News release
The city of Santa Clarita has been named a Large City Finalist for the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation’s 2026 Most Business-Friendly City Award, the city announced in a news release.
“The recognition highlights Santa Clarita’s continued commitment to creating an environment where businesses can start, stay, grow and invest,” the city release said.
Santa Clarita was selected as one of seven Large City Finalists following an independent review by LAEDC’s Blue-Ribbon Committee. The city was specifically recognized for its “integrated retention and recruitment, workforce alignment and one-stop permitting,” underscoring Santa Clarita’s comprehensive approach to economic development and its commitment to supporting businesses at every stage, the release said.
“This recognition is a tremendous honor and reflects our city’s longstanding commitment to being a true partner to our business community,” Mayor Laurene Weste said in the release. “Whether we are helping a local business expand, welcoming a new company to Santa Clarita or connecting employers with the resources and workforce they need to succeed, our goal is to make doing business in Santa Clarita as seamless as possible. We are incredibly proud to be recognized among Los Angeles County’s most business-friendly cities.”
“Santa Clarita’s business-friendly approach brings together business retention and recruitment, workforce development and responsive city services to support a strong local economy,” the release said.
Through partnerships with businesses, educational institutions and regional organizations, the city works to connect employers with resources, attract new investment and retain the companies that already call Santa Clarita home, according to the release. The city’s one-stop permitting approach also helps businesses navigate the development process by providing coordinated assistance and a clear path forward for projects, the release said.
This award celebrates effective policies, responsive services, strong partnerships and innovative approaches to economic development, while highlighting practices that can strengthen communities throughout Los Angeles County. Fourteen cities were named finalists in 2026, with seven cities advancing in each of the Large City and Small City categories.
The 2026 Most Business-Friendly City honorees are scheduled to be announced at LAEDC’s 31st Annual EDDY Awards on Wednesday, Nov. 4. The annual event brings together leaders from business, government, education, labor and community institutions to recognize the people and organizations helping shape Los Angeles County’s economy and advance opportunity across the region.
For more information about doing business in Santa Clarita and the city’s economic development resources, visit ThinkSantaClarita.com.
