natelsondale.com 

Phone: (714) 692-9596

Address: PO Box 489, Yorba Linda, CA 92885