Gov. Newsom says 'California Jobs First' initiative has created 61,000 jobs with $1.6B investment
IRVINE, Calif. (KABC) -- Gov. Gavin Newsom visited Orange County on Tuesday to promote “California Jobs First,” a statewide initiative he said has invested nearly $1.6 billion to help create more than 61,000 new jobs.
The governor appeared alongside business leaders in Irvine, acknowledging that the event came amid fresh signs of statewide economic strain. A newly released jobs report from the Legislative Analyst’s Office shows California lost 1,700 jobs in December, with overall employment lower than a year earlier — the state’s first year‑over‑year decline since the pandemic. Recent layoffs at major companies, including Amazon, have also affected thousands of Californians.
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Newsom said those challenges were part of the reason for his visit.
“It’s why we’re here. That’s exactly why we’re here,” Newsom said. “That’s what these strategies and plans are about. And it’s exactly what I was highlighting as it relates to our larger industries and some of those job cuts that we’ve seen, not just in the state of California, but across the United States.”
The governor emphasized the regional approach of the program, which tailors job‑creation strategies to industries prominent in each area of the state.
“It’s one thing to ask for a plan. It’s another to actually fund it. And here was the strategy, $5 million for each region to begin the process," Newsom explained.
In Orange County, that focus includes science, manufacturing, travel and tourism, and technology. Tuesday’s announcement took place at Medtronic, one of the county’s largest medtech employers.
“Nine million dollars of catalyst funding provided to this region was able to support 46 projects," said Jeff Ball, the president and CEO of the Orange County Business Council. "These projects span from a wildfire response and recovery job training program, to a drone technician training hub, to an AI-enabled innovation hub.”
Newsom also noted a loss of manufacturing jobs, pointing the finger at the Trump administration.
During his visit, Newsom touted tax credits awarded last year, including to film and TV projects, and to companies committed to expanding or relocating in California.
The governor said the broader goal of the initiative is to expand access to high‑paying jobs in regions across California.
Newsom’s message to everyday Californians struggling with affordability? As this program continues, it’s meant to be inclusive.
"When I say growth and inclusion, we mean business about that," he said.
With his time in office winding down, he added that the program will remain a priority as he completes his term.
