Wave Staff Report
CULVER CITY — The city has been named a 2026 most business-friendly city in the small city category by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. The award was presented at the annual Eddy Awards held Nov. 4 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
The award recognized Culver City’s commitment to supporting local businesses, attracting investment and strengthening economic opportunity.
The recognition highlights the city’s efforts to foster a business-friendly environment through responsive city services, strategic partnerships and initiatives that support businesses of all sizes, a spokesperson for the city said.
Home to major entertainment studios, technology companies, independent businesses and a thriving creative economy, Culver City continues to build on its longstanding history as a center for commerce, culture and innovation.
“Culver City is a small city, and that is our strength,” said Vice Mayor Bubba Fish, who accepted the award on behalf of the city. “We know our businesses by name, we pick up the phone, and we work side by side with them to create solutions.
“Together, we have created an environment where businesses can invest with confidence and find the support they need to succeed. This recognition belongs to our city employees, business owners, entrepreneurs, workers, residents and community partners who make our local economy work every day.”
Culver City has advanced several initiatives to strengthen its business environment, including business ombudsperson services, permit reimbursement programs, technical assistance and placemaking efforts. The initiatives are designed to reduce barriers, support existing businesses and encourage new investment.
“In Culver City, economic development is about more than attracting businesses,” City Manager Odis Jones said. “It is about creating an environment that encourages long-term investment, supports job creation, and expands economic opportunity.
“This award reflects the collective efforts of our City Council, economic development team, city staff and business community to build strong partnerships, deliver responsive services and make Culver City a place where businesses can thrive. We remain focused on driving meaningful results, fostering innovation and ensuring that our economic success translates into lasting opportunities for our businesses, workers and residents.”
The recognition also reflects Culver City’s commitment to regional collaboration. Through partnerships with neighboring cities, regional organizations and business leaders, the city continues to exchange ideas, strengthen economic development strategies and advance shared opportunities for growth.
The Eddy Awards celebrate excellence in economic development across Los Angeles County, recognizing cities, organizations and leaders whose work contributes to a stronger regional economy.
Culver City was selected over six other cities in the small city category. They included: Calabasas, Commerce, Signal Hill, South El Monte, South Pasadena and West Hollywood.
“Los Angeles County’s economic strength depends on cities that understand how to turn opportunity into action,” said Stephen Cheung, president and CEO of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. “[The cities honored] are demonstrating what business-friendly government looks like in practice: removing barriers, responding to employers, and creating the conditions for businesses to invest, grow and create jobs. Their leadership strengthens not only their own communities, but our region as a whole.”
