Governor Gavin Newsom announced $48.5 million in grants through the California Jobs First Regional Investment Initiative, supporting 18 innovative projects across the state. These investments are projected to create 20,000 jobs and advance regional economic priorities in California's key sectors. Since its launch in 2021, the initiative has invested a total of $434.5 million in communities statewide.
This latest funding round targets seven project clusters across 33 counties, focusing on aerospace & defense, advanced manufacturing, high-tech, shipbuilding, and quantum sectors. This follows an $80 million distribution in August 2025, which supported 11 projects in pilot sectors like aerospace & defense, agtech & farm equipment, bioeconomy, and life sciences, expected to generate over 23,000 jobs.
Regional leaders expressed strong support for the initiative's impact. Jason Schwenkler, Executive Director of the North State Planning and Development Collective at Chico State, said, "This funding will allow the Collective and our regional partners to deliver high-impact projects that support our region’s goals—creating good-paying jobs, improving resource management, and strengthening our communities." Tonya Dowse, Executive Director of Siskiyou Economic Development, highlighted the transformation of Yreka Carnegie into a rural hub for business innovation, stating it "demonstrates what is possible when state, local, philanthropic, and private-sector partners come together to create opportunity in rural communities."
In the Capital Region, Evan Schmidt, CEO of Valley Vision, noted the investment in the Capital Biomanufacturing Alliance (CAPBIO) will "commercialize technologies, attract companies, connect investors, and build the talent pipelines that turn breakthroughs into great careers." Jeffrey D. Armstrong, President of Cal Poly Maritime Academy, emphasized the investment in Mare Island's historic shipyard, saying, "California’s maritime industry is essential to our economy, our supply chains and our national security, and its future depends on developing the skilled workforce and new technologies needed to remain competitive."
Further south, Chris Vitelli, President of Merced College, underscored the Central Valley's importance, stating, "This unprecedented state support affirms what we know: the Central Valley is essential to California’s future." Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, President of Fresno State, welcomed the establishment of The Forge, an innovation and commercialization hub, to help entrepreneurs "start here, build here, manufacture here and create jobs here." Stephen Cheung, President and CEO of LA County Economic Development Corporation, said the nearly $24 million investment in the region's Life Science Sector "builds a future where the life sciences sector serves as a catalyst for inclusive, high-quality jobs for the people of Los Angeles County." These strategic investments are designed to strengthen regional economies, foster innovation, and create sustainable career pathways across California.