Economic Development Pilot – Program Year 2022-2023

The Economic Development Pilot will fund projects that are not directly tied to the CERF Planning and Implementation phases but that illustrate the types of projects that may be funded during the Implementation phase of the program. As such, these projects must align with the values of the CERF program. The grant funds can be used for various activities related to advancing a high-road economy that meet community or industry needs within a region or across multiple regions. The CERF program includes the following core values for project development. Applicants should reflect on how their proposed project aligns with each of these core values. Equity: Projects must prioritize the needs and interests of disinvested communities across the region. Prioritizing equity requires identifying how the benefits and burdens of economic development, regional planning, and other relevant processes are distributed in and across communities. Equity includes “leveling the playing field” by identifying and remediating systemic barriers facing specific groups. It requires identifying present-day disparities and confronting the planning, development, and decision-making processes that keep existing barriers in place and perpetuate historical injustices.Sustainability: Projects must advance economic development that is self-sustaining and aims at a carbon-neutral, climate-resilient economy addressing the needs of the region’s communities. Job quality and access: Projects must prioritize jobs that provide a family-sustaining wage, health benefits, a pension, worker advancement opportunities, a safety net, and collective worker input. These jobs are stable, with predictable schedules, and safe working conditions. Quality jobs must be accessible to communities throughout the region, with a specific focus on equitable access for members of disinvested communities and other groups facing labor market barriers. Economic competitiveness: Projects must strengthen the region to compete effectively in the global economy and deliver prosperity to the region. This includes leveraging a region’s comparative advantage, diversifying its economy, and training its workforce to prepare for jobs in emerging industries. Economic resilience: Projects must focus on improving the region’s ability to avoid, withstand, and recover from economic shocks. This includes foreseeing, adapting to, and leveraging changing conditions to a region’s economic advantage. The process for a notice of intent includes an email sent to WSBCERF@edd.ca.gov by close of business Monday, January 23, 2023 indicating your interest to apply.