Transnational Revitalization Efforts: The Mexican American Chamber of Commerce and Transnational Linkages in San Jose, California

During the twenty-five years following World War II, San Jose, CA underwent a dramatic transformation. As the fastest growing city in the United States, San Jose’s population nearly quintupled and from a macro level appeared to be thriving. However, upon closer examination, it was unequivocal that its central business district was in decline. While white residents and their retail stores abandoned the area, Latinx people kept the area populated, mitigating some of the effects associated with white flight and an “urban crisis.” With rising vacancies, however, ethnic Mexican business owners saw an opportunity to insert themselves and improve San Jose’s downtown by emphasizing their connections to and relationships with Mexico. The Mexican American Chamber of Commerce (MACC) communicated its position as a representative of a transnational community looking to influence local politicians by highlighting Latinx economic potential. The MACC created connections with Mexico and called attention to its transnational endeavors in an attempt to help revitalize downtown. Examination of San Jose’s MACC demonstrates how Latinx entrepreneurs utilized their culture and position as transnational actors as tools to improve their social, economic, and political standing while contributing to the vitality of city life.