How does your city differentiate itself from others in the region?
As the fourth largest city in Los Angeles County, Glendale is a cosmopolitan city rich in history, culture and economic opportunities. Recently voted as one of LA’s top five business-friendly cities by the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, Glendale’s proactive approach toward economic growth keeps the City at the forefront of business challenges and opportunities. The City adopted its first three-year economic development strategy in 2022 emphasizing fiscal responsibility, exceptional customer service and economic vibrancy among its priorities. This strategy helps to encourage a business-friendly ecosystem, further tech industry growth and further expand Glendale’s arts, culture and entertainment sector.
Which industries are demonstrating the most interest in your area today?
Glendale adopted its Tech Strategy in 2017 as a roadmap for growing Glendale’s technology-based sector. Since that time the City has welcomed new businesses, such as evite, and encouraged growth of existing firms such as Britive, Age of Learning and Phonexa. The City boasts two tech accelerators and supports a monthly community- building Tech on Tap series to encourage collaboration and idea sharing. The annual Glendale Tech Week, held in September, welcomed more than 2,000 attendees to a series of events across the City that included a Pitchfest competition, among others, to encourage startups and business development. The success of the initiative is proven by the fact that Glendale is home to 1,500 tech companies encompassing 20,000 people employed in the tech sector, with the commitment to grow more.
What are the most important needs of businesses when choosing a site location, especially now?
Workforce remains a priority for most businesses today. That is why Glendale’s recognition as one of the nation’s safest cities as well as one of the happiest cities makes a difference in workforce retention and attraction. Moreover, Glendale’s economic development team proactively supports business attraction, growth and retention. For example, the City’s business retention visits help to nurture relationships with local businesses, provide support, and address challenges, and the City’s no-cost Human Resources Hotline helps with everything from HR compliance to best practices.
