Solano EDC seeks $8.5M from state Jobs First program for shipbuilding and workforce projects

Solano Economic Development Corporation representatives told the County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 3 that they have submitted an $8.5 million application to the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) under the Jobs First Initiative to prepare the region for shipbuilding and maritime industry opportunities.

EDC staff described a three-pronged proposal: a lead project to serve as the organizing nonprofit and regional spine; a Maritime Innovation Campus to incubate maritime technologies and connect researchers, investors and national labs; and a workforce integration network to create cradle-to-career pathways with community colleges, Cal Poly Maritime and trade partners. The EDC named partners including Cal Poly Maritime, Bay Area Council, East Bay EDA, the Working Waterfront Coalition and California Forever.

Officials said the EDC would be the lead applicant and would spin out the organizing entity as a nonprofit if awarded funds. Cal Poly Maritime will lead two of the proposal’s pillars and emphasized connections to research institutions, workforce pipelines and industry partners. County supervisors asked about nonprofit governance, quarterly reporting, high-school and community-college outreach, transportation barriers for students, and whether local residents would be prioritized for jobs. EDC representatives said operator selection is to be determined, quarterly updates would be provided if funded, and portions of grant activity can target access barriers including transportation and childcare.

Supervisors expressed support for the application while noting the regional nature of the request and the need to "thread the needle" between regional partners and local benefits. No formal board action was taken at the meeting beyond receiving the presentation; the EDC offered to return with more detailed outreach and implementation plans if the state award is made.