Welcome to your November updates from Sierra Jobs First.
In this edition, we’ll share meeting notes from October’s first meeting of the Transition Advisory Committee, as we prepare for the September, 2026, sunsetting of the current funding and plan for evolution of the collaborative structure.
Please read on for information about a quick survey we’d like all Collaborative members to complete prior to the November 24 to help guide this transition planning process.
And, as we near completion on the final Catalyst project contracts and hope to make further announcements about the project roster prior to the December Governing Council meeting, we’re happy to share– and especially see local media start to share!– the valuable work of projects already underway.
As always– your collaboration and participation in the sector-specific working groups that have been aligned under our Industry Sector Coordinators is always appreciated and encouraged! There are some upcoming meetings you may want to add to your calendar listed below.
Read on for all the details, and thank you for your continued collaboration and commitment to this important effort.
—The Sierra Jobs First Team
Your Input Needed: Shaping the Future, Together
Please Complete a Short Survey about the Future of Sierra Jobs First by November 24
Since June 2023, the Sierra Jobs First Collaborative has been funded by California Jobs First and supported by Sierra Business Council as regional convener and fiscal agent. With state funding for Sierra Jobs First set to sunset in 2026, work is already underway to plan for what comes next. An overview of the transition planning process and timeline is available here.
Your input is appreciated– Please take a few minutes to complete this quick, mostly multiple-choice survey—just 12-14 questions total—by November 24.
It’s an easy and fast way for your vital voice to be heard as the transition planning team considers how to carry forward the collaborative work done over the past several years and maximize future benefits for all the communities of the Sierra region.
And, October 29th marked the inaugural meeting of the Transition Advisory Committee, a group of collaborative representatives (Industry Sector Leads, Regional Convenor Partners, and the Sierra Jobs First Tribal Coordinator) convened to provide guidance and feedback to the Core Team, comprised of Sierra Business Council Staff and the consulting team at Agnew::Beck Consulting . Meeting notes are available here.
Sierra Jobs First News
LEAF Conference Unites Farmers, Foresters, Tribal Leaders, and Community to Cultivate an Abundant Future for Natural and Working Lands in the Sierra
Mother Lode Job Training (MLJT), Sierra Jobs First Industry Sector Coordinators for Natural & Working Lands and Sustainable Ag & Food Systems, is excited to announce the Land, Energy, Agriculture and Forestry (LEAF) Conference, happening Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Chicken Ranch Casino Resort in Tuolumne County, with a virtual option available.
The LEAF Conference brings together farmers, foresters, educators, entrepreneurs, tribal leaders, and agency partners for a day of connection, collaboration, and forward thinking around the Sierra region’s natural and working lands. Expect inspiring speakers, hands-on breakout sessions, and opportunities to shape regional investment and workforce strategies.
This free event includes breakfast and lunch for all attendees. RSVP is required for both in-person and virtual participation.
Learn more details about this event here.
RSVP here.
Behavioral Health Working Group – November 14, 1-2 p.m.
Are you a behavioral health provider in the Sierra region wanting to collaborate to improve behavioral healthcare access? You’re invited to join the Behavioral Health Working Group, facilitated by Dr. Jen Burrows, Sierra Jobs First Industry Sector Coordinator for Community Healthcare, to strategize around bringing this needed service to all our region’s communities.
Date/Time: November 14 at 1:00 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting (Meeting ID: 899 2780 5204, Passcode: 968886)
For more information on this or other Community Healthcare working groups, email Jen Burrows.
Recreation & Tourism Working Group – November 17, 3:30-5 p.m.
This monthly working group will focus on integrating lessons learned from recreation and tourism focused Catalyst projects into a regional report highlighting recommendations for implementation and collaborative action following the sunset of funding for Sierra Jobs First.
Please RSVP here by November 7th.
If you are interested in participating in the Recreation & Tourism Working Group, or any of the other Rec & Tourism working groups scheduled through June, 2026, please email sjfadmin@mltpa.org for more information and sign up for the newsletter at Sierra Works.
Other News & Events
GO-Biz Continues Project Financing Webinar Series with Session on The New Market Tax Credit November 13
If you haven’t yet checked out the helpful webinars about additional project funding streams presented by GO-Biz, we highly suggest adding them to your resource list.
Up next in the funding webinar series is a session on the New Market Tax Credit, happening November 13 at 11:00 am – Link to Register.
And, a recording of the previous session on State Funding Resources has been released. You can view that here: State Financing Resources
Visit the GO-Biz YouTube Channel to access all past recordings and additional resources.
Sierra Nevada Conservancy Presents Free, Two-Day Workshop, Intro to Grant Administration, December 18 & 19
The Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) is offering a free, two-day online workshop to help organizations and agencies across the Sierra Nevada region strengthen their grant management capacity.
Designed for tribal, community, nonprofit, and local government representatives at the beginner or intermediate level, this interactive training will cover key principles of effective grant administration, including project planning, financial tracking, board roles, and reporting requirements. Participants are encouraged to bring a real grant example from their organization for discussion.
The next workshop will be held Thursday and Friday, December 18th and 19th from 9-12 on each day.
Instruction will be led by Emily Sutherland, SNC’s Capacity Building Projects and Grants Coordinator.
Space is limited — register by contacting Leonel Solorio at leonel-solorio@carcd.org
Inyo County Community Health Improvement Plan Town Hall Meeting November 19
Residents will learn how the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) can serve as a guide for improving health and well-being across Inyo County, and how everyone can play a part in putting the plan into action. The CHIP is more than a plan– it’s a call to action! Every resident, organization, and partner has a role to play in creating a healthier Inyo county– This open house is your opportunity to learn more.
Location: Eastern Sierra Business Resource Center (BRC) – 269 N. Main St., Bishop
Date/Time: Wednesday, November 19 – 6 – 7 p.m.
VIRTUAL OPTION AVAILABLE: Register at resilientph.com/events
Dinner and prizes provided. Email info@resilientph.com for more information.
Sierra Jobs First in the News: Eastern Sierra Farm Fresh
Catalyst project Eastern Sierra Farm Fresh was recently featured in two pieces of local news coverage for their efforts in gleaning what would otherwise be overstock produce and reintroduce it as sellable goods via their Farm to Table Marketplace or re-route it into donation streams.
Read all about it here:
October 2, 2025, The Sheet: Too Much of a Good Thing
November 1, 2025, Inyo Register: The Perfect Fall Salad
Regional News
NREN Offers Free Home Energy Efficiency Kit and In-Home Assessments for West-Slope PG&E Customers
PG&E customers in Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, El Dorado, Lassen, Mariposa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sierra, Sutter, Tuolumne, and Yuba counties can get a free Energy Efficiency Kit mailed to you from the Sierra-based energy efficiency program, Northern Rural Energy Network (NREN). Each free Energy Efficiency Kit may include LED bulbs, power strips, weatherization materials, and more to help you save energy and lower your utility bills.
If you’d like energy efficiency recommendations customized for your home, you can schedule your home assessment today and start your journey toward a more energy-efficient home. We can identify ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency, helping you save money and improve your home.
Click here to order your free kit, schedule a home assessment, or learn more about the program.