Timeline For Our Collaborative's Efforts

California Jobs First (formerly CERF) will be executed in two phases: the Planning Phase and the Implementation Phase. We are currently in the initial stage of our region's Planning Phase. The Redwood Region RISE Convener Team has finalized a Governance Structure that centers the voices of—and seeks input and participation from—marginalized communities. This Governance Structure will help guide the Redwood Region RISE's process. We are reaching out to and actively seeking participation from our diverse and resilient "priority communities" following our Outreach & Engagement Plan, and we are working to keep everybody engaged & in the loop through our Communications Strategy.

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Find Redwood Region RISE's extended timeline here

Phase One: Planning

California has designated 13 regions, each of which receives $5 million to establish a “Collaborative”. The Collaborative includes a diverse group of community partners from all sub-regions and will be responsible for developing a regional economic plan and identifying projects that will be supported in the Implementation Phase.

Catalyst Program

The Catalyst Program allocates up to $14 million (totaling $182M statewide) for each of the 13 Regions to bridge the gap between the Planning Phase and the Implementation Phase. These funds aim to help the Regions, specifically more rural Regions such as ours, to move projects through the development process. This could look like: conducting feasibility and environmental studies, identifying and controlling sites for development, and negotiating Community Benefit Agreements. The Catalyst Applications are due to the State on November 30, 2023.

Tribal Funding Opportunity

A $25 million competitive funding opportunity for California’s federally recognized tribes. There is also an opportunity for a tribal-serving organization to become the fund’s intermediary. 

Phase Two: Implementation

In phase two, the State will fund projects on a rolling, competitive basis (upwards of $500 million) for the projects that are supported by the Collaborative. Criteria such as demonstrated community support, alignment with climate goals, demonstration of labor standards, and high-quality jobs with clear employment pathways for underserved and incumbent workers will be evaluated. The projects aim to support economic resilience and transition for the regions while promoting economic diversification, sustainability, and equity.