Vernon is ready to welcome new customers to its uniquely business-friendly community. The City is an untapped market for retail amenities like restaurants, and health and wellness centers; and big-box businesses are strikingly absent. The City wants to support and promote your business. Whether you’re a green-cleantech business, e-commerce, recreational facility, retail storefront, construction, or manufacturing plant, Vernon is the best place to be. The City has the expertise and resources to assist new and growing businesses - it has been industry driven since 1905.

The City is positioned to partner with your business, understand your goals, and develop creative solutions to optimize your success.

Vernon has a proven track record of helping customers stay in business. It boasts an 80-year tenancy with some businesses and has an average 30-year tenancy with 25 of its top businesses. Vernon is proud to have won the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation’s (LAEDC) “Most Business Friendly City Award” and to be a four-time finalist! Manufacturing, food processing, professional services, retail, food services, and clean commerce all have a place in Vernon. By continuing to diversify, Vernon fortifies its future.

The City of Vernon is 5.2 square miles within Los Angeles County, the economic epicenter of Southern California commerce. The City provides its current 1,800 businesses with a competitive edge through our prime location to Downtown LA, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the Alameda transportation corridor, railways, five major freeways and four major airports.       

Municipally owned Vernon Public Utilities (VPU) provides businesses with the best natural gas and electric rates; 60-70% lower than SoCal Gas and Southern California Edison. VPU also supplies water and fiber optic internet services to its businesses and residents at significant cost savings. Vernon is the only city in California with its own gas, electric, water and fiber optics utilities, in addition to its own Health Department.

Many industrial uses are allowed by right in Vernon, meaning that there is no need for planning board approvals or the necessity of going through California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) evaluation. This streamlines project processing time by six to twelve months, saving businesses between $100K - $200K (on average) as compared to surrounding jurisdictions. Overall, Vernon’s plan check and permitting fees are designed to give businesses a competitive advantage. Our Public Works Department of professionals can offer comprehensive, personal guidance as you navigate how your project can be transformed from concept to reality.   

To prospective businesses and residents, Vernon is ready and able to meet the challenge of growth by advancing financial security, economic opportunity, and social equity for all. Join Vernon’s successful thriving community!

Download our printable brochure, contact the City Administration hotline at 323-826-3648, or review our Step-by-Step Guide to learn more about how Vernon works for your business!