🚀 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

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.