Local government economic development activities are designed to accomplish what may appear to be conflicting purposes: to regulate and facilitate private investment in business activities, which create new jobs or retain existing jobs. Efforts to encourage private investment are spurred by recognition that a diverse economic base provides employment opportunities for residents, expands the market for ancillary services, and enhances the community's ability to provide a variety of public facilities and services. In summary, economic development is a process to improve the well being of the community by creating a balanced, healthy economy.

Defining activities that local officials nationwide would view as part of local economic development is difficult at best. Economic development has no single definition; it means different things to different people. Similarly, there is no universally accepted or followed economic development project or program. What may be considered an economic development program or project in one community may not be in another. Additionally, projects and programs that work in Los Angeles or Orange County may not work in Loma Linda. The success of economic development program is, in large part, determined by the personality of the community, including its strengths and weaknesses.

Economic Development Strategy for the City of Loma Linda is outlined in the City's Strategic Action Plan. It is based on a comprehensive analysis of the City's economic strength and potential and economic conditions of the region. The Strategic Action Plan is designed to strengthen the local economy, increase the city's revenue base, provide job opportunities for residents and improve the physical environment.