Economic growth in 2025 did not come easily.

Across California, job creation slowed. Companies right-sized operations. Artificial intelligence reshaped workforce needs. Expansion decisions faced new scrutiny amid national uncertainty.

In our annual Economic Outlook Book last September, the California Economic Forecast projected that just 164 net new jobs would be created for the Santa Clarita Valley in 2025.

Instead, the SCV added 896 net jobs, 732 more than projected, due to the expansion and retention of several companies in the valley.

That outcome was not accidental.

"Economic development is truly a team effort, and the collaboration between the City, our strategic partners, and our business community is what allows Santa Clarita to remain competitive,” said SCVEDC President & CEO Ondré Seltzer. "Our role is straightforward: helping companies evaluate Santa Clarita as a place to start, grow, or relocate their operations, while supporting the businesses already here."

On March 10, the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) presented its 2025 Annual Report to the City of Santa Clarita, outlining how strategic coordination between business, local government, Los Angeles County, educators, and private industry produced measurable economic results in a challenging climate.

What follows is a closer look at economic development in action.

Access the presentation slides and a recording of the presentation and City Council Q&A here, and continue reading below for additional details.

IQVIA Laboratories maintains 350 high-quality life science jobs in the SCV at their new 134,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility.

Strong local economies don’t happen by accident—they’re built by helping existing employers stay, grow, and reinvest. That’s especially true for companies with highly specialized operations, where facility needs, regulatory timelines, and infrastructure requirements can make or break an expansion decision.

One of the best recent examples is IQVIA Laboratories (formerly Q2 Solutions), a global drug discovery and development laboratory services organization with longstanding ties to the Santa Clarita Valley. Over the years, IQVIA Laboratories has supported high-quality employment opportunities and contributed to our local economy, and when the company faced a challenge, SCVEDC worked with partners to help ensure growth could happen right here.

When we talk about building a strong economy in the Santa Clarita Valley, we often focus on attracting new businesses or celebrating major expansions. Those moments matter. But long-term economic strength is built more quietly—through people, skills, and confidence in what comes next.

Minimum Wage Increase for Businesses within City of Santa Clarita on January 1st, 2026, and those within unincorporated LA County on July 1st, 2026.

Are you confused about the minimum wage increases? You’re not alone! The Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) is in a unique situation in that the City of Santa Clarita and the County of Los Angeles have two different minimum wage increase schedules which has caused confusion and challenges for many of our local employers and residents alike.

The City increases its wages in keeping with the State of California’s schedule (January - December), while the County of Los Angeles has adopted a wage increase schedule based on their fiscal calendar (July - June). Beginning in 2022 and continuing each year thereafter, on January 1, the LA County CEO determines the adjusted rates, which shall take effect on July 1 of that year.

Below is an analysis of data from the regional Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) market in various aspects such as Industrial & Commercial real estate, retail, residential, hotel vacancy & occupancy, and film activity. The "SCV Market" encompasses the various areas of the City of Santa Clarita (Valencia, Saugus, Newhall, and Canyon Country), as well as the unincorporated Los Angeles County areas of Castaic, Val Verde, Stevenson Ranch, and Agua Dulce.

In the Q1 2025 Economic Snapshot for the Santa Clarita Valley, readers will gain valuable insights into the latest economic trends affecting the region. This report offers an in-depth examination of demographics, housing market conditions—including record-high home prices and rising inventory levels—and current developments in commercial real estate, particularly in the industrial and office sectors.

Congratulations to the Top Power Brokers!

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) invests not just in growing our local businesses but also in attracting great companies to the region. It focuses on industries that provide our residents with high-quality, high-paying jobs.

Bringing businesses to our community takes a combined effort from the SCVEDC and our partners in economic development, including the dedicated commercial real estate brokers who work tirelessly to get these businesses set up at the right location that works for them. Each year, we recognize the top commercial real estate brokers active in the Santa Clarita Valley whose efforts contributed the most economic impact.

DrinkPAK Continues Impressive Growth with New Facility Lease in Santa Clarita Valley

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) is excited to announce that DrinkPAK, one of the fastest-growing beverage manufacturing companies in the region, recently leased a new 172,843-square-foot facility at 26313 Golden Valley Road. This latest acquisition, facilitated by the commercial real estate firm Newmark, demonstrates DrinkPAK's ongoing commitment to the Santa Clarita Valley (SCV). The lease marks DrinkPAK’s fifteenth transaction with the Newmark team.

“DrinkPAK’s business has grown tremendously in just a few years,” commented Patrick DuRoss, SIOR, Executive Managing Director at Newmark, who, along with John DeGrinis, SIOR, Jeff Abraham, SIOR, and Javier Galvan, have represented DrinkPAK since 2019, "and from day one, we strategized to ensure their real estate could scale with their needs. Santa Clarita has proven ideal for that growth, with its modern industrial parks and supportive climate for business. We are proud to have supported DrinkPAK from its initial establishment to its current expansion.”

2025 marks a major milestone for the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC)—our 15th Anniversary! Since our founding, we have worked tirelessly to attract businesses, create jobs, and strengthen Santa Clarita Valley’s (SCV) economy, making it one of the most business-friendly and economically vibrant regions in Los Angeles County.

This year’s Annual Report provides a comprehensive look at our impact, the trends shaping our local economy, and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. Let’s take a closer look at the past year's economic wins and the vision for the future. SCVEDC continues to focus on business assistance, business attraction and retention, community marketing, and economic information and data. Despite the numerous obstacles of the past few years, there are many bright spots; most notably, the incredible support, innovation, and resiliency of our business community.

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) was honored to host the 2025 Canadian Energy Storage Roadshow, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to discuss the future of energy solutions. This event, made possible through collaboration with the Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles, showcased how foreign direct investment (FDI) and international partnerships fuel economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen our local economy.

THIS PAGE IS NOW OUT OF DATE.           VISIT OUR 2026 UPDATE            FOR THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION!

Minimum Wage Increase for Businesses within City of Santa Clarita on January 1st, 2025, and those within unincorporated LA County on July 1st, 2025.

Are you confused about the minimum wage increases? You’re not alone! The Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) is in a unique situation in that the City of Santa Clarita and the County of Los Angeles have two different minimum wage increase schedules which has caused confusion and challenges for many of our local employers and residents alike.

The City increases its wages in keeping with the State of California’s schedule (January - December), while the County of Los Angeles has adopted a wage increase schedule based on their fiscal calendar (July - June). Beginning in 2022 and continuing each year thereafter, on January 1, the LA County CEO determines the adjusted rates, which shall take effect on July 1 of that year.

THIS PAGE IS NOW OUT OF DATE.           VISIT OUR 2025 UPDATE            FOR THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION!

Minimum Wage Increases for Businesses in Unincorporated LA County and the City of Santa Clarita

Are you confused about the minimum wage increases? You’re not alone! The Santa Clarita Valley is in an especially unique situation in that the City of Santa Clarita and the County of Los Angeles have two different minimum wage increase schedules which has caused confusion and challenges for many of our local employers and residents alike.

The City increases its wages in keeping with the State of California’s schedule (January - December), while the County of Los Angeles has adopted a wage increase schedule based on their fiscal calendar (July - June).

Below is an analysis of data from the regional Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) market in various aspects such as Industrial & Commercial real estate, retail, residential, hotel vacancy & occupancy, and film activity. The "SCV Market" encompasses the various areas of the City of Santa Clarita (Valencia, Saugus, Newhall, and Canyon Country), as well as the unincorporated Los Angeles County areas of Castaic, Val Verde, Stevenson Ranch, and Agua Dulce.

For a downloadable PDF of the charts and brief summaries of our Q2 2024 Economic Snapshot click here:      

As part of its ongoing effort to promote international investment into the Santa Clarita Valley (SCV), and to facilitate export opportunities for SCV companies, SCVEDC recently participated in two major investment conferences: SelectLA hosted by the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), as well as the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington D.C.

These investment conferences are a crucial component of SCVEDC's comprehensive strategy to attract a diverse range of investors, both domestically and internationally, who are interested in expanding their operations into the dynamic and thriving business environment of the SCV. By actively engaging with potential investors at major conferences like SelectLA and the SelectUSA Investment Summit, SCVEDC aims to showcase the SCV as a prime location for business growth and development, highlighting the region's business-friendly policies, strategic location, skilled workforce, and abundance of money-saving incentives. Through these efforts, SCVEDC is actively fostering a conducive environment for both domestic and foreign companies to establish and expand their presence in the SCV, ultimately driving economic growth and prosperity in the region. 

Curious about how Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) benefits the Santa Clarita Valley? Check out our FDI Brochure!

Congratulations to the Top 25 Power Brokers!

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) invests not just in growing our local businesses but attracting great companies to the region with a focus on industries that provide our residents with high-quality, high-paying jobs.

Bringing businesses to our community takes a combined effort from the SCVEDC and our partners in economic development, and of course, from the dedicated commercial real estate brokers who work tirelessly to get these businesses set up at the right location that works for them. Each year we recognize the top commercial real estate brokers active in the Santa Clarita Valley whose efforts contributed the most economic impact. This years list features many returning faces as well as some new ones!

Valencia, California – June 13^th 2024 – Nycote Laboratories Corporation; a leading provider of advanced coatings solutions, is proud to announce a significant expansion with the purchase of a modern detached industrial building. This strategic move underscores Nycote's commitment to meeting the growing demands of its customers and further solidifies its position as a leader in the aerospace, defense and related high tech industries.

Discover how apprenticeships can help businesses grow and thrive.

In the vibrant business landscape of Santa Clarita Valley (SCV), where innovation meets opportunity, investing in talent development isn't just a strategy—it's a necessity for sustainable growth. As local businesses strive to remain competitive in an ever-evolving market, embracing apprenticeship programs emerges as a powerful solution. But what exactly is an apprenticeship, and how can it revolutionize your workforce? Let's delve into the world of registered apprenticeships and explore how they can benefit your business in more ways than one. 

For businesses expanding or new ventures, whether domestic or international, setting roots in the Santa Clarita Valley, apprenticeships present an invaluable resource. As these businesses seek to establish themselves in a new environment, the need for a skilled and adaptable workforce becomes paramount. Apprenticeships offer the perfect solution, providing a structured pathway to train individuals in line with the specific needs and requirements of the business.  

Did you know the world's leading manufacturer and developer of drumheads and shells is headquartered right here in the SCV? Also one of the valley's largest employers, Remo moved here from North Hollywood in 1997 and has grown to over 200 employees. Last week the SCVEDC Board of Directors was given a guided tour of their 220,000 SF headquarters, where at full capacity they can make over 10,000 drums a day.

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation is your one-stop resource for all your business needs

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) plays a pivotal role in fostering business growth and prosperity within the region. Our overarching goals are to support the creation of high-paying jobs for our trained workforce, stimulate economic activity that grows the regional tax base, and strategically position the Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) and its businesses to better compete in the global economy. Through a multifaceted approach, the SCVEDC assists businesses with expansion within the SCV and relocation to the SCV by providing comprehensive support services tailored to their specific needs.

Discover how apprenticeships can help businesses grow and thrive.

Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) is home to nearly 300,000 residents and a variety of companies. Thanks to a business-friendly environment, continuous positive economic growth, and local civic leadership that supports ongoing improvements to key infrastructure, our roster of fantastic companies calling the SCV home continues to grow.

Employers across the country are grappling with workforce and recruitment challenges. SCV boasts a highly educated workforce and benefits from access to workforce pipelines in neighboring markets within LA County. In addressing the workforce needs of businesses in SCV, the local community, including academic institutions and economic development organizations, are embracing opportunities for apprenticeships to harness the strength of a vibrant and diverse workforce.

The SCVEDC is proud to celebrate the recent achievements of two of its team members: Dr. Jey Wagner (President & CEO) and Ondre Seltzer (VP, Workforce & Economic Development). Dr. Wagner's appointment to the Board of Directors for Team California highlights his dedication to the growth and retention of businesses in the Golden State. With a strong background in Foreign Direct Investment and working closely with international clients, Ondre Seltzer's addition to the Maple Business Council further strengthens the SCVEDC's commitment to fostering global relationships. These appointments reflect the SCVEDC's ongoing efforts to attract and retain businesses in the Santa Clarita Valley, showcasing the team's dedication to driving economic growth and innovation in the region.

After 13 years of collaborative efforts within our community, the work of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) continues to be crucial to our region's growth. SCVEDC continues to focus on business assistance, business attraction and retention, community marketing, and information and data. Despite the numerous obstacles of the past few years, there are many bright spots; most notably, the incredible support, innovation, and resiliency of our business community.

Last Tuesday night the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation, released the 2023 SCVEDC Annual Report to the City Council. It featured our organization's business attraction and retention, business assistance, economic information & research, and workforce development initiatives. 

Click here for the presentation slides, and read below for more details. To see the presentation to the City Council on SCVTV, click below and skip to 12:00 minutes.

Over the past few months, there have been some internal staffing changes for long-standing members of the SCVEDC. Our prior Director of Business Assistance for 7 years, Sue Arellano, retired back in May and was replaced by Dr. Jey Wagner. This September also saw our previous President and CEO Holly Schroeder making her own career transition after leading the SCVEDC for over 10 years. With Dr. Wagner taking over the President and CEO role for Holly, we are pleased to announce that veteran economic developer Ondré Seltzer will be taking over Wagner’s prior role as VP of Workforce and Economic Development.

The SCVEDC is excited to announce that we were recently honored for excellence in economic development by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in two distinct categories. For both the Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Initiatives and Print Brochures categories impacting populations between 200,000 - 500,000 residents, the SCVEDC was recognized for two of last year's projects: The 2022 Business Survey, and the SCV Talent Report.

Have you heard about the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC)? It’s a state income tax credit supporting the growth of high-quality jobs in California, available to businesses who want to come to, stay in, or grow in our state. Through a two-phase process, businesses apply and compete for this credit during three application periods each fiscal year (FY).

Here's how it works: Phase I is an online application process, where businesses submit information on their 5-year growth plans including a comprehensive description of their growth project, projected new hires and wages, projected amount of investment equipment and facilities, and their requested tax credit. A cost-benefit ratio is then calculated, and companies with the most advantageous cost-benefit ratio (and additional factors) move on to Phase II for final agreement negotiation and selection. Phase ll applicants must then be approved by the California Competes Tax Credit Committee.

It's always bittersweet when you lose a coworker so beloved as Sue Arellano. For those who don't know her, Sue was the Director of Business Assistance here at the SCVEDC for over 7 years. Her impact on the businesses and the community in the Santa Clarita Valley during her tenure is impossible to quantify. Whether it was helping with permitting issues, tax credits and business incentives, or assisting with workforce and training solutions, she was always willing to fight alongside our businesses to achieve their goals. Sue has taken the next step in her life and retired after many years of hard work and commitment to our community, and we couldn't be happier for her. 

The trend of workforce shortages and a tight labor market has continued to be at the forefront of issues facing businesses. The Santa Clarita Valley has not been immune to the effects of this. We are however very ideally positioned to tackle this issue, and the SCVEDC has been collaborating extensively with a number of different organizations to find viable solutions for our local employers. Workforce development and training is more crucial than ever for economic developers engaging in business assistance and retention. To that end the EDC is excited to welcome Jey Wagner, Ed.D. as our Vice President of Workforce & Economic Development!

soon to occupy 965,000 square-feet across 6 buildings at Needham Ranch

When they started out, DrinkPAK was just a small start up in search of a new location in Southern California. Their principals had a long and successful track record  creating beverage brands, then selling these brands along with their manufacturing facilities to world-class companies such as PepsiCo and Keurig Dr. Pepper. For their first dedicated contract manufacturing facility they ultimately chose the Center at Needham Ranch (CANR) as the optimal location for their project.  Their plans called for a state-of-the-art, 3-line beverage contract manufacturing, packaging, and fulfillment center. 

The SCVEDC is committed to spurring workforce training and development to empower our local labor force and help our businesses thrive. A big part of that commitment is our  close partnership with College of the Canyons and their continued efforts to provide high quality training based on current industry needs.

Where are all the workers with the relevant job skills my company needs? Most have heard or experienced this sentiment for years now, and it was only exacerbated by the labor challenges from the pandemic. The economic impact of shifting technology and skill requirements across almost all workforce areas continues to be a concern. There are simply more jobs available than there are workers with the requisite skills.

So how do we fix it? There are short term solutions to this problem, such as offering higher pay for retention or increasing flexibility in the hiring process. High schools and colleges however are investing in comprehensive career pathways to provide real-world career experience to bridge this skill gap.

On Tuesday night Holly Schroeder, President & CEO of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation, released the 2022 SCVEDC Annual Report to the City Council. It featured our organization's business attraction and retention, business assistance, economic information & research, and community marketing efforts.

Click here for the presentation slides, and read below for more details!