Economic Development 21-Point Business Plan for Progress

As a local recovery effort, the City of Santa Clarita’s has created a 21-Point Business Plan for Progress to boost the local economy and support local businesses. The comprehensive plan will enhance local business partnerships, encourage quality job creation in the area, and develop marketing programs to encourage retail spending and attract external dollars to the community. Implementing these programs now, enables the City to meet today’s needs and position the City of Santa Clarita to succeed once the economy recovers.

 

This plan provides structures for strengthening partnerships between the City, Chamber of Commerce, College of the Canyons, Valley Industrial Association and other economic development-minded organizations and the success of this plan will be increased exponentially by these partnerships.For additional information regarding the 21-Point Business Plan for Progress, please contact the City’s Economic Development Division at (661) 255-4347.

 

View news and press related to the 21-Point Business Plan for Progress

 

1. Enterprise Zone Marketing

 

The Enterprise Zone is a state-initiated tax savings program designed to stimulate the economy and return valuable dollars to local Santa Clarita business. As of March 23, 2009, this program has generated a potential $14,689,000 in savings to local business. This campaign will include increased marketing and direct outreach to local businesses as a way to help thousands of companies understand the potential tax savings available just by doing business in the City of Santa Clarita.

 

1. Updated 9/30/09 - The Santa Clarita Enterprise Zone program had its best month yet to date with a record number of Enterprise Zone Hiring Tax Voucher Applications received. During the month of September, staff received more than 180 Voucher Applications. This is the highest number of voucher applications received in a single month to date.
2. Updated 9/22/09 - The City Council approved a resolution authorizing City staff to submit an application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development to expand the boundaries of the Enterprise Zone. The proposed expansion will include the retail centers of Bridgeport Marketplace, Baywood at Bridgeport, and Granary Square. Staff is completing the application and will submit an application for the State's consideration.
3. Updated 9/1/09 - Since the City's Enterprise Zone designation date of July 1, 2007 through August 31, 2009, the program has generated a potential savings of $27,892,800 in tax credits for local businesses.

 

2. Recycling Market Development Zones (RMDZ) Business Outreach

 

The City of Santa Clarita is one of 40 Recycling Market Development Zones (RMDZ) in California. The zones are designed to encourage the use of recycled materials in product manufacturing, while encouraging reduction of waste from manufacturing. Qualifying businesses are eligible for low interest loans, financial assistance referrals, and waste exchange.

 

1. Updated 10/21/09 - For more information on the potential RMDZ loan recipient, Valencia Mold, click here.
2. Updated 9/1/09 - City staff has been working with Valencia Mold to secure an RMDZ loan in the amount of $300,000. Valencia Mold creates custom plastic injection, blow molds, and die cast molds using recycled plastic material. They have been in business since 2002 in the City of Palmdale, but recently decided to relocate to the City of Santa Clarita to take advantage of the City's RMDZ designation and the overall low cost of doing business in the City. Valencia Mold has been notified by the California Integrated Waste Management Board that their pre-application was approved and they are eligible to submit a full application. City staff continues to work with Valencia Mold to expeditiously submit the full application and receive their RMDZ funds.

 

3. Think Santa Clarita Valley Program

 

This program is designed to promote “Thinking Santa Clarita Valley First” to both consumer and Business2Business audiences, encouraging people to Think Santa Clarita when shopping, soliciting services, hiring employees, etc. This campaign will be marketed to BOTH the local Santa Clarita community, as well as the greater Los Angeles area as a way to attract external dollars to the area and encourage business relocation. The greater Los Angeles outreach will promote Santa Clarita as THE place to shop, locate a business and live. This campaign is being created in partnership with many organizations including the County of Los Angeles, Chamber of Commerce, Valley Industrial Association, College of the Canyons, The Signal, KHTS and others.

 

1. Updated 9/25/09 - In an effort to enhance community awareness about Think Santa Clarita Valley initiatives, the campaign is hitting the road! Be on the look for a Think Santa Clarita Valley booth and representatives at several upcoming events in the SCV including the Child & Family Center Kids Expo, SCV Chamber of Commerce Business Expo and Castaic Days, just to name a few. Volunteer opportunities are available, contact Michelle Cooan at (661) 510-8422 or via email at michelle@americancraftsman.net.

2. Updated 8/28/09 - The regional Think Santa Clarita campaign has been kicked off with three large posters at the Burbank Airport. Two posters are inside the terminal and one is on the outside. The posters bear the slogan "Santa Clarita, a First Class Business Destination" in addition to the call to action "Think Santa Clarita". These posters will be on display for one year. Additionally, collateral print advertisement has been placed in the San Fernando Valley Business Journal.

3. Updated 7/14/09 - The www.ThinkSantaClaritaValley.com business directory is live offering information and discounts from over 200 local businesses, and increasing daily. To date, Think SCV has 163 "Tweets" following the campaign on Twitter. Additionally, the Think Santa Clarita Jingle contest has officially begun in collaboration with KHTS AM-1220. In coming weeks look out for more website enhancements, our facebook page and more! 
4. Updated 6/4/2009 - The Think Santa Clarita Valley campaign is underway. Take a look at www.ThinkSantaClaritaValley.com for special offiers and more information. Be on the look out for banners, posters and more around the valley and the campaign continues.

 

4. Film Incentive Program

 

This program will incentivize increased film production in Santa Clarita by subsidizing permit fees for productions based in Santa Clarita, while exploring opportunities to reduce costs of safety personnel, including fire and sheriff. The program will also explore rebating half of the TOT generated from film-related hotel stays (or 5%). These benefits would be available to productions based in Santa Clarita, creating a demand for additional stages and support businesses, while also increasing local jobs for industry workers and sales tax generation.

 

Further, this program will capitalize on the momentum the City has created in increasing film activity, and is ideally timed with the State’s new tax incentive, designed to attract increased feature and television production. The City of Santa Clarita is already the lowest film permit fee in the entertainment industry’s “30-Mile Zone,” and competitive pricing will remain a key attraction tool for non-local productions seeking affordable location filming sites in the Los Angeles area.

 

1. Updated 8/10/2009 - Two more productions have been approved to receive subsidization of film permit fees, Discovery Channel's "Doing Da Vinci" and Elevator Girl, an independent feature which is one of the first 25 productions to qualify for California's production incentives. Monster Mutt, an independent feature, wrapped filming and received a full refund of their paid permit fees. Monster Mutt filmed entirely on location in the SCV at several homes and businesses, 29.5% of the cast and crew were SCV residents, and they leased office space in the City to house their production office.
   
   
2. Updated 7/1/2009 - Two productions have completed the application process and have been pre-approved to receive subsidization of film permit fees. Monster Mutt, an independent feature which begins filming in July, and ABC Family's "Make It or Break It" which is currently filming and based at Santa Clarita Studios.
   
   
3. Updated 6/18/2009 - Film incentive program is making a statement in Hollywood and receives props from Variety! Click here to read the full article.
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5. Updated 6/3/2009 - Santa Clarita Motel 6 offers NO TAX incentive to film production crew on location in the area that stay at the motel. Click here for the full article.
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7. Updated 6/1/2009 - The City of Santa Clarita first in Los Angeles to implement film incentives. Click here to read more.
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9. Updated 5/26/2009 - The City of Santa Clarita Film Incentive is a Hollywood Hit. View our recent showcase in The Hollywood Reporter.

5. SBDC Program for Business

 

Explore using $100,000 of the $300,000 CDBG stimulus monies to provide micro grants or loans to small business that do not qualify for traditional SBA financing but are in need of funds and present minimal risk. Grants/loans would be contingent upon several factors including the successful completion of SBDC services.

 

1. Updated 6/11/2009 - On Tuesday, June 9, 2009 the City of Santa Clarita City Council approved action to submit applications for federal grant monies upwards of $300,00 for Community Development Block funding, which includes funding for business management and sustainability efforts via the Small Business Development Center.
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6. Major Retail Center Agreement for Success

 

Create a program in collaboration with Westfield Valencia Town Center and Plaza at Golden Valley that increases future sales tax generation by expediting and subsidizing Tenant Improvement permits for new tenants.

 

7. Development Process

 

Streamline the development process by implementing the 15-item plan recommended by the Development Process Advisory Committee made up of business, development, and community leaders.

This plan includes implementing technology solutions to accept plans and permits electronically, streamlining permit processes, and formalizing a free one-stop review for projects. This provides for greater efficiency and cost savings for developers and truly makes Santa Clarita a more business-friendly City.

 

Creation of the City’s Development One-Stop on the first floor of City Hall to provide business and residents with a central place to obtain development permits without having to talk to several different staff members on different floors, thereby offering a streamlined, convenient approach to permitting in line with the City’s service excellence philosophy.

 

Updated 6/4/2009 - City of Santa Clarita looks to implement “ProjectDox” software, an electronic permit plan check and review software, that will help manage development and construction projects, and provide faster and better service to our customers.

 

8. Incentives for Jobs-Producing Business

 

Offer short-term subsidization of permit fees for businesses that produce quality jobs. Projects would be conditioned to require a minimum number of employees, target date to open by, etc.

 

9. Event Sponsorship

 

Encourage event sponsorship and create marketing value for local businesses by creating a multi-year sponsorship program that allows for minimal or zero initial spending by business with contracted future payments.

 

1. Updated 10/13/2009 - Lockheed Federal Credit Union (LFCU) and the City of Santa Clarita agreed on terms to extend LFCU's presenting sponsor of the City of Santa Clarita Festival of the Arts through the 2012 event. Through utilization of the event sponsorship program within the 21-point plan, LFCU was able to save nearly 100% of their 2010 sponsorship investment.
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3. Updated 8/25/2009 - Thus far the event sponsorship program has resulted in three local business taking advantage of sponsorship marketing savings, with many more considering upcoming opportunities.
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5. Updated 6/26/2009 - Under the 21-point Business Plan for Progress, the City's Economic Development division has secured A. Allbright Painting Inc. as a sponsor for Concerts in the Park and Festival of the Arts. Allbright utilized the program to save 50% on their marketing investment for 2009. Allbright's support of both events runs through 2011.
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7. Updated 6/6/2009 - New multi-year sponsorship opportunities have captured the attention of businesses community-wide. The City's Economic Development division has secured a local entertainment company as sponsors for the upcoming Concerts in the Park series as a direct result of the program and expanded the sponsorship for one large auto dealer in town. As part of the 21-Point Business Plan for Progress, businesses reap the economic benefits by entering into a multi-year event sponsorship contract with a City.
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10. Re-Allocate Staff to Economic Development

 

Reallocate staff from divisions with reduced workloads to the Economic Development Division to allow for implementation of programs identified here as well as ongoing programs.

 

11. WorkSource Center

 

Restructure organizationally to move WorkSource under Economic Development

Division to maximize benefit to business community. Align with College of the Canyons to create integrated job training and job placement system. Explore creation of a north LA County Workforce Investment Board to provide increased control and funding. Aggressively seek to capitalize on stimulus dollars for increased funding.

 

12. Business District Improvements

 

This project will beautify medians and streetscapes for businesses as well as provide greater signage opportunities. The first phase of this project includes way-finding median signage for the City’s two largest sales tax generators – Valencia Town Center and Valencia Auto Center. The signage will be located along McBean Pkwy, Valencia Blvd, and Magic Mountain Pkwy. The project will also include streetscape beautification improvements to Creekside to create a sense of place and encourage consumer visits.

 

Future phases could include the following business areas: Bouquet Canyon from Soledad
north to Seco; Railroad Avenue from Via Princessa north to the Bouquet Junction; the area at the intersection of Copper Hill and Newhall Ranch Road; Centre Pointe; and, the area at the intersection of Sierra Highway and Via Princessa.

 

13. Stimulus Dollars - Infrastructure Projects

 

Maximize the economic development impact from City-led infrastructure projects and publicize that impact to the community. Aggressively pursue and expeditiously spend stimulus dollars to maximize economic and job creation impact while improving infrastructure. Projects in this area include highway infrastructure and transit capital assistance, including bridge rehabilitation, traffic circulation and improvements, expansion of parking at the Newhall Metrolink station, McBean regional transit center Park and Ride, and others.

 

Each of the five projects funded through the Highway Infrastructure Program have completed the bid process. Construction of these projects is expected to begin in the late summer and last through the winter of 2009/2010.

 

The applications for the three non-construction projects to be funded through the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Capital Assistance Program; Additions to the Transit Information Network, Expansion of the Universal Fare System Fare Box Program, and the Upgrade to the On-Board Camera Program have been approved by the FTA.

 

1. Updated 9/21/09 - The FTA announced that Santa Clarita Transit was awarded $4.6 million in competitive Recovery Act funds through the Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) Program to expand solar power canopies at the TMF. The project will be capable of generating 95% of the TMF’s annual power needs. Santa Clarita received the fifth largest amount awarded through the competitive grant program, which distributed $100 million in funding among 43 transit agencies selected nationwide.

14. Stimulus Dollars - Non-Infrastructure

 

Use these special funds in ways that align with supporting businesses. Maximize the amount of stimulus dollars to fund projects, including justice (COBRA), community development block grants (CDBG), energy efficiency and conservation, and neighborhood stabilization. This could also include incorporation of broadband technology opportunities once available.

The City has recently submitted a revised application for the Ebergy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, as the Department of Energy (DOE) had requested further information regarding the proposed Energy Upgrades to the Newhall Library and the Ultaviolet-C Emmitters for Ait Conditioned Coils projects. Approximately 30 days following the approval of the City's application by the DOE, funding for all five EECBG projects will become available in the full amount.

 

The California Department of Housing and Community Development has approved the City’s Neighborhood Stabilization 1 program application.

 

The City has resubmitted its application for the Community Development Block Grant Recovery Program , directing all $305,635 of its allocated award to be used for the Commercial Façade Improvement Program. The City is currently awaiting approval from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

 

1. Updated 6/26/2009 - The City of Santa Clarita has been awarded a grant for $174,751 by the US Department of Justice. Funding will be used to allocate more sheriff's deputies on Santa Clarita streets.
4. Updated 6/11/2009 - On Tuesday, June 9, 2009 the City of Santa Clarita City Council approved action to submit applications for federal grant monies to support local energy efficiency initiatives and programs.
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15. Economic Development Corporation

 

Partner with the Chamber of Commerce, Valley Industrial Association, College of the Canyons, and other agencies to explore the formation of an economic development corporation with the responsibility and direction to promote business in Santa Clarita Valley. One function of EDC would be implementation of registry of all businesses to maximize business-to-business opportunities, to more accurately identify business industry clusters, and to identify potential attraction targets from vendor/supplier, customer chain.

 

16. Incentive to Purchase Local

 

Increase the City local purchase incentive from 5% to 10% and create a “Give me 10’ promotion. Encourage other agencies to create similar programs to supports and reinforce the Think Santa Clarita program.

 

1. Updated 6/18/2009 - City letter encourages local agencies to implement purchasing local incentives! Since distributing a letter to local agencies asking for support of the City's purchasing local initiatives, many organizations have inquired about the City's adjustment and plan to create similar incentives.

5. Updated 6/10/2009 - Upon approval to increase the purchasing local incentive from 5% to 10%, the City of Santa Clarita sent a letter to local semi-public entities encouraging them to implement similar programs.

7. Updated 6/4/2009 - The City of Santa Clarita City Council voted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 to increase the City's purchasing local incentive from 5% to 10%. This action encourages local purchasing by allowing local businesses that are close but not the lowest bidder to match the lowest bid if the lowest bidder is a non-local business. Previously this preference benefited local businesses that came within 5% of the lowest bid of a non-local business.

   17. Develop a Hotel Business Improvement District (BID)

    

   The City of Santa Clarita would work with hotel business owners in the City to add an additional tax assessment of 2 percent, thereby increasing funds for marketing tourism to Santa Clarita. The small increase would provide the same level currently in the County. Monies would be used to attract regionally and nationally, and support the City’s efforts to bring high economic impact events such as sports and cultural Tourism, including but not limited to events like the PGA Champions Classic and the AMGEN Tour of California.

   1. Updated 10/22/2009 - Staff is working with Willdan Financial Services on the steps necessary to form the BID. The BID will be called a Tourism Marketing District (TMD) The budget is being finalized.  Resolution of Intent will be taken to City Council in December.
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   3. Updated 8/24/2009 - A Consultant has been selected and the contract has been routed. Staff will soon meet with consultant and initiate the planning process.
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   5. Updated 7/29/2009 - Two consultant proposals have been received. Econ Dev staff is reviewing and will select a consultant shortly. Staff also met with each of the city hotels that will be involved in the BID and received positive input from each of them.
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   7. Updated 7/14/2009 - The Tourism Office has requested three proposals from consulting companies that handle establishing Business Improvement Districts. Meetings have also been set up with each of the hotel General Manager's/Corporate team to discuss the program further, determine interest and provide more information.
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   9. Updated 6/16/2009 - The Tourism Office and Finance Division have both conducted preliminary research about the BID, including looking in to industry consultants to assist with the process.
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   18. Old Town Newhall

    

   Create façade improvement program for Old Town Newhall businesses. Provide financial assistance in the form of grants and/or loans to assist small businesses in Old Town Newhall to support attraction, retention and potential expansion.

    

   1. Updated 10/13/2009 - City staff will be conducting two informational meetings to introduce the program to those business owners and property owners located in the program area. Approximately $270,000 dollars is available for the program and up to $20,000 is available per qualifying property/application. Please review the application at www.santa-clarita.com/recovery. More information can also be obtained by joining staff on October 15, 2009 at. There is a morning meeting from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at William S. Hart Hall in Hart Park and and evening meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at City Hall, Council Chambers. RSVP at (661) 255-4347.
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   3. Updated 6/11/2009 - On Tuesday, June 9, 2009 the City of Santa Clarita City Council approved action to submit applications for federal grant monies for redevelopment in Old Town Newhall, which will provide funding for facade restoration, architectural enhancements and more.
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   19. Use Tax Incentive for Business Expansion

    

   Incentivize business expansion and generate increased Use Tax revenue by allowing any business that directs a Use Tax payment of over $20,000 to the City to allocate one half of that payment to be used towards permit fees or rebate to business.

    

   20. Neighborhood Stabilization Program

    

   This money will help stabilize neighborhoods affected by the housing and foreclosure crisis. Funds can be used to purchase and rehabilitate foreclosed homes to sell or rent to lower income buyers; demolish blighted structures; and assist in redevelopment efforts for both residential and commercial properties. The activities are targeted to the neighborhoods hit hardest by sub prime lending practices and foreclosures.

    

   1. Updated 6/26/2009 - On June 23rd at the regular meeting of the City Council, the City of Santa Clarita City Council adopted a resolution approving an application for program funding through a federal grant.
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   21. OVOV – Economic Development Element

    

   Create a separate stand-alone element focusing on Economic Development for the One Valley One Vision general plan, creating long-term sustainability for the quality of life and economic stability of Santa Clarita.

City of Santa Clarita Council
From L-R: Mayor Pro-Tem Laurene Weste, Council Member Bob Kellar, Council Member Marsha McLean, Mayor Frank Ferry, Council Member Laurie Ender

 

Documents & Updates Notice of Public Review and Comment Period for Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2 (NSP 2) Funding Ken Pulskamp Signal Editorial March 8, 2009 ARRA Agenda Report - 4/14/09 City Council Meeting Small Business Administration "Doing Business in a Tough Economy" Workshop

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