City Approves Reimbursement for Whittwood Town Center Infrastructure Improvements

During Tuesday night’s meeting, the Whittier City Council approved a reimbursement agreement related to infrastructure improvements at Whittwood Town Center. The action was part of the council's consent calendar, meaning it passed without discussion or objections during the regular meeting.

The reimbursement, $335,000 is detailed in the city’s agenda packet and will cover a portion of costs previously fronted by the property owner for public infrastructure improvements — including sidewalks, drainage, traffic signals, and other elements that directly benefit both the shopping center and the surrounding community. These improvements were part of a larger modernization effort to keep the retail hub viable as it faces pressure from online commerce and shifting consumer habits.

What Is the Reimbursement For?

The reimbursement agreement allows the city to repay the developer using a portion of increased tax revenues that resulted from improvements made on-site. This type of agreement, often used in redevelopment zones, is intended to incentivize private investment that produces long-term public benefit. Rather than requiring taxpayers to fund the initial improvements up front, the property owner pays first and is reimbursed over time based on new revenues generated — in this case, from sales and property taxes.

How Does This Affect Whittier Residents?

The Whittwood Town Center is one of the city’s major retail and tax revenue generators. Improvements made there not only enhance the shopping experience but also improve safety, accessibility, and traffic flow in the eastern portion of Whittier.

City officials argue that without continued investment in the site, the Town Center risked falling behind other regional shopping destinations, which could have led to higher vacancy rates and reduced tax revenue. The reimbursement helps ensure that Whittier retains one of its most important economic engines.

Importantly, this reimbursement is not a new cost to the city budget — it is a structured repayment of increased revenues that would not have existed without the infrastructure improvements.

Next Steps

Residents should not expect any new taxes or fees as a result of this reimbursement. The city’s goal is to continue leveraging public-private partnerships to improve infrastructure while maintaining fiscal responsibility. However, the city will continue monitoring future reimbursement agreements to ensure they are yielding measurable public benefits.

For residents in the Whittwood and East Whittier neighborhoods, the improvements mean better pedestrian access, upgraded utilities, and traffic enhancements — along with a stronger, more competitive commercial district that helps fund city services.