OVERVIEW
The California Jobs First Initiative is a $600 million initiative revitalizing 13 California regions. Merging state, federal, and private investments, California Jobs First prioritizes sustainable development and high-quality job creation, ensuring lasting economic uplift.
OUR PART
In the California Jobs First framework, we, in Nevada County, emerge as pivotal contributors, steering impactful projects and crafting strategies with regional partners. Our unwavering dedication is to foster local prosperity and carve a pathway toward a bright, prosperous future.
The Blueprint
The Sequential Steps Elevating California's Historically Underserved Communities.
Phase 1
Planning Phase
Investment Overview: A strategic allocation of $5 million to each of the 13 regions, ensuring foundational economic planning and development. Key Objectives Inclusive Planning: Establish entities for equitable economic planning. R&D Leadership: Direct research and development to inform economic strategies. Regional Economic Plans: Craft and implement tailored plans per region. Capital Region Timeline: From March 2023 to March 2024, our Collaborative leads the journey, steering with expertise and community insight.
Phase 2
Catalyst Phase
Investment Overview: Up to $14 million per region from the Catalyst Fund, fueling pivotal projects. Key Objectives: Sustainability: Ensure robust, relevant regional planning entities. Project Pipeline: Develop projects aligning with California Jobs First objectives. Pre-Development Activities: Foundational Funding: $9 million for essential tasks like feasibility studies. Engagement & Participation: Explore: Dive into the Catalyst Fund Final Framework. Collaborate: Contribute to Subregional Committees.
Phase 3
Implementation Phase
Investment Overview: A robust $268 million is set to fuel projects, propelling them from conception to realization. Project Selection: Regional Spotlight Identify and compete with 3-5 projects per region at the state level. Capital Region’s Approach: Committee Recommendations Projects are pinpointed by our Subregional Committees. Leadership Approval: Final decisions are made by our Leadership Council.
Transparency is Key.
Transparency stands as a cornerstone in our journey through this project, ensuring every step taken is visible, accountable, and inclusive. We believe that clear, open communication and accessible information are vital in building trust and fostering collaborative environments where every voice is valued. Together, let's navigate through this initiative with clarity and collective purpose.
Progress & Ongoing Work
Milestones Achieved
Leadership Council Formation The foundation of our initiative was solidified with the formation of the Leadership Council. This pivotal step ensured that we have a dedicated team of leaders steering the direction of our efforts, embodying a diverse representation of our community's sectors and interests. Project Portal Launch A significant leap forward was made with the launch of the Project Portal, a dedicated platform for the submission of projects for potential funding. This portal is not just a tool but a gateway for innovative ideas and projects to find the support and recognition they need to come to fruition. $14M Catalyst Program Award We are thrilled to announce a monumental achievement in our journey. The Capital Region has been officially awarded $14 million for the Catalyst Program, thanks to the diligent efforts of Valley Vision, which submitted the application in November 2023. These funds are earmarked to invest in emerging projects that not only promise to create or enhance pathways to quality jobs but also align with our shared vision for regional prosperity.
Focus Areas
Research & Development: Ongoing activities to refine and inform our economic development strategy. Community Engagement: Regular sessions with residents, local businesses, and community leaders to gather feedback and insights. Capacity Building: Investing in staff development, tools, and resources to enhance project planning and implementation.
