STRATEGIC PLAN
1 ~200,000OVERVIEW
RESIDENTS
50,000+
10,000+
BUSINESSES
2,500
SQ. MI.
HOTEL ROOMS
MILES9.5
UNINTERRUPTED
COASTLINE
2023
Best City to
Live In
2#
2022
Happiest City
in America
10 TOP
The Huntington Beach Economic Development
Strategic Plan is designed to strengthen the local
economy by focusing on business retention,
attraction, and expansion. It also enhances tourism
and culture, ensures responsive governance, and
fosters proactive communication and collaboration.
This updated plan promotes sustainable growth and
active community engagement for a vibrant, resilient
future for the City of Huntington Beach.
26.8 LAND AREA
STUDENTS IN 50
HIGH-PERFORMING PUBLIC
AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS
This updated strategy provides a structured roadmap for economic resilience and growth, focusing on strategic business initiatives, cultural enhancement, responsive governance, and robust collaboration. With outlined milestones, the strategy aims to create a thriving, diverse, and sustainable economy for all residents and businesses, ensuring steady progress and adaptability, and positioning Huntington Beach for a prosperous future.
FOCUS
AREAS
2 For Business Retention, Attraction, and Expansion, the strategy includes developing outreach materials, conducting regular business outreach, and hosting roundtables to support and grow the economic base. Business attraction and industry cluster strengthening will be phased, ensuring continuous engagement and regular evaluations.
BUSINESS RETENTION, ATTRACTION, & EXPANSION
The Tourism, Culture, and Community focus leverages Huntington Beach's iconic Surf City brand, emphasizing the City's unique culture and attractions, and creating memorable experiences for both residents and visitors. Plans include preparing for the LA 2028 Olympics and other prominent events to ensure that Huntington Beach shines in the global spotlight. These strategic actions will reinforce the City's reputation as a premier destination, enhancing its economic vitality and cultural vibrancy.
TOURISM, CULTURE, & COMMUNITY
Under Responsive and Effective Government, the strategy emphasizes the importance of maintaining and investing in infrastructure improvements that strengthen the economy. Critical infrastructure projects will be identified and recommended for funding. This approach ensures that the City’s infrastructure meets the modern needs of businesses and residents alike, enhancing overall quality of life.
RESPONSIVE & EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT
COMMUNICATION & COLLABORATION
The Communication and Collaboration component of the strategy highlights the need for active and consistent engagement with stakeholders in the business community. Regular meetings with key stakeholders will be established. Continuous reviews and adjustments will ensure that the City remains responsive to the needs and challenges of its business community.
4 Attracting businesses to Huntington Beach and keeping them here while helping them grow is crucial for the City's economic health. Supporting local businesses ensures job creation, increased tax revenue, and a diverse economy that benefits everyone.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN
4 BUSINESS
RETENTION,
ATTRACTION &
EXPANSION
Business Retention, Attraction, & Expansion
Provide resources and support to foster business growth.
Prevent businesses from closing or relocating outside the City.
RETAIN AND GROW LOCAL BUSINESSES
Help existing businesses find expansion opportunities.
Showcase Huntington Beach’s strengths and benefits to prospective businesses.
Entice new companies and investments to increase tax revenue and create opportunities for jobs and skilled professionals.
ATTRACT NEW BUSINESSES
Highlight what makes Huntington Beach unique.
Recognize and promote the local business community to residents and visitors.
MARKET BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Ensure steady employment and economic activity year-round.
Support businesses throughout all seasons.
PROMOTE A YEAR-ROUND ECONOMY
Expand resources to support informed policymaking.
Gather data to validate economic development priorities.
CONDUCT RESEARCH AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN
GOALS &
Business Retention, Attraction, & Expansion
5 Create a centralized database for business interactions.
Monitor economic conditions and trends.
Use feedback from outreach initiatives to make informed recommendations.
Update policies, programs, and informational materials as needed.
CONDUCT RESEARCH AND DEVELOP RECOMMENDATIONS
Increase visibility with expanded business recognition opportunities.
Showcase local business success stories via business spotlights.
Introduce digital marketing components to enhance brand awareness.
Compile list of vacant spaces and offer site selection assistance.
Conduct void analysis and identify expanding businesses and industries.
Create economic profile and distribute to businesses/brokers/owners.
Attend industry conferences and trade shows.
Develop outreach materials and compile a targeted list of businesses.
Conduct surveys and regular business visits.
Organize business roundtables and participate in business events.
MARKET BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
RETAIN AND GROW LOCAL BUSINESSES
ATTRACT NEW BUSINESSES
PROMOTE A YEAR-ROUND ECONOMY
Promote a Shop/Dine Local campaign and encourage engagement.
Highlight HB’s unique aspects (e.g., surfing culture).
Increase community awareness to generate foot traffic in the off season.
Huntington Beach's "Surf City" culture is beloved by both residents and visitors. Tourism plays a crucial role in supporting the local economy, funding essential City services through increased tax revenue. Social venues, special events, and cultural programs create unique experiences that everyone can enjoy year-round, fostering community pride, local engagement, and improving quality-of-life.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
7 GOALS &
Strengthen the City’s role as a prime destination for tourism, events, and film production.
Collaborate with Visit Huntington Beach (VHB) to explore new avenues to attract overnight lodging revenue.
EXPAND TOURISM, FILM, AND EVENT OPPORTUNITIES
Boost visibility, participation, and partnership opportunities.
Highlight and support local businesses in association with special events.
RAISE AWARENESS OF LOCAL BUSINESSES DURING SPECIAL EVENTS Ensure Huntington Beach is ready to welcome visitors and maximize the economic opportunities presented by the LA 2028 Olympics.
Support planning efforts for the upcoming Olympics.
PREPARE FOR THE LA 2028 SUMMER OLYMPICS
Attract and/or develop new cultural programs and events.
Enhance and enrich arts and cultural experiences for both residents and visitors.
ENHANCE ARTS AND CULTURE
Implement Tourism Enhancement Programs identified by
City Council and VHB.
Boost the vibrancy and sustainability of local social venues.
SUPPORT THE SOCIAL ECONOMY
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN
Tourism, Culture, & Community
8 Identify and aid community events (e.g., Surf City Nights, Magic on Main Street, Surf City Spooktacular, Independance Day Block Party).
Implement recommended action steps from the 2024 Sociable City Plan to improve social economy.
Facilitate annual Tourism Enhancement Programs to improve resident and visitor experiences (e.g., wayfinding, connectivity, placemaking amenities).
SUPPORT THE SOCIAL ECONOMY
Tourism, Culture, & Community
Establish local host committee.
Work with VHB and City departments to develop infrastructure plans and event readiness.
Work with local businesses to raise awareness and attract new customers.
Connect with event promoters to collaborate and/or partner.
Develop promotional materials and/or strategies to maximize impact.
Collaborate with VHB to attract more overnight guests.
Identify/expand opportunities for off-season events.
Cross-promote targeted marketing campaigns (tourism, film, events).
Increase presence at filming location conferences.
EXPAND TOURISM, FILM, AND EVENT OPPORTUNITIES
RAISE AWARENESS OF LOCAL BUSINESSES DURING SPECIAL EVENTS PREPARE FOR THE LA 2028 SUMMER OL YMPICS
ENHANCE ARTS AND CUL TURE
Support exploration of additional sports and concert venues.
Collaborate with local organizations to enhance existing assets (e.g., Art Center, International Surfing Museum, Central Library Theater).
Help secure funding and/or develop partnerships to launch initiatives.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
Modern businesses and residents require updated technology and infrastructure to thrive. By enhancing services such as high-speed Wi-Fi, fiber connections, and public facilities, Huntington Beach ensures it remains a desirable place to live and visit. Upgrades like remodeled beach restrooms and
improved municipal technology make daily interactions with the City more convenient and efficient.
10 GOALS &
Ensure infrastructure meets the needs of businesses and residents to support economic growth.
Invest in and maintain key infrastructure improvements, such as tech upgrades, facility renovations, and event accomodations.
ENHANCE INFRASTRUCTURE
Position the City to proactively adapt to evolving business needs and market trends.
Develop and implement policies that facilitate business growth.
PROMOTE BUSINESS-FRIENDLY POLICIES
Streamline the permit application process and facility reservations to improve user experiences.
Simplify City processes and provide high-quality services.
DELIVER EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE
Assistance from start to finish.
Open your business faster by collaborating
with Streamline Specialists.
Receive guidance & support for your project’s
preliminary needs.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN
Responsive & Effective Government
11 Responsive & Effective Government
Offer personalized assistance and services through
Streamline Specialists.
Provide City employees with the training, skills and tools to provide accurate information in a timely manner.
Improve the efficiency of permit applications and facility reservations to enhance user experiences.
Expand assistance through the Streamline Surf City program.
Identify and resolve internal systems that delay outputs.
Identify, prioritize, and implement critical infrastructure updates that align with the evolving needs of local industries.
Assist in securing necessary funding.
ENHANCE INFRASTRUCTURE
PROMOTE BUSINESS-FRIENDL Y POLICIES
DELIVER EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN
Engaging with local and regional stakeholders strengthens the connection between the City and the business community, enabling Huntington Beach to respond more effectively to their needs and challenges. By fostering open communication and collaboration, the City ensures mutual success and a thriving economic environment.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
13 Work closely with business organizations to enhance support and develop joint initiatives.
STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIPS
Build and maintain strong relationships to ensure that the needs of current and future businesses are being met.
Provide regular updates to stakeholders with resources and insights to keep businesses informed and competitive.
SHARE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
Utilize the City’s Economic Development webpages and social media platforms to disseminate valuable information.
Address concerns and feedback to improve City services and policies.
Actively and consistently connect with local partners (VHB, Downtown HB, Auto Association, Chamber).
ENGAGE WITH STAKEHOLDERS
GOALS &
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN
Communication & Collaboration
14 Communication & Collaboration
Regularly update the City’s Business webpage with resources and information.
Increase awareness of economic development initiatives
through digital platforms.
Coordinate with external partners to avoid duplication and share resources.
Confer regularly with business organizations, educational institutions, and technical assistance providers.
Develop joint initiatives that support local businesses.
Create a partnership network to facilitate ongoing collaboration.
Establish a regular meeting schedule with key staff and stakeholders.
Conduct surveys to gather feedback from the business community.
Attend meetings and events to address common concerns and share best practices.
ENGAGE WITH STAKEHOLDERS
STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIPS
SHARE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN
2025
ACTION PLAN
The following strategic actions are identified as
priorities for implementation within the first year.
Bolster Business Attraction, Retention & Expansion Efforts $
Cost Task When Who Metric
Organize 50 business outreach visits
annually and one business event.
Annually Number of HB businesses
visited and assisted.
ED, CMO,
Police,
Council
$ Engage with stakeholders and build
partnerships.
On-Going Number of meetings and events
attended, as well as
collaborative efforts made.
ED, CMO,
Chamber,
VHB, BID
$ Market available sites and develop an
economic profile encouraging
businesses to choose HB.
Q2
2025
Number of touches with brokers,
prospective businesses, and
property owners. New
businesses established.
ED
Enhance the HB Experience
$$ Support HB businesses and maintain
community character with launch of a
shop/dine local campaign.
Q1
2025
Execution of campaign launch
and reach/engagement metrics of
campaign.
ED, CMO,
Chamber,
BID, VHB
$$$ Lead projects that improve the experience
of both residents and visitors.
On-Going Number of projects completed,
and total investment made.
CDD, PW,
CLS, CMO,
VHB
$$$ Expand and attract new cultural/sports
events and opportunities.
On-Going Number of events/opportunities
sought and obtained.
CLS, CMO,
CDD, VHB
Cost Task When Who Metric
$ Expand visibility with business
recognition opportunities.
Q3
2025
Number of businesses recognized
and social media engagement.
ED, CMO
$$ Deliver exceptional permitting service
via the Streamline Surf City initiative.
On-Going Number of customers serviced,
and actions applied.
Streamline
Specialists
$ Elevate online presence with updated
informational content and resources.
Q4
2025
Number of
webpages/documents updated
and webpage analytics.
ED
Strengthen Communication Channels
Cost Task When Who Metric
BID
CLS
CD
CHAMBER
Downtown Business Improvement District
Community & Library Services Department
Community Development Department
HB Chamber of Commerce
CMO
ED
PW
VHB
City Manager’s Office
Economic Development Department
Public Works Department
Visit Huntington Beach
15 (714) 536-5582
[email protected]
huntingtonbeachca.gov
CITY OF
HUNTINGTON BEACH