Information provided by Uplift Central Coast. Lea este articulo en español aquÃ.
Uplift Central Coast Coalition (Uplift) project has been awarded $14 million from the California Regional Investment Initiative of the California Jobs First program (formerly known as the Community Economic Resilience Fund or CERF). Launched in 2021 by Governor Newsom, this initiative supported the establishment of Uplift, a coalition convened by three economic development agencies: REACH, Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), and Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP). The $14 million in funding, known as the “Catalyst Program,” will bolster Uplift’s ongoing efforts to craft strategic roadmaps and recommend investments for the six-county Central Coast region.
Funding supports Uplift’s goals of building an equitable and sustainable economy on the Central Coast as well as fostering economic resilience over the long term. Uplift is one of 13 statewide Jobs First Collaboratives designated by the state with $182 million distributed among the regions to enhance the initial $5 million planning grants awarded in 2022. This $14 million grant will bridge the gap between planning regional economic strategies and implementing projects aimed at achieving aligned outcomes.
Tahra Goraya, President and CEO of MBEP, highlighted the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives into the vision for the economic future of the Central Coast: “We are excited to continue developing a shared vision that incorporates equity, environmental justice and public health, while centering our diverse workforce and communities.”
Through 2023, the Uplift project conducted extensive research, met with over 1,600 community members in small group sessions and larger gatherings, conducted a public opinion poll with over 1,200 Central Coast residents and partnered with Community Based Organizations across the region to advance understanding of the challenges faced by Central Coast residents. In Jan. 2024, Uplift released a comprehensive 200-page report based on this research, which informs their transition to strategy development. Their goal now is to identify impactful, equitable ways to improve the local economy and then submit a plan to the State by June 2024.
For further information on Uplift and its convening organizations, please visit the Uplift Central Coast website (UpliftCentralCoast.org). To learn more about the Regional Investment Initiative, read the recent announcement from the State of California.
About Uplift Central Coast Coalition: Uplift Central Coast is a six-county partnership convened by three economic development agencies — the Economic Development Collaborative, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, and REACH — with the shared goal of creating an equitable economic resilience plan through creative and sustainable community-led efforts for residents throughout Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.
About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP): Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.