SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the California Jobs First program spent $1.6 billion in 2025. The money boosted the economy in all 13 regions of the state.
According to state reports, these statewide initiatives created more than 61,000 jobs and trained over 142,000 workers throughout the year. The funding was part of a larger plan to create jobs and grow the economy based on the specific needs of local communities.
Governor Newsom signed two new laws to support these efforts. These laws aim to speed up construction of new homes and factories by simplifying environmental rules.
Industry and Technology Growth
Several industries saw significant growth through state-sponsored tax credits and partnerships last year.
The California Film & Television Tax Credit supported 155 projects. These projects are expected to create over 33,000 jobs for cast and crew while bringing nearly $5 billion to local businesses.
Additionally, the California Competes Tax Credit encouraged 21 companies to expand or move to California. This brought in $2.56 billion in private business funding and created 4,591 new jobs.
In November 2025, the state launched Quantum California, a partnership between the government, universities, and private companies. The program is designed to help develop quantum technology, which uses advanced physics to create more powerful computers and sensors.
State officials also pointed to the strength of California's medical technology (medtech) sector as a key driver of this growth. California is home to more than 13,600 medtech companies, which account for more than 30% of the nation’s medical device sales. In Orange County alone, these companies employ more than 21,000 people.
Local and Tribal Investments
Community-specific investments in 2025 included:
- Tribal Grants: In June, the state set aside $15 million for 14 Native American tribes in California to fund local business and environmental projects.
- Wildfire Relief: The LA Jobs First Collaborative received $3 million in February to help businesses and tourism in Altadena and Pacific Palisades recover after local wildfires.
Future Workforce Goals
The state’s Labor and Workforce Development Agency aims to enroll 500,000 people in on-the-job training programs, or apprenticeships, by 2029. This goal is part of the state’s Master Plan for Career Education, which is designed to make sure students learn the skills that local employers need most.
To continue this momentum, a second investment summit is scheduled for April 2026. The event aims to connect major regional projects with private investors and foundations to bring more money into California’s local economies.
