About our Region
California Jobs First: Sierra Region
The Sierra Region
The seven-county California Jobs First Sierra region encompasses the eastern counties of Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Inyo, Mariposa, Mono, and Tuolumne and was defined as one of the 13 California Jobs First Regions by the three state agencies who run this process (OPR, EDD, and Go-Biz).
Our region is a predominantly rural and sparsely populated area of California with an abundance of natural resources that serve the greater populace of the state. Today, just under 200,000 people live in the California Jobs First Sierra region, in both smaller towns and unincorporated county areas. Nearly 75% of the land in this region is publicly owned.
In connection with the land...
The Sierra region is complex, vibrant, and beautiful.
In the Sierra, the land is one of our most important assets. It is what draws people here, both to visit and to live, and provides a foundation for our communities and our economy. Our region is characterized by strong, independent communities that come together in times of great need and also to celebrate life in the Sierra. It is a place where residents and visitors have the opportunity to improve their lives, renew their spirits, and prosper in health as well as wealth. It is the place many of us seek – a place to call home.
Geographically, the Sierra Nevada mountain range cuts the region in half, with mountain highway passes closed five to eight months of the year due to snow. The Eastern Sierra California Jobs First region spans 19,253 square miles, with just under 10 people per square mile. The people of this region are as tenacious as the land, choosing resilience in the face of adversity and collaboration over chaos.
Despite the challenges faced by our region, its communities are strong, with vibrant downtowns and local economies built around the incredible natural features of the region, including the National Parks, forests, deserts, and watersheds. There are immense opportunities and enthusiasm for empowering this region’s economies, workforce, and people through California Jobs First.
Join Us In Creating A More Resilient Sierra.
To learn more about this program, contact:
jobsfirst@sierrabusiness.org
530.582.4800
