Sierra Jobs First CATALYST Projects
In March, 2025, the Governing Council finalized its vote approving 40 projects that best fit the pre-implementation, planning-phase criteria for Catalyst funding under California Jobs First, and with the most potential to align with the Regional Strategic Plan to grow climate-resilient, equitable jobs in Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Inyo, Mariposa, Mono, and Tuolumne Counties.
These projects were selected from 47 project applications that were received during the three-month RFP period and reviewed over 600+ people-hours, assessing each project’s alignment with the Regional Strategic Plan and state Catalyst criteria.
The contract period to expend the funds began April 1, 2025 and ends September 30, 2026, during which time the projects will receive practical and technical support from the Sierra Jobs First team and Industry Sector Coordinators to ensure they have the maximum positive impact on the Sierra region for generations to come.
We are honored to share their journeys with you here, and hope you’ll help spread the word!
Note: Projects are being added to this archive as contracting and information is finalized. For a PDF listing all projects contracted to date, click the button below.
PROJECT INFORMATION, NEWS & UPDATES
Project Support
Both Sierra Business Council and the Sierra Jobs First Industry Sector Coordinators are committed to building strong communities, protecting healthy ecosystems, and investing in a resilient economy that supports equitable opportunities for generations to come.
Industry Sector Coordinators
Industry Sector Coordinators are Sierra Jobs First’s boots-on-the-ground specialists, deeply knowledgeable about the industries and communities they serve. The following contacts help guide, connect, and support projects aligned with the Regional Strategic Plan as they form collaborative partnerships and seek additional funding for implementation.
Agriculture & Natural/Working Lands:
- Motherlode Job Training: Sophia Kaufman, skaufman@mljt.org
Community Healthcare:
- Dr. Jennifer Burrows, Ed.D, MSN, PHN, RN, jennifer.burrows@cerrocoso.edu
- Mother Lode Job Training: Sophia Kaufman, skaufman@mljt.org
Sustainable Rec & Tourism:
Information on available resources, opportunities to collaborate, and sign up for one-on-one support at SierraWorks.org.
- MLTPA Foundation: John Wentworth, johnwentworth@mltpa.org
- Sierra Focus Media: Mat Galvan, mathew@sierrafocusmedia.com
Tribal Coordinator:
- Travis Nabahe, travis.nabahe@gmail.com
Clean Energy:
- Email jobsfirst@sierrabusiness.org to be connected with your county’s local Regional Energy Network
Sierra Jobs First at Sierra Business Council
Sierra Business Council (SBC) is the fiscal agent and regional convener for the California Jobs First – Sierra region through September 2026. SBC serves as a critical link between the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) in Sacramento and the community members and organizations that make Sierra Jobs First.
Working collaboratively with industry coordinators to ensure maximum impact of California Jobs First funding in the Sierra region, SBC is the contracting agency behind all Catalyst project awards and ensures all projects are fiscally compliant with the terms of their grants.
See the Sierra Jobs First team and contact us at jobsfirst@sierrabusiness.org