CA Jobs First
Sierra San Joaquin Jobs “S2J2”
Formerly known as Valley Jobs First
Background:
In 2023, the Sierra San Joaquin Jobs (S2J2) coalition launched an intensive, community-driven process to identify regional goals and economic opportunities in alignment with the State of California’s ‘Jobs First’ objectives. Efforts to date include creating a governance structure to foster equitable participation across the four-county (Fresno, Madera, Tulare, Kings Counties) region; establishing four ‘Local Tables’ comprised of over 120 residents representing seven major stakeholder groups to identify and lift local interests; holding monthly meetings of Local Tables; completing local and regional SWOT analyses; holding two ‘regional congresses’ with all Local Table participants; commissioning twelve grassroots organizations to engage community members; working with research partners to complete and publish a data-rich Baseline Report of existing regional conditions; completing a report of promising economic frameworks and industries; and surveying local CBOs and civic organizations for projects that align with the California Jobs First objectives.
Downloads:
Governor’s Office Announces new RFP in the Clean Energy Sector
ANNOUCEMENT
The CA Jobs First Council, in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development and the Labor & Workforce Development Agency provided a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the California Regional Investment Initiative (RII).
Purpose: The RFP seeks proposals for implementing projects that support economic development and workforce initiatives under the California Jobs First framework. Up to $125 million in General State Funds are available through this RFP, with two review and award periods.
Objectives: To drive regional economic growth, support job creation, and enhance workforce development across California.
Eligibility: Organizations or entities capable of executing projects aligned with the state’s economic and workforce goals.
Funding & Implementation: The RFP outlines the available funding, project requirements, and the expected impact of selected initiatives.
- Key Deadlines: Specific submission deadlines, review periods, and implementation timelines are detailed within the document.
- Round 1
- Pre-Application Due: April 23, 2025
- Full Application Due: May 28, 2025
- Round 2
- Notice of Intent Due: March 20, 2026
- Pre-Application Due: April 17, 2026
- Full Application Due: May 22, 2025
- Round 1
All applications should be submitted via email to regionalinvestment@gobiz.ca.gov by 5:00 PM PST on or before the due dates listed above.
For assistance with the application process, please send an email to regionalinvestment@gobiz.ca.gov and copy our grant team at Rllgrants@gobiz.ca.gov, using the subject line: RII Implementation Phase Application Help.
- Shovel-Ready Projects in the Clean Energy Sector in the categories:
- Infrastructure
- Ecosystem Support
- Workforce Development
- Additional Anchors
TCEDC Our Role Information:
The role of the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) at the regional table includes:
- Representing Tulare/Kings Counties: Serving as a representative for Tulare and Kings Counties in discussions related to the Catalyst Request for Proposals (RFP) and other regional economic development initiatives.
- Reviewing and Approving Guidelines and Evaluation Criteria: Participating in the review and approval of guidelines and evaluation criteria for the Catalyst RFP, ensuring alignment with the region’s economic development goals.
- Approving Funding for Catalyst RFP Projects: Participating in the decision-making process to approve funding for projects selected through the Catalyst RFP, based on the established criteria.
- Participating in a Regional Workgroup: Engaging with a regional workgroup to collaborate on economic development strategies and initiatives that benefit both Tulare and Kings Counties.
- Supporting Drafting and Approving the Regional Plan: Providing support in the drafting and approval of the regional economic development plan, contributing insights and feedback to ensure the plan reflects the needs and priorities of Tulare and Kings Counties.
- Serving as a Feedback Loop to the Local Tables: Acting as a conduit for feedback from Tulare and Kings Counties to the local tables, ensuring that local perspectives are considered in regional decision-making processes.
- Participating in Learning Opportunities: Engaging in learning opportunities related to economic development, staying informed about best practices and innovative strategies to enhance economic growth in Tulare and Kings Counties.
Overall, the Tulare County EDC plays a crucial role in representing the interests of Tulare and Kings Counties at the regional table, contributing to the development and implementation of the California Jobs First strategy.
