FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Joe Redmond
October 09, 2026 (661) 286-4063
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA NAMED FINALIST FOR PRESTIGIOUS 2026 MOST BUSINESS-FRIENDLY CITY AWARD
City Recognized for Business Retention and Recruitment, Workforce Alignment and One-Stop Permitting
The City of Santa Clarita is proud to announce that it has been named a Large City Finalist for the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation’s (LAEDC) prestigious 2026 Most Business-Friendly City Award. The recognition highlights Santa Clarita’s continued commitment to creating an environment where businesses can start, stay, grow and invest.
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.
“This recognition is a tremendous honor and reflects our City’s longstanding commitment to being a true partner to our business community,” said Mayor Laurene Weste. “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. 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. 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.
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 will be announced at LAEDC’s 31st Annual EDDY Awards on Wednesday, November 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.
Santa Clarita has a longstanding history of recognition for its business-friendly approach, including previous Most Business-Friendly City honors from LAEDC. The City remains committed to building on that legacy by supporting local businesses, attracting investment, creating quality jobs and fostering a strong and resilient local economy.
For more information about doing business in Santa Clarita and the City’s economic development resources, please visit ThinkSantaClarita.com.
