The County of San Bernardino encompasses 24 unique and vibrant cities. These cities represent the best of the region in terms of lifestyle, business, culture, education, and recreation.
To best understand what each city has to offer, we encourage you to read through our summaries. Then spend time getting to know each of the County’s dynamic and diverse communities.
Adelanto
Town of Apple Valley
Barstow
Chino
Chino Hills
Colton
Fontana
Grand Terrace
Hesperia
Highland
Loma Linda
Montclair
Needles
Ontario
Rancho Cucamonga
Redlands
Rialto
San Bernardino
Twentynine Palms
Upland
Victorville
Yucaipa
Yucca Valley
Adelanto
Located in the western portion of the High Desert, the City of Adelanto promotes and encourages economic development opportunities within the 200 acres of city-owned property in the 15,000-acre Redevelopment Area. Some of the City’s advantages include: five Industrial Parks accommodating a variety of business and industrial needs, including sites ranging from three to 30 acres, many of which are improved; industrial Parks adjacent to or near Southern California Logistics Airport (SCLA), which has active international multi-modal cargo services; a stable and dedicated workforce; land costs that are among the lowest in Southern California; and air quality regulations are less restrictive than other areas in Southern California. Learn more at www.ci.adelanto.ca.us
Contact Information:
Rick Gomez
Director of Development Services
City of Adelanto
(760) 246-2300
rgomez@ci.adelanto.ca.us
Town of Apple Valley
Named a “least costly city for doing business” by the Kosmont Companies and Rose Institute’s Cost of Doing Business Survey, the Town of Apple Valley’s economic growth, quality demographics and aggressive marketing are attractive for development. Apple Valley opened 3 million square feet of commercial space in five years and now is poised for medical-office and industrial development. The North Apple Valley Industrial Specific Plan is an emerging logistics and manufacturing hub that shortens development schedules for businesses locating to the 5,100-acre area. Attributes include a 120-day streamlined permit process, an available workforce, a diverse housing supply, lower costs, direct access to Apple Valley Airport and close proximity to markets. Get a Slice of the Apple and learn more at www.applevalley.org.
Contact Information:
Orlando R. Acevedo
Economic Development Specialist II
Town of Apple Valley
(760) 240-7000 x7920
OAcevedo@applevalley.org
Barstow
The City of Barstow, located at the intersection of Interstate 15 and Interstate 40, is key to California’s distribution network. To the south, the I-15 leads to the San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego markets. To the north, the I-15 goes to Las Vegas and then north to Canada, interconnecting with all transcontinental interstates. The I-40 travels generally due east through the Sunbelt until it intersects with I-95 in North Carolina. Barstow is also the western division point for the BNSF and the UP railroads’ transcontinental mainline. The Barstow Industrial Park, which includes more than 1,200 acres, offers rail service. The Barstow Enterprise Zone covers nearly five square miles of the city and includes industrial and business parks. The City can provide site information, bring in utility companies, city representatives and financial assistance, and provide employee recruitment. The City will also provide training assistance, permit streamlining, redevelopment incentives, state services and other resources tailored to your needs. The City also has a Recycling Market Development Zone designation. For more information, visit www.barstowca.org.
Contact information:
Ron Rector
Economic Development/Redevelopment Manager
City of Barstow
(760) 255-5106
rrector@barstowca.org
Chino
If you are looking for a City that supports business, then Chino is your place! The City’s Economic Development staff markets the City as an attractive business location and proactively contacts Chino businesses, as well as companies seeking to expand and/or relocate to the City of Chino. Business retention and attraction activities include providing interested companies with valuable information to help make the decision to locate or stay within the City of Chino. The City of Chino takes pride in providing outstanding environmental services to its community through waste reduction and recycling programs, water reclamation, conservation and pre-treatment, stormwater non-point and point-source pollution prevention methods, green building, green procurement, and much more. In January 2008, the Green Team was formed to take a more systematic approach to addressing the City's efforts to combat global warming. The City also benefits from the Chino Valley Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ) which increases the use of recovered materials by businesses already located in the area; increases the recycling of, rather than disposal of, materials; and attracts new business that can use secondary materials for manufacturing. Visit www.cityofchino.org/ for more information.
Contact Information:
Patrick J. Griffin
Assistant City Manager
City of Chino
(909) 591-9801
communitydevelopment@cityofchino.org
Chino Hills
Chino Hills is well known for its high quality of life and beautiful rural atmosphere. The community, with its growing population of 78,725, boasts 3,000 acres of publicly-owned open space, 40 parks, and 38 miles of trails. Chino Hills’ reputation as a premier City is evident -- Money Magazine ranked Chino Hills 8th on the list of “Best Places to Live,” and the city was named the 13th Safest City in the United States. Chino Hills has the 6th highest median household income in the US at $100,371. Chino Hills is home to a professional workforce. Nearly 41.2% of Chino Hills’ adult residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The community ranks among the top 17 Southern California cities in its share of residents employed as scientists, professionals or managers. Chino Hills’ strong demographics and its location at the convergence of Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties make it attractive to developers and businesses. For more information, visit www.chinohills.org/economicdevelopment.
Contact Information:
Joann Lombardo
Community Development Director
City of Chino Hills
(909) 364-2740
jlombardo@chinohills.org
Colton
The City of Colton encompasses approximately 18 square miles of fertile valley nestled against the scenic San Gorgonio Mountains. A comprehensive transportation network, a skilled, ready-to-work labor pool and a viable partnership between business and City government contribute vitality to established commerce. Available sites and a “can-do” attitude toward economic development make Colton attractive for successful relocation and for new enterprise. As we move forward, we continue to build on a solid foundation rich in history and our long-standing community values. We're a city moving ahead – with confidence. Colton has a well-balanced and diversified economy and is home to a variety of manufacturing, service, retail and distribution companies, including Con-Agra Milling; McNeilus Truck; Williams Furnace; Telco Food Products; Al's Garden Art; U.S. Express; Jon-Lin, Inc.; Ashley Furniture; Arrowhead regional Medical Center, a new, state-of-the-art medical facility; and the largest group of RV Dealers west of the Mississippi River. Colton is strategically located at the juncture of the I-10 and I-215 freeways, in the heart of the Inland Empire, and is well-suited to serve the larger Southern California marketplace. Colton offers tremendous freeway access; rail service from both the BNSF and Union Pacific railroads; service from nine major nearby truck terminals and more than 80 independent trucking firms; and close proximity by freeway to LA/Ontario International Airport, as well as the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Visit www.ci.colton.ca.us.
Contact information:
Christy Elshof
Economic Development Project Manager
City of Colton
(909) 370-6176
celshof@ci.colton.ca.us
Fontana
The City of Fontana is located in Southern California at the intersection of two major freeways. Metrolink commuter rail service to the greater Los Angeles area runs through the center of town, and we are only 10 minutes away from LA/Ontario International Airport. The present population is estimated at 183,640 (2007 estimate). The City's incorporated area is 36 square miles, with a sphere of influence of 54.2 square miles. The City of Fontana was incorporated in 1952. There are currently 39 park/recreation locations available to use within the City. The City is fortunate to have a major hospital within its boundaries. It is also home to many major distribution centers, including Target Warehouse & Distribution; Sears; Mercedes-Benz; Southern California Edison; Home Shopping Network; and Avery Dennison. Visit www.fontana.org.
Contact information:
Elisa Grey
Economic Development Manager
City of Fontana
(909) 350-6741
khunt @ fontana.org
Grand Terrace
Money Magazine recently named Grand Terrace one of the top 100 best places to live in the U.S. because we offer the best combination of economic opportunity, good schools, quality housing, safe streets, things to do and a real sense of community. The reasonable cost of living and attractive “small town” quality of life means it is easier to retain a qualified workforce. The #1 reason families settle in an area is the performance of the schools. The City of Grand Terrace has the highest performing elementary and middle schools in the local school district. In 2011, a $125 million high school will open in the City as a Technology Magnet School. Also known as the “Blue Mountain City,” Grand Terrace enjoys marvelous views and is bordered on the east and west by scenic, mountainous open space. We are about creating a sustainable, desirable community where businesses and families can explore and prosper. The City offers: a supportive Mayor and City Council; one of the lowest crime rates in the two-county area; a well-maintained infrastructure; no utility taxes for businesses or residents; a stable budget in the face of a changing economy; and low water rates with an ample water supply. Visit www.cityofgrandterrace.org.
Contact information
Joyce Powers
Director of Community & Economic Development
City of Grand Terrace
(909) 430-2225
jpowers@cityofgrandterrace.org
Hesperia
Known for being a city of progress, Hesperia is built on a strong economic foundation supported by good access to key markets, a young and growing population, a strategic location and low living and operating costs. The City is a great location for any business, specifically retail, logistics, and manufacturing and provides outstanding benefits through its newly- awarded Enterprise Zone. Located at the top of the Cajon Pass, this commuter-friendly location is situated on I-15 and Highway 395, a major corridor linking Southern California with Northern California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington to the Canadian border. Hesperia’s Enterprise Zone is a significant business attraction, retention and expansion tool. Businesses in the Hesperia Enterprise Zone are eligible for substantial benefits, such as $37,440 or more in state tax credits for each qualified employee hired. Lenders to an Enterprise Zone business may receive a net interest deduction, up-front expensing of certain depreciable property and more. Go to Enterprise Zone to learn more. For more information, www.cityofhesperia.us/econdev.
Contact Information:
Steven J. Lantsberger
Deputy Director of Economic Development
City of Hesperia
760-947-1906
slantsberger@cityofhesperia.us
Highland
The City of Highland is a suburban community situated in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. It has an estimated population of 53,000 people with a small town feel. Highland emerged at the turn of the 20th century as the citrus industry flourished in Southern California, and the city experienced a second boom in the 1940's with the development of Norton Air Force Base on its southern boundary. The Base induced much residential development and set the pattern for future development. The closure of Norton Air Force Base in 1994, created an opportunity for the development of an International Airport which will one day support regional passenger service and international cargo transport. Highland has seen substantial residential development in the past 20 years and currently supports high-quality housing, schools, education and recreation. Economic development efforts have focused on bringing new retail services to the City in the "Golden Triangle" and the "Town Center" to meet the needs of its many local residents. The City also has planned for job-based business park and industrial uses along the north side of the Airport in the Third/Fifth Street corridor. For information, visit www.ci.highland.ca.us.
Contact information:
John Jaquess
Community Development Director
City of Highland
(909) 864-6861
jjaquess@cityofhighland.org
Loma Linda
Loma Linda has a history of being a health-conscious community. The tradition of promoting food health has continued over the years. In 1993, Loma Linda became the first “smoke-free” city in San Bernardino County. A prosperous city of 21,000, the city has some of the highest median incomes and highest average home prices in San Bernardino County. Loma Linda offers residents an alternative to the intense, often anonymous lifestyle that is so characteristic of modern life. Loma Linda is home to the world famous Loma Linda University and Medical Center. The Loma Linda University Medical Center and Children’s Hospital contain the largest neonatal intensive care unit in California, the Proton Accelerator Cancer treatment Center and the infant heart and multiple organ transplant center. Over 900 physicians are on the University and Medical Center staff. Visit www.ci.loma-linda.ca.us.
Contact information:
Konrad Bolowich
Economic Development Director
City of Loma Linda
(909) 799-2895
kbolowich@lomalinda-ca.gov
Montclair
Located at the western edge of Southern California’s Inland Empire, at the convergence of Los Angeles and Orange Counties, Montclair includes a 10-mile trade area of nearly one million people with a median household income above $75,000 and an educated population of over 54 percent. Montclair has a number of key sites ready for development. The City of Montclair is showcasing the North Montclair Downtown Specific Plan, with the goal of transforming approximately 150 vacant and infill acres into a new urban transit village. The City has numerous sites available and is recruiting developers experienced in building urban, mixed-use projects. The Agency implements strategies and services that will create an environment in which business can develop and prosper. It strives to create opportunities for business attraction by targeting certain growth segments of the business community -- retail, office, light manufacturing and entertainment-related businesses. While the Agency faces many new challenges to maximize the growth potential of the City's economic base, it continues to achieve strong financial success in expanding the City's revenue base by working closely with businesses. For more information, go to www.cityofmontclair.org.
Contact Information:
Marilyn Staats
Director of Redevelopment/Public Works
City of Montclair
(909) 625-9412
mjstaats@cityofmontclair.org
Needles
Needles is one of the oldest cities in San Bernardino County. It was founded in 1883 with the coming of the railroad and incorporated on Oct. 30, 1913 as a California Charter City. Needles is a city with a rich and colorful history, providing a satisfying, less hurried way of life and a supportive business climate. Located in the very heart of the lower Colorado River recreation area just across the bridge from Arizona and by the tip of Nevada, (the "Tri-State" area), Needles is the gateway to the Golden State. The City of Needles occupies approximately 30 square miles with a population density of 198 people-per-square-mile within the large metropolitan County of San Bernardino (20,062 square miles), so there is plenty of "elbow room" for living, recreating and getting business done. Compare that statistic with California coastal cities, where per-mile density can exceed 5,000 persons, and you begin to see the advantages of Needles' being located on California's "East Coast". Visit www.cityofneedles.com.
Contact information:
David Brownlee
Acting City Manager
City of Needles
(760) 326-2113
ndlscity@citlink.net
Ontario
The City of Ontario is Southern California’s Next Urban Center. Located just 35 miles from Los Angeles, Ontario is uniquely positioned as the “economic engine” of San Bernardino County. Ontario is home to the LA/Ontario International Airport and an incomparable transportation system of three major freeways and two railroads that provide access to the region, the nation and the globe. With a highly-skilled local talent base and lower-cost space than is found in the coastal counties, Ontario is the place to do business. The City is committed to building a Complete Community of residential, commercial and lifestyle amenities to complement its strong Southern California location, diverse economy, and skilled workforce. In all ways, the City of Ontario understands that its job is to create, maintain and grow economic value for its businesses and residents. Some of Ontario’s major assets include Ontario Convention Center, Citizens Business Bank Arena and Ontario Mills among others. For more information, visit www.ontariocalifornia.us.
Contact information:
John Andrews
Economic Development and Redevelopment Director
City of Ontario
(909) 395-2071
jpandrews@ci.ontario.ca.us
Rancho Cucamonga
Crowned by majestic mountains and highlighted by scenic views, tree-lined neighborhoods and a comfortable climate, Rancho Cucamonga is one of Southern California’s most prestigious communities. Easily accessible from three major freeways (Interstate 10 to the south; Interstate 15 to the east; and the 210 freeway to the north), this pro-business community is home to numerous national and international corporations representing all major business sectors. Rancho Cucamonga is also a shopping destination, featuring the Victoria Gardens lifestyle center that offers some of the best high-end shopping in the area. In addition to its diverse business base, Class A commercial facilities and a highly-educated and talented workforce, Rancho Cucamonga is also known for its outstanding quality of life. Recognized as one of the 50 “Best Places to Live” in the United States, Rancho Cucamonga offers its 177,000 residents a clean, comfortable, and safe environment in which to live, work, play and shop, and is quickly becoming the community of choice. For information about the City and its business/housing programs including third-party electrical certification program, Rancho Advantage (Pre-Submittal Planning) and first-time homebuyer’s program, visit http://www.rcrda.us.
Contact information:
Mike Nelson
Economic Development Manager
City of Rancho Cucamonga
(909) 477-2700, ext. 2052
mike.nelson@cityofrc.us
Redlands
The City of Redlands has embarked on an ambitious multi-phase project to reinvest in the City's historic downtown core, rehabilitating major streets and sidewalks, adding landscaping and identifiable gateway statements and reinvigorating Ed Hales Park to create a new, pedestrian-friendly gathering spot in the center of the City's downtown shopping area. The reinvestment in the Redlands Downtown core has been identified as a high priority by the City Council and the City Manager. The project is in keeping with several of the City Council's stated goals, including “A Community with superior public and physical assets” and “An economically and culturally vibrant downtown that reflects our heritage and Spirit.” The City's investment in the downtown is intended to create jobs and economic activity within Redlands by enriching the business district and enhancing the excellent restaurants, specialty shopping and community pride that are central to Redlands' character. Redlands has a wonderful downtown environment with quality dining, shopping and entertainment, as well as community functions such as the Saturday Farmers Market, Market Night, Bicycle Classic, Run Through Redlands and Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival. Visit www.ci.redlands.ca.us.
Contact information:
Oscar Orci
Community Development Director
City of Redlands
909-798-7555
oorci@cityofredlands.org
Rialto
Rialto's central Southern California location provides better access, exposure, and affordability. The City's strategic location has encouraged development of more than 11 million square feet of industrial space in the past five years. Of the new industrial space, more than 300,000 square feet were LEED registered buildings. Rialto is one of the few western Inland Empire cities with the capacity for a significant amount of new industrial development. Business advantages include: 50% lower lease rates than Orange County; 35% lower lease rates than Los Angeles; 15% lower lease rates than many west Inland Empire cities; access to four major freeways; freight and passenger rail; and a skilled and low cost workforce.
Contact Information:
Greg Lantz
Economic Development Manager
City of Rialto
909-879-1140
glantz@rialtoca.gov
San Bernardino
The City of San Bernardino is one of Southern California’s most historic and dynamic communities. Incorporated in 1854, the City’s 202,000 residents make it the 2nd largest municipality east of Los Angeles and the 18th largest in California. As the county seat, San Bernardino lies in the midst of the booming Inland Empire. With an excellent location at the convergence of the I-10, Highway 60 and I-210 freeways to Los Angeles, the I-215 to San Diego of Las Vegas and Highway 91 to the beach cities, San Bernardino has been a center of Southland goods movement since the Southern Pacific and Santé Fe Railroads reached the City back in 1875. San Bernardino is home today to the BNSF Intermodal railroad depot, the San Bernardino International Airport and several fine universities and colleges, including California State University, San Bernardino and San Bernardino Valley College. With abundant water and tremendous cost advantages, San Bernardino is the ideal location for any enterprise seeking a quality lifestyle and significant cost advantages. Visit www.sbrda.org and www.sbvez.com (San Bernardino Valley Enterprise Zone).
Contact information:
Emil Marzullo
Executive Director - SBDO EDA
City of San Bernardino
(909)663-1044
emarzullo@sbrda.org
Twentynine Palms
The City of Twentynine Palms has experienced rapid population growth within the last two decades, which is expected to continue due to the expansion of the adjacent Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, the world’s largest Marine base. One of the main industries in the City is tourism, with nearby Joshua Tree National Park attracting more than 1.6 million visitors annually. New hotels have been built in the City, and additional hotels are in the planning stages. Several market and leakage studies reveal a need for more retail and restaurant development. It is clear why the City of Twentynine Palms is an ideal location for any industry because of its strong population growth, unmet consumer demands, available employees and affordable housing. The city works closely with county, state and federal agencies that provide loan programs and tax credits to job-creating businesses. The team can analyze a business plan and determine if there is a partnership opportunity for the City/Redevelopment Agency to leverage. Visit www.ci.twentynine-palms.ca.us
Contact Information:
Michael Tree
City Manager and Redevelopment Agency Director
City of Twentynine Palms
(760)367-6799
cmanager@ci.twentynine-palms.ca.us
Upland
Conveniently located 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the west end of San Bernardino County, Upland offers an unparalleled quality of life in Southern California's Inland Empire. Known for being a city rich in heritage and community spirit, this well-established and affluent community offers its residents, businesses and visitors a variety of shopping experiences, business opportunities, friendly neighborhoods and stunning landscapes. The success of the business community is vital to Upland's ability to continue to provide superior services. Upland is committed to supporting and assisting businesses in all matters, including expansion, relocation and retention. The Restaurant Attraction/Incentive Program has been established to rehabilitate commercial structures within a project area by providing financial assistance to restaurant owners interested in establishing a sit-down, full service restaurant in the City of Upland. The Discover Upland Program is a collaborative advertising program to expand the exposure of businesses in Upland while educating the public about the importance of spending money in Upland to support City services. Through this economic development program, the City continues to urge its residents to “Shop Upland” as a way to support crucial local services, such as fire protection, library services, parks and street repairs.
For information, visit, www.ci.upland.ca.us.
Contact information
Jeff Zwack
Redevelopment Director
City of Upland
(909) 931-4300
Jzwack@ci.upland.ca.us
Victorville
The City of Victorville is located approximately 97 miles northeast of Los Angeles and 35 miles northeast of San Bernardino. With convenient access to major interstates, railways, trucking routes and international airports, Victorville is one of Southern California's most significant logistics hubs. The City has a growing residential population of more than 100,000. Victorville is a pro-business community offering many incentives, which has helped attract corporate relocations from notable companies, including Newell Rubbermaid, GE Transportation, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, M&M/Mars and Dr Pepper Snapple Group. Victorville will customize an incentive package that maximizes your cost savings for relocation. Assets include Southern California Logistics Airport (SCLA), a LAMBRA Enterprise Zone. Benefits include: 15-year net operating loss carry-over; tax credits for sales and use taxes paid (up to $20 million per year of qualified machinery and machinery parts); hiring credits for wages paid (approximately $30,000 for each employee hired); various business expense deductions; foreign Trade Zone #243; U.S. Customs Port of Entry at SCLA; and reduced electrical rates from Victorville Municipal Utility Services. For more information, visit www.victorvillecity.com.
Contact information:
Keith Metzler
Director of Economic Development/ SCLA
City of Victorville
(800) 780-1050
kmetzler@ci.victorville.ca.us
Yucaipa
Located 75 miles east of Los Angeles, Yucaipa is a mature, well-established community with cleaner air and cooler temperatures as a result of the higher elevations. The city’s comprehensive approach to community safety has produced one of the lowest crime rates for comparably-sized cities anywhere in the state. Amongst its recreational and community amenities, Yucaipa contains a 200-acre regional park with three lakes for swimming, boating, and fishing, plus campgrounds and playgrounds for the entire family. Yucaipa is a highly desirable location for new investments. With four miles of mostly-undeveloped frontage on I-10, Yucaipa offers exceptional development opportunities to new or expanding businesses. The City's immediate market area population currently exceeds 75,000 residents, with a median age of 36 and a median household income of $50,693, based on 2008 demographic data. Local government is business friendly and fiscally sound -- there are no utility taxes levied on residents or businesses, and recent improvements to wastewater treatment and water supply systems provide adequate capacity to meet almost any need. An ambitious program to revitalize the Uptown Business District is currently underway with the Yucaipa Redevelopment Agency, and Agency assistance with other commercial/industrial development projects may be available. Visit www.yucaipa.org.
Contact Information:
John McMains
Director of Community Development
City of Yucaipa
(909) 797-2489 ext. 231
jmcmains@yucaipa.org
Yucca Valley
Yucca Valley is a Southern California high desert community (elevation 3,300 ft.) that lies conveniently between the San Bernardino Mountains and the Joshua Tree National Park. Located about 25 minutes from Palm Springs, the town is characterized by moderate temperatures, clean air and amazingly starry nights. Situated on State Highway 62 where it is intersected by State Highway 247, Yucca Valley is the hub of the Morongo Basin communities and features a host of recreational opportunities and tourist attractions. The community is a frequent stop for travelers en route to Colorado River vacation destinations. With its rich western and mining heritage, Yucca Valley has maintained its small town atmosphere while experiencing recent residential and commercial growth. Voters approved incorporation in 1991 and the community has thrived under local rule ever since. Visit www.yucca-valley.org.
Contact information:
Mark Nuaimi
Town Manager
City of Yucca Valley
(760) 369-6585
mnuaimi@yucca-valley.org