By William Lopez
Tourism Still Anchors Anaheim’s Economy
Anaheim continues to benefit from its strong visitor economy. The Anaheim Resort District brings in over 25 million visitors annually and drives significant local economic activity. A large share of the city’s general fund revenue comes from this relatively small geographic area—nearly 60% of it—with Disneyland Resort being the largest single employer. Businesses tied to entertainment, hotels, food services, and conventions rely heavily on this steady flow of visitors. The resort district also supports a sizeable number of jobs.
Emerging Growth: Retail and Commercial Projects
New development is spreading beyond the resort areas into retail, eateries, and neighborhood services. One example is the 39 Commons retail complex, under construction at Beach Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue in West Anaheim. When completed, it will include popular chains like In-N-Out Burger, Dutch Bros, and Dave’s Hot Chicken, plus three other small businesses and services. These developments aim to transform formerly vacant parcels into hubs of activity for residents. Near 39 Commons, plans also call for affordable housing for seniors and young adults, signaling mixed use growth.
Industry & Job Trend Highlights
Antonio County economic reports show low unemployment levels—around 3.5-4.2%—which are competitive with national averages. Job growth, however, is uneven. Health services and private education have added many positions, while sectors like logistics and certain white-collar services face shrinking employment profiles. Anaheim is also seeing strengthening sentiment in sectors tied to defense, advanced manufacturing, and tourism. Companies in professional and scientific services remain present, but they aren’t growing as rapidly as some might expect.
Strengths, Challenges & What This Means for Local Businesses
Anaheim has clear advantages: a large, educated local workforce; strong tourism draw; and ongoing investment in infrastructure and development. However, challenges persist. The city’s dependence on tourism leaves it exposed to market shifts. Rising housing and business costs, regulatory permitting, and infrastructure needs—especially around transit and broadband—are top of mind for business owners. Affordability and access to capital also come up frequently in conversations with local small businesses.
Opportunities for Local Entrepreneurs & Policymakers
- Leverage location: Entrepreneurs can benefit from proximity to high-traffic tourist zones by aligning their services—hospitality, retail, food & beverage—for both visitors and locals.
- Fill local demand: Mixed-use projects and retail centers like 39 Commons show demand for neighborhood services—groceries, daily dining, personal care—which may be unmet in some areas.
- Access incentives & workforce training: Engaging city economic development programs and workforce centers can help small businesses tap into grants, job training, and infrastructure support.
- Diversify across sectors: With shifts in employment, businesses exploring roles in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, or niche tech may find more stable growth.
Anaheim is in a moment of economic transition—leaning on its legacy as a tourism powerhouse while growing new nodes of business and opportunity. Success over the coming years will depend on balancing those forces: competitiveness, affordability, and innovative support for businesses of all sizes.