The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation named Santa Clarita the most business-friendly city in the county among cities with populations of more than 50,000 at its 13th annual Eddy Awards on Monday.

Santa Clarita is a state of California Enterprise Zone and does not assess businesses for a utility user tax, which allows them to save up to five percent more on their electric, telephone, water and gas bills.

Santa Clarita features a highly educated workforce, land for development, site-selection assistance, and expedited plan reviews and permit processing.

The city was a finalist for the honor in 2006 and 2007 according to the EDC, and CNN/Money Magazine called it one of the best places to live in California.