Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has introduced a new economic framework designed to create jobs and stimulate regional economic development in California. The initiative, known as the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint, aims to guide state investments in ten key industry sectors to promote sustainable growth and innovation over the next decade.

Speaking in Fresno alongside community leaders and business owners, Newsom outlined the strategy as a "bottom-up approach" to bolster local economies by connecting families with well-paying jobs. "From agriculture to clean energy to manufacturing and everything in between, these blueprints will foster growth and expansion throughout every community of California," said Governor Newsom.

The Economic Blueprint categorizes industries into four groups: Strengthen, Accelerate, Bet, and Anchor. Each category targets different stages of industry development with specific strategies for investment and growth. Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to Governor Newsom and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development, described the plan as a foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth that ensures good-paying jobs for Californians.

Scheduled for release early next year, the full blueprint will be accompanied by $120 million over three years for job-creating projects aligned with state priority sectors. Stewart Knox, Secretary of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, emphasized the importance of workforce preparation in maintaining a healthy economy.

The initiative builds on past efforts like the Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF), which was renamed the Regional Investment Initiative under California Jobs First in 2023. This process involved creating planning bodies across 13 regions to develop community-led economic plans.

Local leaders have voiced support for the initiative. Melissa James from REACH highlighted its inclusive outreach approach, while Manpreet Kaur from Kern County Coalition noted its potential to unify communities around shared goals. Karen Warner from Beam Circular expressed optimism about making significant advancements in future industries through this plan.

The full details of the Economic Blueprint are expected early next year.