SOLANO EDC RECEIVES CALIFORNIA JOBS FIRST GRANT TO STRENGTHEN BAY AREA MARITIME AND ADVANCED MANUFACTURING ECONOMY
FAIRFIELD, Calif. — The Solano Economic Development Corporation (Solano EDC) has been awarded $2.42 million through the California Jobs First Initiative to strengthen the Bay Area’s maritime and advanced manufacturing economy, create pathways to good-paying jobs, and position the region to compete for new investment and industry opportunities.
The award supports the Bay Area Maritime Ecosystem Backbone Organization, a regional initiative led by Solano EDC in partnership with Cal Poly Maritime Academy and other public, private, education, and economic development partners across Solano, Contra Costa, and Alameda counties. The initiative aims to strengthen coordination across the region’s maritime industrial base while building the necessary workforce, infrastructure, innovation capacity, and partnerships for long-term economic growth.
This grant is part of a broader $8.236 million California Jobs First award announced by Governor Gavin Newsom at Mare Island in Vallejo to support the Bay Area Region’s shipbuilding network. Overall, the state announced $48.5 million in funding across 18 projects in eight economic regions, which is expected to support the creation of 20,000 direct and indirect jobs.
“This investment is a significant opportunity for Solano County and the broader Bay Area,” said Chris Rico, President and CEO of Solano EDC. “We have an opportunity to build an ecosystem that brings industry, education, workforce development, and government together around one shared goal: creating and attracting good-paying jobs while making our region more competitive for maritime and advanced manufacturing opportunities.”
Building a Regional Maritime Ecosystem
The Solano EDC-led effort serves as one component of a larger three-project initiative developed in collaboration with Cal Poly Maritime Academy:
- Bay Area Maritime Ecosystem Backbone Organization: Led by Solano EDC to provide regional coordination and strengthen connections among industry, government, workforce, and education partners.
- Maritime Innovation Campus: Led by Cal Poly Maritime Academy to support maritime-related innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization.
- Workforce Integration Network: Led by Cal Poly Maritime Academy to develop coordinated education and workforce pathways from career and technical education through higher education and maritime careers.
Regional partners in the effort include Cal Poly Maritime Academy, The Working Waterfront Coalition, the Bay Area Council, the East Bay Economic Development Alliance, WETA, California Forever, and other key stakeholders.
“California Jobs First gives us the opportunity to think beyond individual projects and build the regional infrastructure necessary to support an entire industry ecosystem,” Rico added. “In doing so, we are building on the work of Congressman Garamendi, who has been working across the aisle for more than a decade to bring shipbuilding back to America and co-authored the SHIPS Act. By working together, we can be ready when new maritime, shipbuilding, and advanced manufacturing opportunities come to the Bay Area.” The Solano EDC presented this initiative directly to the Solano County Shipbuilding Ad Hoc Committee, where the committee expressed support for the effort, actively participated in the discussion, and provided feedback on how these investments can translate into meaningful economic and workforce opportunities for Solano County residents.
Positioned for Growth
For Solano County, the initiative leverages its strategic location, industrial assets, transportation infrastructure, and maritime heritage to expand access to quality career opportunities. The work will also complement ongoing efforts to position the region for shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing opportunities.
Additional details regarding the implementation of the project will be announced as the initiative moves forward.
About Solano EDC
The Solano Economic Development Corporation is the countywide economic development organization focused on promoting investment, business growth, job creation, and economic opportunity throughout Solano County. Solano EDC works with public and private partners to strengthen the county’s economy and position Solano County for long-term, sustainable growth.