Gov. Newsom Unveils Orange County's 'Jobs, Jobs, Jobs' Plan

The region's $1.6 billion investment aims to boost job growth and economic development.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Governor Gavin Newsom visited the Medtronic campus in Irvine, where Orange County business leaders presented their comprehensive plan to boost local industry and job creation. The plan, developed through extensive community engagement, outlines strategies to support the region's priority sectors like healthcare, med-tech, childcare, semiconductors, and tourism. The state has provided $14 million in funding to help the 13 regions across California develop and implement their economic development initiatives.

Why it matters

As California continues to recover from pandemic-related job losses, the state's 'California Jobs First' initiative aims to empower regional economies to drive targeted growth. Orange County, one of the world's largest economies, is taking a proactive approach to bolster key industries and create new employment opportunities for residents.

The details

The Orange County Business Council led the development of the region's economic plan, gathering input from over 5,000 community members and 70 organizations. The plan outlines 46 projects, including a wildfire-responsive job training program and a healthcare job placement program for neurodivergent individuals. Additionally, $1 million was set aside to support the county's priority industry sectors, which are critical to the local economy.

  • In 2021, Governor Newsom launched the 'California Jobs First' economic development planning process.
  • In 2022, each of the 13 regions in California was granted $5 million to create specific plans for their economic futures.
  • In 2024, an additional $9 million in 'catalyst' funding was awarded to each region to help turn ideas and strategies into implementable projects.
  • Last year, nearly $1.6 billion in investments went toward training over 142,000 workers and creating more than 61,000 new jobs across the regions.

The players

Governor Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who launched the 'California Jobs First' initiative and visited Orange County to unveil the region's economic development plan.

Orange County Business Council

The organization that led the development of Orange County's regional economic plan, gathering input from over 5,000 community members and 70 organizations.

Jeffrey Ball

The President and CEO of the Orange County Business Council, who presented the region's 700-page economic development framework to Governor Newsom.

Medtronic

The medical technology company whose Irvine campus hosted the event where Governor Newsom unveiled Orange County's 'jobs, jobs, jobs' plan.

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What they’re saying

“We contracted with 27 organizations, trusted messengers in our communities. With their engagement, we deployed surveys, social media, canvassing, community forums and more, working in 11 different languages to get input on what a stronger, more equitable and climate-forward economy should look like in Orange County.”

— Jeffrey Ball, President and CEO, Orange County Business Council (ocregister.com)

“We also built a steering committee of 70 organizations and individuals who have final input and say on the outcomes of this initiative — powerful effort — which yielded over 5,000 respondents.”

— Jeffrey Ball, President and CEO, Orange County Business Council (ocregister.com)

What’s next

The state's 'catalyst' funding will help turn the region's economic development strategies into tangible projects that can then compete for additional federal, state, and private funding opportunities.

The takeaway

Orange County's comprehensive, community-driven economic plan demonstrates the power of regional collaboration to drive targeted job growth and industry development. The state's investment in these regional initiatives aims to foster a more equitable and resilient economic future for California.