Officials in Industry, Vernon, Commerce and Santa Fe Springs were applauding Gov. Gavin Newsom Wednesday for signing Senate Bill 1274, which establishes an official definition of an “industrial city” in state law and recognizes the distinct role these cities play in California’s economy.
“For the first time, California law recognizes that population alone does not reflect the economic impact or demands of industrial cities,” Industry City Manager Joshua Nelson said in a statement. “SB 1274 gives our cities a stronger voice in the policies that affect our businesses, workers and infrastructure, and we thank Governor Newsom for signing this important legislation and Senator Archuleta for his leadership in making it possible.”
Under SB 1274, an industrial city is defined as a city that meets three criteria: has a resident population of fewer than 25,000, has a majority of its jurisdiction zoned or used for industrial, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, energy production or other large-scale commercial uses, and supports a daytime workforce that exceeds its resident population.
“For a city with fewer than 250 residents, Vernon supports a daytime workforce of approximately 50,000 people,” Vernon City Manager Brian Saeki said. “SB 1274 recognizes that economic impact and the unique demands that come with serving a workforce many times larger than our residential population.”
The bill was authored by state Sen. Bob Archuleta, D-Norwalk. Industry, Vernon, Commerce and Santa Fe Springs advocated for the legislation as part of their broader effort to ensure California policies better recognize the economic contributions and distinct characteristics of industrial cities.
“Santa Fe Springs has long balanced the needs of our residents with the significant infrastructure and services required to support one of the region’s major employment and industrial centers,” Santa Fe Springs City Manager René Bobadilla said. “SB 1274 recognizes that responsibility and gives cities like ours a stronger foundation to advocate for our needs at the state level.”
Commerce City Manager Ernie Hernandez said the bill “is an important first step that gives industrial cities a foundation to advocate for laws and policies that better reflect our unique needs. We now have a stronger voice in future policy discussions, ensuring our economic contributions and infrastructure needs are part of the conversation.”