Business Incentives

Awarded by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) as the Most Business-Friendly City in 2010, the City of Cerritos continues to create a business-friendly environment for both existing businesses and business interested in locating and expanding their operations within the City.

Below are several of the benefits and incentives that the City offers to businesses.

Strategic Business Location

Cerritos is conveniently located along the SR-91, I-5 and I-605 with easy access for potential consumers, employees and deliveries. Located on the border of Los Angeles County and Orange County and equidistant from many larger cities, Cerritos has positioned itself as a regional shopping and cultural destination drawing potential customers from different Southern California regions.

Streamlined Development/Permit Process

The City offers hassle-free, fast-track permit processing for businesses that wish to expand its existing business, make tenant improvements to existing buildings, or obtain permits necessary for occupancy.

Average Time Frame for Permitting/Licensing

No/Low Property Tax and Fees

The following lists financial benefits of doing business in the City of Cerritos:

• The City of Cerritos is a "No/Low Property Tax" city. Cerritos businesses are not assessed any additional property taxes other than the property tax assessed by Los Angeles County
• There are no additional business taxes except for the Cerritos business license fee. Cerritos maintains one of the lowest business licensing fees in all of Los Angeles County
• Businesses do not pay City Utility User taxes, City User fees, City Impact fees, Street Lighting Assessment Fees or Library Assessment Fees
• Cerritos offers businesses one of the lowest water rates in both the County and the region
• The City of Cerritos offers local businesses a 5% discount on electric utility costs 

Access to Ultra-High Speed Internet

The City of Cerritos partners with reliable internet providers, including Frontier and Spectrum, to offer ultra-high speed internet service at rates of up to 100 Gbps. Local businesses have access to premium business-class internet service with guaranteed bandwidth to support business needs including bandwidth-heavy apps, remote workforce, and real-time access to critical applications. Through these internet providers, businesses can increase productivity and improve performance.

Access to Citywide Amenities

Cerritos also provides amenities to many facilities:

• All employees of Cerritos-based businesses have access to the award-winning Cerritos Library and are eligible for a free Cerritos Library card; the Cerritos Library offers several distinctive meeting rooms, such as the Board Room, Hi Tech Training Room, and Skyline Room and Terrace, suitable for corporate training, board meetings and banquets
• Twenty-six park and recreational facilities such as an indoor Olympic-size swimming pool and fitness center, baseball and soccer fields, running tracks, a nine-hole executive golf course and beautifully landscaped park facilities are available for Cerritos employees; employees of Cerritos businesses may also join the Cerritos Olympic Swim and Fitness Center and Liberty Park Fitness Center.

Business-Oriented Development Zones

The City of Cerritos has designated a specific business-oriented planning zone, the Cerritos Industrial Park, for industrial and manufacturing businesses strategically located along the SR-91, I-5 and I-605 freeways. The Cerritos Industrial Park is a master-planned industrial community zoned Development Area One (ADP 1), and that is well-maintained both aesthetically and infrastructurally to create a work environment conducive to business development and growth.

Business Development Programs

Cerritos Ombudsman Program

The Cerritos Ombudsman Program serves to establish a partnership between the City and the Cerritos business community in order to facilitate communication between the City and businesses concerning growth and expansion opportunities. To speak with the Cerritos Ombudsman, please contact the Department of Community Development at (562) 916-1201.

Business Retention & Expansion Program 

The Business Retention & Expansion Program (BRE) was established to provide assistance to at-risk businesses for the purpose of improving business operation conditions and economic climate.

Business Spotlight Program

Every month, the Cerritos Business Spotlight Program showcases a local business in an effort to promote Cerritos-based businesses. Nominated businesses receive a proclamation award during a City Council meeting and are highlighted on the Business Spotlight page. 

Site Selection Program

The Site Selection Program assists prospective businesses in identifying and locating potential business space in Cerritos. 

Cerritos Business Visitation Program

In an effort to maintain a proactive approach to meeting local business' needs, the City implemented a Business Visitation Program to allow for open communication between businesses and the City. This program allows businesses to voice concerns and set priorities for community economic development efforts.

Educated Work Force

Cerritos is home to top ranking high schools and is in close proximity to various higher education facilities including Cerritos Community College. These educational facilities produce some of the brightest and hardworking potential employees positioned to transition into the work force for businesses-seeking employees.