The Most Business-Friendly City Finalists…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 22, 2025
LAEDC Announces Finalists for the 30th Annual Most Business-Friendly City Award
LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 Most Business-Friendly City Award, a cornerstone of the 30th Annual EDDY Awards. This honor recognizes one small city and one large city in Los Angeles County that exemplify innovation, strong partnerships, and best practices in fostering economic opportunity.
Now in its 30th year, the award underscores the vital role cities play in driving inclusive economic growth. While all 88 cities across Los Angeles County are working hard to support residents and businesses, finalists stood out for their innovative approaches that not only strengthen their local economies but also serve as models other cities can learn from.
An independent Blue-Ribbon Committee of judges selected finalists. The process was highly competitive, with voting closer than ever, reflecting the impressive efforts underway across the region.
2025 Finalists
Most Business-Friendly Small City Finalists
- Azusa – Leveraging a lean team and partnerships to activate downtown spaces like the 609 Community Space and introduce community-driven events such as Azusabor Culinary Festival.
- Gardena – Supporting local businesses through a one-stop Concierge Program and revitalizing commercial districts with initiatives like the Gardena Boulevard Façade Improvement Program.
- Glendora – Engaging directly with businesses through “Mobile City Hall” visits, while incentivizing new dining and retail growth through forgivable loans and a Shop Local rewards program.
- Montebello – Is charting a bold path with a new General Plan that prioritizes revitalizing commercial corridors and reimagining downtown with smart, mixed-use development, setting a long-term vision for growth that stands out across the region
- Pico Rivera-Building on its strong industrial base, Pico Rivera has modernized zoning and infrastructure to attract new investment, while supporting small businesses with targeted outreach and streamlined services
- San Fernando – Championing small business resilience through façade improvements, bilingual business support, and strong community engagement.
Most Business-Friendly Large City Finalists
- Burbank – Home to global entertainment leaders, Burbank has cut permit review times, launched a Business Concierge program, and invested in major developments like the new Hollywood Burbank Airport terminal.
- Glendale – A regional hub blending concierge-level permitting with innovation programs such as Glendale Tech Week, Tech on Tap, and the Artsakh Creative storefront activation initiative.
- Palmdale – Advancing aerospace and film through targeted incentive programs, while engaging residents with initiatives like Palmdale Eats and the City’s first restaurant week.
- Pasadena – Driving inclusive growth through streamlined permitting, investments in workforce development, and bold partnerships across education and industry.
- Santa Monica – Championing sustainability and economic resilience with programs that balance business attraction, equity, and community-driven development.
Why it Matters
“Recognizing cities through this award shines a light on the critical role they play in shaping the future of our regional economy,” said Stephen Cheung, President & CEO of LAEDC. “This year’s finalists are demonstrating how innovation, efficiency, and collaboration can create an environment where businesses thrive, residents prosper, and best practices can be shared across Los Angeles County.”
The winners will be announced at the 30th Annual EDDY Awards on November 5, 2025, at the Rose Bowl, where business, government, education, and nonprofit leaders will gather to celebrate the people, organizations, and communities driving inclusive growth in Los Angeles County.
About the EDDY Awards
The EDDY Awards are Southern California’s most prestigious awards ceremony recognizing excellence in economic development. For three decades, the event has honored cities, leaders, and organizations that advance opportunity and prosperity across the region.
About LAEDC
The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing opportunity and prosperity for all LA County residents. Through a collaborative, data-driven approach, LAEDC works with cities, businesses, and public-private partners to develop programs that drive inclusive growth and create quality jobs.
For more information about the 30th Annual EDDY Awards and the Most Business-Friendly City finalists, please visit https://laedc.org/30theddys/.
Media Contact
Josaline Cuesta, Director of Strategic Partnerships
Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC)
Phone: 213-236-4846 | Email: [email protected]
