Mayor James Becerra jbecerra@cityofwhittier.org

James Becerra serves as Mayor of Whittier and is a lifelong public servant, educator, and community advocate committed to strengthening the city through thoughtful planning, responsive government, and community engagement.

A longtime Whittier resident, James brings more than two decades of service on the City’s boards and commissions, including the Historic Resources Commission, where he served as Chair. Throughout his service, he has worked to guide responsible growth and improve how residents experience their neighborhoods.

Professionally, James is Faculty Emeritus from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where he taught urban planning, landscape architecture, and community-based design. His career has centered on how cities grow and function, and how planning decisions shape quality of life. That experience continues to inform his leadership, with a focus on practical, people-centered solutions.

As Mayor, James is focused on strengthening public safety, maintaining and improving infrastructure, supporting small businesses and local economic growth, and ensuring that development reflects the needs and character of Whittier’s neighborhoods. He is committed to improving communication at City Hall, increasing transparency in decision-making, and creating more meaningful opportunities for residents to participate in shaping their community.

He believes Whittier is at an important moment and is focused on building a city government that listens early, follows through consistently, and delivers results that residents can see and experience in their daily lives.

In addition to his civic and professional work, James has been active in nonprofit and cultural organizations, including the Whittier Library Foundation, Alma Backyard Farms, and the S&A Maloof Foundation. He has also volunteered as a writing instructor with Inside-Out Writers and serves as a docent at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.

James lives in Whittier with his wife Bonnie and remains deeply committed to the city’s neighborhoods, history, and future.

City Council Appointed Organizations

City Council Ad Hoc Committees