Gateway Cities Overview
Who We Are
- 27 Cities located in
southeast Los Angeles County, with a long history of working together
- Our 27 cities have a combined
population of 2 million people who live and work in communities as diverse
as the population itself.
- We are the industrial heartland
of Los Angeles County
- 1 out of every 7 jobs in
Southern California are in the Gateway Cities
- We are home to The Port of Long Beach and The Port of Los Angeles, which combined, are the busiest container ports in the United States.
- If Gateway Cities were a
city we would be the 4th largest in the United States
- If Gateway Cities were a
state we would have more population than 17 states in the United States
- If Gateway Cities were a
country we would be larger than 65 countries of the world.
- We are a large diverse region
that has retained local community identity through our many separately
incorporated cities.
- We are home to California
State University, Long Beach, Biola University, Whittier College and
numerous community colleges.
- We are a major tourist destination
- We are home to world class
performing arts centers and theatres
- We have housing opportunities
ranging from luxurious beachfront properties and spectacular hillside
viewhomes, to affordable housing close to the workplace.
- We are a major engine that
drives the economy of Southern California and the nation.
- We are a special place
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This is a region of 27 cities located in Southeast
Los Angeles County. The region extends from coastal Long Beach to the
foothill communities to the north. The region is a hub for technology,
tourism, transportation and international trade industries drawn to the
Gateway Cities' unique physical, technological, and educational resources.
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Doing Business in the Gateway Cities
Poised on the Pacific Rim and anchored in the largest domestic economy
in North America, the economy of the Gateway Cities is rooted in manufacturing
technology, trade and tourism. The Long Beach/Los Angeles Port complex is the third busiest in the world. Together the two ports are a magnet for
businesses wanting to seize economic opportunities around the world.
An
all-weather port and a superb physical transportation infrastructure
comprising marine terminals, rail and freeway networks will be complimented
by the Alameda Corridor, designed to speed cargo transportation by rail
to all of North America. The region also has its own airport located
in Long Beach. A recently installed mass transit system makes it convenient
for business to attract workers from a diverse and experienced labor
force living locally and elsewhere in LA County.
Trade
and transportation represent only a piece of the economy. High tech
manufacturing is represented by the aerospace and commercial space industry.
Boeing and other firms lend their advanced manufacturing skills to the
task of linking space and commerce. Sea Launch, a low earth orbit satellite
launch is also based in Long Beach. Other important companies in the
region include Weber Metals in Paramount, LA Cellular in Cerritos, Entemann's
Bakery (CPC Bakery Company) in Montebello, Farmer John in Vernon, Coca-Cola
in Downey and Schultz Steel in South Gate.
A 
network of five community colleges provide state-of-the-art training
in manufacturing and other business skills. The region is home to California
State University, Long Beach, the third largest in the State university
system. Biola University in La Mirada & Whittier College in Whittier
are two outstanding private institutions.
The Gateway Cities' focus on business is evident in communities such
as Vernon and Commerce, created specifically for business. Cities like
Montebello, Pico Rivera, Paramount, South Gate and Santa Fe Springs
balance business centers with residential areas.
Living in Gateway Cities
The 
Gateway Cities combine the advantages of big city living with the benefits
of small town life. The region offers a range of diverse cultural attractions
throughout the year. The Cerritos Performing Arts Center and the Long
Beach convention and Entertainment Center feature world-class entertainers;
the Queen Mary and the new Aquarium of the Pacific draw crowds from
all over the world; and the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach brings high-powered
Indy-class racecars to compete yearly on the city's streets. In addition
to the cultural offerings, gentle ocean breezes and mild inland temperatures
make the entire region a sports and recreation paradise.
Living 
options in the region also vary extensively, ranging from ocean front
homes with boat slips to hilltop homes; there are modest ranch homes
and beach bungalows; and other choices range from apartments to condominiums
and single family homes. There are properties to match any pocketbook
and neighborhoods reflecting the pride of their owners are easily found.
Public schools offer high quality education and a number of and a number
of well-recognized private schools provide a wide variety of educational
options. The region is also home to five community colleges offering
excellent academic and technical training. California State university,
Long beach (CSULB) is the region's premier higher learning institute
and is closely connected to the business community. CSULB is recognized
for its excellent College of Engineering and College of Business Administration
and has been designed as a National Transportation Research Center by
the US Department of Transportation.
Government and Business Working as Partners
Looking to the future, the region has established strong partnerships
between business, education and government, and each city has its own
program for encouraging redevelopment and business growth. At a regional
level, leaders from business, education and government work together
to identify areas where the environment for business growth can be improved.
With the support of the public sector, the private sector is taking
the lead in crafting solutions to issues facing the local business community
as the 21st century approaches.
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