While the anti EZ academicians spew about the inefficacy of the program, they ignore the plain reality that businesses do rely on the EZ program to expand their businesses.  Empirical evidence alone will never provide the full picture.  This is particularly so here where the empirical data is being questioned.  Couple that with the mounds of strong anecdotal evidence that has come to light recently clearly shows that the EZ program provide a significant benefit to California businesses.  When these businesses grow, or decide not to move out of state, California’s employee win as does the government with increased revenue and better job projections.  An article in this weekend’s Santa Clarita Valley Signal is illustrative.

The enterprise-zone tax credits have played a key role in the business’ growth over the past two years, [DME Direct ]owner Andrew Everett said.
“We started this business from our house,” Everett said. “The purchase of our warehouse was directly related to the fact that it was in the enterprise zone.”
Because of the credits, “we can employ more people and grow our business,” Everett said, adding that the tax savings translated to five new employees over the past two years.

 The full article can be read here.