City earns fourth straight nod, seventh overall in countywide business survey
The city of Santa Clarita was again recognized as one of Los Angeles County’s most business-friendly municipalities in the 2026 BizFed Pulse Poll, the city announced Thursday. The designation marks the fourth year in a row and the seventh time overall that Santa Clarita has received the honor.
The annual BizFed survey, conducted among business and civic leaders throughout the county, collected responses from 427 participants representing more than 35 industries. According to the city’s news release, 83% of those surveyed were from businesses with 50 or fewer employees, providing a snapshot of sentiment within the region’s small business community.
What the ranking says about local economic work
Santa Clarita tied with the city of Los Angeles for the top ranking this year. The cities that followed in the poll were, in order: Burbank, Industry, El Segundo, Long Beach and Torrance.
| Rank | City |
|---|---|
| 1 (tie) | Santa Clarita; Los Angeles |
| 3 | Burbank |
| 4 | Industry |
| 5 | El Segundo |
| 6 | Long Beach |
| 7 | Torrance |
City officials credited the recognition to the work of the Economic Development Division, which the release said provides services including site selection assistance, demographic and market research, business retention and expansion services, permitting support, workforce resources and connections to regional partners.
“Through these services and strong partnerships with the local business community, the city continues to promote economic growth, attract investment and support job creation,” the city release said.
Why it matters to Santa Clarita residents
For residents, the recurring recognition carries several practical implications. A reputation for being business-friendly can help attract new employers and investments, potentially creating jobs and broadening the local tax base. It also signals to existing businesses that the city is prioritizing retention and expansion efforts, which can translate into fewer closures or relocations.
Local small-business owners — who made up the bulk of poll respondents — often cite permitting processes, city services and workforce availability as critical considerations when evaluating a location. The city’s emphasis on permitting support and workforce resources is designed to address those specific pain points.
City services highlighted by the release
- Site selection assistance and market research
- Business retention and expansion services
- Permitting support
- Workforce resources and regional partnerships
The city’s news release framed the latest recognition as reinforcing Santa Clarita’s reputation “as a regional leader in economic development and a premier location for business investment, innovation and long-term success.” It directs interested parties to ThinkSantaClarita.com for more information about available business resources.
While the Pulse Poll reflects perceptions among a cross-section of business and civic leaders, it is one of several indicators residents and policymakers use to assess local economic health. Continued attention to permitting efficiency, workforce training and outreach to small businesses will be key if city leaders hope to sustain the ranking and convert recognition into tangible benefits for workers and families across Santa Clarita.
As the city prepares for future business outreach and development initiatives, residents and business owners can follow updates and resources through the city’s Economic Development Division and the ThinkSantaClarita.com portal.
