Orange County, CA—Governor Gavin Newsom rolled out California’s “Jobs First” economic strategy in Orange County today, marking the first regional stop of the initiative aimed at strengthening high-growth industries and creating sustainable, well-paying jobs across the state.
The announcement took place live at 9:30 a.m., where Newsom unveiled Orange County’s regional “Jobs First” plan and highlighted the county’s role in California’s broader innovation and manufacturing ecosystem—an economy valued at more than $300 billion. The plan, according to state officials, aims to leverage Orange County’s strengths in medical technology, healthcare, aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, technology, and clean energy.
“California’s global leadership in innovation and manufacturing continues to set us apart,” Newsom said. “Through programs like CalCompetes, we’re attracting companies and helping them grow successfully in our state, creating good-paying jobs and opportunities for Californians.”
The Orange County rollout follows a late-2025 announcement of nearly $100 million in statewide manufacturing tax credits, aimed at accelerating job creation and business expansion. Those incentives are expected to generate thousands of jobs across California, with a significant share concentrated in Southern California.
One of the most notable drivers of regional job growth is Anduril Industries’ $1 billion expansion, projected to create approximately 5,500 jobs in Southern California. The investment reinforces the region’s position as a hub for aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing—key sectors prioritized under the Jobs First framework.
Under the initiative, regional partners in Orange County—including local governments, workforce agencies, educational institutions, labor organizations, and private industry—are now applying for state funding to support sector-specific strategies. The Jobs First approach emphasizes regional collaboration and bottom-up economic planning, aligning state investment with local workforce needs and industry demand.
Southern California is already experiencing strong growth in in-demand fields such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and technology, with continued expansion expected as new investments come online. State leaders said the Orange County plan reflects how Jobs First is intended to function statewide: leveraging regional strengths while maintaining California’s competitive edge in global innovation and manufacturing.
By focusing on long-term workforce development and industry alignment, the administration aims to ensure economic growth translates into stable, high-paying jobs—positioning Orange County as a model for future regional rollouts of the Jobs First strategy.
Discover more from SW Newsmagazine
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
