In its latest report the Business of Cities, JLL has selected San Diego as the most business-friendly market in the state of California. The report analyzes the decisions of real estate investors, developers and occupiers. San Diego has fostered policies that help to attract these stakeholders and drive economic growth.

"It's about fostering redevelopment to revitalize the city in a positive way through generating investor interest in development that makes economic sense and benefits the citizens with thoughtful community development," Bob Hunt, managing director of public institutions at JLL, tells GlobeSt.com.

Civic San Diego, a city-run non-profit, is at the center of these policies. The non-profit was launched after the state dissolved redevelopment agencies. "The group is tasked with fostering and facilitating redevelopment projects that contribute to the overall fabric of the City that are performed by the private sector," says Hunt. "Some of the organizations key functions include: Providing planning and permitting services for Downtown; conducting economic development and neighborhood investment activities—including seeking grants and new revenue sources for these activities—and managing and administering the City New Market tax credits."