California Jobs First

The state is awarding CalCompetes Tax Credits to 17 companies to support business expansion across several @CAJobsFirst sectors. These investments are expected to generate $1B in new private investment and create nearly 4,500 new jobs. Learn more here: gov.ca.gov/2026/05/06/gov…

During National Apprenticeship Week, Secretary Knox joined the @LosAngelesHTA to celebrate their latest graduating class! The success of programs like HTA demonstrates California's dedication to building a skilled and diverse workforce. See more at labor.ca.gov/2026/05/01/lwd…

Read more about the sector in the LA Times: latimes.com/b2b/health-lif…

Investment in Southern California’s life sciences sector is surging, fueling innovation, accelerating breakthroughs and bringing together researchers, engineers and scientists to shape the next era of discovery. The sector remains a key driver for economic strength and growth.

🚀 California came together for the California Jobs First (@CAJobsFirst) Investment Summit—and the momentum is still building. 💙With the theme From Blueprint to Breakthrough, the summit marked a powerful shift from planning to action. Across two days, we heard from California Jobs First Council members, saw 31 regional project pitches, and connected with partners working to create good-paying, meaningful jobs across the state. 💡 One message was clear: no matter what changes—funding, leadership, or circumstances—California’s foundation remains strong: • A world-class talent pool • A culture of innovation and entrepreneurship • A commitment to centering people in economic opportunity 🌐 Key takeaways across the three pillars: 🫱🏼‍🫲🏾 Networks – We have strong partnerships—now it’s time to make them lasting, connected, and action-driven. 💰 Funding – Continued investment in resilience and equity is critical, with a need for better alignment and accessibility. 📜 Policy – Bold policies are in motion, and the focus now is implementation at speed and scale. 🔥 As one reflection captured it: The “best future that is still possible” is within reach—but only if we break down silos, center people, and move with urgency. 🫶🏽Thank you to all the partners, regions, and leaders driving this work forward. The summit may be over, but the work continues. #CaliforniaJobsFirst #EconomicOpportunity #ClimateAction #EquityInAction #FromBlueprintToBreakthrough

Day 2 of the California Jobs First Investment Summit kept momentum going—highlighting California’s global partnerships, export strength and emerging sector opportunities. We closed by celebrating regional partners driving this work forward.

Day 1 of the California Jobs First Investment Summit kicked off. With the theme From Blueprint to Breakthrough, we move from planning to action—hearing from Council Co-Chairs, 31 regional pitches and partners working to create good-paying jobs. Momentum continues tomorrow!

California is welcoming aerospace startup Hermeus as it relocates its headquarters to the Los Angeles County Region to tap the state’s deep talent pool as it builds the future of autonomous hypersonic aircraft. Learn more about what’s driving the move: latimes.com/business/story…

Through the California Jobs First Council, we are expanding access to good-paying jobs and advancing a sustainable future for all Californians.   ➡️jobsfirst.ca.gov

At the Jobs First event at California Maritime Academy this week, Director Assefa joined local leaders to talk about how regional investment can unlock real opportunity — from pre-development planning to implementation. When we coordinate infrastructure, housing, workforce development, and climate strategy, we create jobs that last. That’s what Jobs First is about: putting communities in the driver’s seat.

CA Labor Secretary Stewart Knox at the @CAJobsFirst Council meeting at @CalPoly Maritime Academy. Great discussions were had around the Bay Area regional economy & partnership with Cal Poly, highlighting the value of collaboration and empowering our local economies and students.

Major milestone for fusion! Inertia raises $450M to speed commercialization of inertial fusion energy, building on the historic ignition at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and boosting CA’s clean energy future. Learn more: techcrunch.com/2026/02/11/twi…

The visit underscored California Jobs First’s commitment to strengthening shipbuilding as a strategic sector in the Jobs First Economic Blueprint, while hearing directly from the region about priorities, challenges and long-term vision.

The Jobs First Council visited the Bay Area Region, meeting with business & civic leaders to learn about economic development opportunities. Council members toured Cal Poly Maritime Academy, preparing students for careers in engineering, transportation, global logistics and more.

The 'Jobs First' program will allow Orange County to continue to invest in high growth industries and preparing our work force for jobs that are high paying, high quality, and real career paths.

These jobs plans are bottom up, region-specific — identifying the industries in each sector that will most drive economic growth and create jobs in communities in every corner of the state

California’s economy is huge — but prosperity isn’t shared equally. Jobs First changes that: 13 regional plans, tailored to each region’s strengths, backed by real investment to CREATE JOBS!

“Governor, you always envisioned a bottoms up economic plan and I can tell you with confidence that is exactly what we delivered to you here in Orange County.”

Workers are gaining new skills. Families are gaining from economic stability. California’s vast apprenticeship programs are making career pathways easier to navigate for all who pursue their California Dreams!

LIVE NOW: Join me as I highlight new job-creating economic development projects in Southern and Central California. twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1…