Focus Group: California Jobs First (Formerly CERF)
Summary of CA Jobs First (CERF)
The California Jobs First (CERF), sourced from the State General Fund, will distribute $600 million across to 13 regions across California. The program will:
Support the development of inclusive regional planning processes in order to produce regional strategies for economic development efforts that prioritize the creation of accessible, high-quality jobs in sustainable industries.
Invest in projects proposed by regional planning tables that align with regional strategies and meet criteria for equity, job quality, and sustainability, among others.
Align and leverage state investments (e.g., High Road Training Partnerships, community capacity building programs), federal investments (e.g., Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act), and philanthropic and private-sector investments in regions to maximize economic development efforts.
The Capial region includes the following eight counties: Colusa, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba Counties. Valley Vision is the Regional Convenor & Fiscal Agent for the Capital Region, meaning we are responsible for ensuring our region meets the goals and values outlined above. This includes the formation of our region’s governance structure and identifying other partners to help lead our region’s efforts.
You can learn more about CA Jobs First, here.
This Focus Group offers community members an opportunity to discuss employment/job creation needs, and any potential project ideas. We will utilize the feedback gathered to create a list of fundable projects through the California Jobs First (formerly CERF) fund. #WeProsperTogether
Several of the tentative questions to be discussed are as follows:
How would you describe a high-quality job and access to these types of jobs?
What aspects of workforce development need strengthening?
Economic Barriers/Threats:
Who are the most historically marginalized in your community?
What are the most significant economic challenges they face?
Barriers to advancing in job/economically?
Threats to their economic well-being?
Are there specific supports marginalized people need to find/keep jobs?
What key skills or training programs need to be developed?
How can California Jobs First (formerly CERF) best support and resource aspiring entrepreneurs in your community?
How can we use California Jobs First (formerly CERF) to better facilitate access to grants, subsidies, Mentorship programs, microloans, low interest loans and business training/technical assistance for local business development?
How might we help small businesses reach and hire community members and pay equitable fair wages.
Is there anyone else who needs to be at the table for this discussion? Any community-driven solutions we should be aware of, or community organizations or leaders that come to mind for this work?