Newsom unveils $245M plan to boost jobs – Inland SoCal a hub for clean energy and high-tech growth

Last Updated on February 26, 2025 by The HD Post Staff

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY – Governor Gavin Newsom released, February 26, the new California Jobs First Economic Blueprint, a plan to boost the economy, create jobs, and support innovation across the state.

The plan includes $125 million for new projects, $15 million for tribal economic development, $13 million to help small businesses in Los Angeles, and $92 million for apprenticeships and job programs.

“From agriculture to clean energy to film to every industry in between, our Golden State owes its success to the people, communities, and industries that make it work,” said Newsom in a statement.

Inland SoCal region identified clean energy and high tech for industry growth

The blueprint was built with input from 13 regional plans that reflect the unique strengths and needs of each area.

Region 11 – Inland SoCal, encompasses the Inland Valley, Western and Southwestern Riverside County, the Desert Mountain Region and the High Desert including Victorville, Apple Valley and Hesperia.

Over the next two years, the state will try focused strategies to boost key industries in California including Inland SoCal.

Industries identified for growth in the region are:

Clean Energy
Opportunities in battery and ZEV manufacturing near Lithium Valley.

High Tech
Cybersecurity hub with training programs and apprenticeships at Cal State San Bernardino.

Working Lands and Water
Emerging center for water quality innovation to reduce industrial waste.

Manufacturing
Nearly 100,000 jobs in the region, with many offering quality or promising opportunities.

Financial and Professional Services
Pathways to leadership roles and support for startups and small businesses.

Construction
Demand for skilled trades to support energy and climate-related projects.

Funding for economic and workforce development

Along with the Jobs First Economic Blueprint, Newsom announced investments in the state’s efforts to grow the economy and create job opportunities, including:

$125 million for new “ready-to-go” projects that align with the state’s key sectors.
$15 million for economic planning and development projects for Native American tribes.
$52 million for new apprenticeships in sectors like finance, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare.
$16 million for youth apprenticeships (ages 16-24) to provide real-world job training.
$24.1 million for training in healthcare, focusing on needs like behavioral health and nursing, including disaster preparedness for home-health workers.

For more information about the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint visit https://jobsfirst.ca.gov/