What is Anaheim’s economic impact?
In 2018, the regional economic impact from our conventions was more than $1.5 billion. We had a record number of more than 24 million visitors. More than 1 million square feet of office investment occurred in the city last year, a 27% increase. Anaheim is a global business destination, with more than 20,000 businesses representing a range of industries, and more than 357,000 residents. We are also home to brand icons such as Disney, the Ducks and the Angels.
What would surprise executives to learn about your city?
Wincome Group, Prospera and O’Connell Hotels will build two four-diamond hotels bringing additional high-end visitors and conventions. Also, Henry Samueli’s Anaheim Arena Management, which operates Honda Center, has a contract through 2048, with an extension for another 25 years. As plans for Honda Center and Angel Stadium unfold, along with LT Platinum Center, we will have a mix of housing, parks, offices, hotels, sports and entertainment options that will make this Orange County’s downtown.
Besides tourism, what are two or three other industries most important to your city?
Anaheim has the largest number of manufacturers in OC. Anaheim Canyon is a leading industrial district at more than 2,600 acres. It is the city’s third-largest employment sector with construction as the fourth largest. With so much development in The Anaheim Resort and the Platinum Triangle, our building trades say our official city bird should be the crane!
How do you envision tourism in Anaheim in 10 or 20 years?
Anaheim will always be a city of doers, dreamers and innovators. The May opening of Disneyland Park’s new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—the first devoted to the Star Wars franchise—will be a draw for decades to come. We also expect a long-term tourism and economic impact from IPW, the U.S. Travel Association’s leading international inbound travel trade show coming to our Convention Center this year that will bring 500 journalists from more than 70 countries.
What is Anaheim’s greatest business advantage?
I want the business community to know Anaheim is a place that empowers the American Dream and that business is welcome here. I immigrated to America 44 years ago from India with little more than my hopes and dreams. Now as mayor, I’m proof the American Dream is alive and well. More importantly, a rising tide of economic growth and tax revenues will help to fund the investments our neighborhoods need and deserve. That is why I am committed to encouraging economic development.
If you’re meeting an executive for a meal, where would you take that person?
The Catch is a great choice for lunch or dinner and it’s by Angel Stadium and Honda Center—so you can take in a game as well. Another favorite is The Ranch, which features a seasonally driven menu with produce harvested from its very own farm.
Describe your favorite way to spend a day in Anaheim.
The best way to spend a day is to know I’ve helped to make a difference in people’s lives.
What makes you most proud of Anaheim?
When our council took office, the most pressing crisis was the homeless on our streets. As of early March, we now have 326 beds for emergency and transitional housing at two sites helping people out of homelessness. Anaheim was highlighted by Gov. Gavin Newsom in his State of the State address for its affordable housing efforts saying that “he wants to support cities that do what’s right, like Anaheim.” I want our city to be a model for working with those recovering from homelessness.
