ChooseGlendaleCA.com
EDC Contact Name
Soua Vang, Deputy Director of Community Development – Economic Development
(818) 548-2005
[email protected]
Bradley Calvert, Assistant Director of Community
Development – Planning and Economic Development
[email protected]
Population
201,100+
County
Los Angeles
Key BUSINESSES with headquarters in your city
• ServiceTitan
• Age of Learning
• DreamWorks Animation
• LegalZoom
• Avery Dennison
• Beyond Limits
• DISQO
How has Glendale sustained interest as an attractive option for companies?
Glendale’s City Council recently adopted a three-year economic development strategic plan to enhance economic opportunities.
Plan priorities include: developing a vibrant ecosystem for business attraction, retention and expansion; growing the local innovation and tech sector to attract and retain talent and support entrepreneurship; growing the city’s arts, culture, and entertainment district to position Glendale as a destination city.
Staff collaborated with business leaders and stakeholders to ensure efforts align with their priorities and to gain input for an inclusive and sustainable plan to bolster Glendale’s economy to new heights.
How does your city differentiate itself?
With over six-million square feet of office space and no gross receipts or business license taxes, Glendale offers a more pro-business environment than many other LA metro communities. The City’s low office vacancy rate, low office rents and optimal affordability compared to neighboring cities present an attractive value proposition for businesses and a young labor force looking to settle in a centralized urban environment.
Glendale, with a diverse 53% foreign-born population, has been named one of the “Top 5 safest cities” and “Top 20 happiest places” in America.
Which industries are demonstrating the most interest in Glendale?
Retailers, entertainment and tech companies continue to invest in Glendale. Cultivating an innovation ecosystem is a priority, especially in medical, health and biotech, gaming, and cybersecurity. As part of Glendale’s Tech Strategy, the city formed two accelerators: Hero House Glendale Gateway and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) KidsX Pediatric Health Accelerator. Monthly Glendale Tech on Tap Meetups bring entrepreneurs together with investors for networking.
Furthermore, Glendale will hold Glendale Tech Week from October 17 to 20. Glendale Tech Week includes panels on BioTech & HealthTech; Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning; NFTs, Cryptocurrency & Blockchain; and Cloud-Based Tech, along with special events Meet the Funders, Pitchfest, and the Tech Awards Closing Party. Since the launch of its Tech Strategy, Glendale has seen a 15% increase in tech companies compared to 2016.
How is technology helping businesses moving into the area?
As of September 13, Glendale will improve the license and permit application process with the launch of GlendalePermits, an online portal that makes the process faster and more convenient. Users can submit and track their applications from any computer or mobile device, eliminating multiple trips to City Hall.
How is Glendale reimagining where residents live, work, and play and evolving in an unpredictable climate?
Glendale’s focus on Artsakh Paseo, a pedestrian-friendly block on North Artsakh Avenue demonstrates its work to support a burgeoning arts and entertainment district, encourage first-time entrepreneurs and retailers, and provide a new destination for visitors and residents. The street now includes first-time brick and mortar retailers thanks to Glendale’s Artsakh Creative Retail Pop-Up Pilot Program, consisting of free short-term occupancy of City-owned commercial tenant space. Chez Gagné gift shop, Rock Photography Museum, The Glendale Room comedy club and Rolling Robots Innovation Lab are examples of the broad range of owners the City sought for the program. To encourage greater placemaking, Glendale will add three new public art installations and begin construction by spring 2023 to enhance walking areas and add new outdoor seating, landscaping and lighting. Glendale’s commitment to local culture and emerging retailers is not just about retail success on Artsakh but creating an authentic place for the community to enjoy and celebrate.
