January is a time to reflect on the previous year’s successes and set goals for the new year. 2017 was an exceptional year for the Santa Clarita Valley economy, and 2018 promises even more positive growth.

Here are seven reasons for optimism from the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation:

More Jobs – FivePoint’s long-awaited project, Newhall Ranch, was re-approved by LA County in 2017. This net-zero development will ultimately bring 74,000 permanent jobs to the region and 21,000 new residences.

Companies original to the SCV, like Pharmavite, Accurate Freight, Covercraft, and J.E.M. F/X expanded their operations, and Scorpion built a new, state-of-the-art headquarters which opened in late 2017.

More Opportunity – The business-friendly atmosphere of the SCV has attracted major companies like Nasmyth, a U.K. based aerospace company and local company Gamma Alloys attracted the investment of Boeing, thereby expanding our Aerospace & Defense Cluster. Logix Federal Credit Union continues construction on their Headquarters in the SCV, located just off the 126 freeway.

More Education – In the SCV, you can learn from the best. College of the Canyons’ Strong Workforce Apprenticeship Group is an award-winning apprenticeship program that collaborates with local companies for employee training. The Master’s University and California Institute of the Arts are more vibrant than ever, turning out highly-trained talent to many SCV companies.

More Startups – Google’s Startup Grind launched an SCV chapter in 2017. Each session features a world-renowned entrepreneur telling their story in an evening of education and networking. 1 Million Cups, Startup Weekend, Engage SCV and Steamwork Center all grew, providing invaluable resources to our local startup community. And the city of Santa Clarita’s Business Incubator welcomed new tenants.

More Infrastructure – Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital continues construction on a new patient tower and Kaiser Permanente is constructing state-of-the-art medical specialist offices on Tourney Rd. The City is creating a plan for greater broadband power – speedy and accessible, but competitively priced.

More Commercial Space – IAC Commerce Center completed Phase 1 in 2017 and forges ahead with Phase II in 2018. 2017 saw the completion of Gateway V Industrial Center and before the year’s end, Vista Canyon, a new mixed-use project, and Needham Ranch, an industrial development, broke ground on their projects. Southern California Innovation Park (formerly Mann Biomedical Park) underwent a transformation in 2017 and is set to attract even more top companies to its beautiful campus.

More Fun – We love living and working in the SCV. Now, let’s play! New 2017 dining and entertainment venues include Newhall Press Room, Pagter Brothers & Hoi Polloi Winery Tasting Room and Brewery Draconum.

Westfield Town Center welcomed Saddle Ranch Chop House and The Canyon Club – Santa Clarita. Laemmle Theatres in Old Town Newhall will break ground this year, and Nordstrom Rack, Hungry Bear Diner, The Dudes Brewing Company, EMC Seafood and more will also be coming in 2018.

So, by now you know – if you’re not already living, working and playing in the Santa Clarita Valley – you should be. #LiveWorkPlay SCV.

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation is a unique private/public partnership representing the united effort of regional industry and government leaders. The SCVEDC utilizes an integrated approach to attracting, retaining and expanding a diversity of businesses in the SCV, especially those in key industry clusters, by offering competitive business services and other resources.

— Alison Needham