Welcome to your December updates for Sierra Jobs First!
It has been a whirlwind of a year for Sierra Jobs First– This year was notably exciting in seeing the fruits of the prior 18 months of thoughtful strategic planning and collaboration start to pay dividends in the form of on-the-ground impacts from the 38 Catalyst projects that are moving the Sierra region closer to a community-led, climate-forward, and inclusively prosperous future.
As we pivot to focus time and energy on supporting the contracted Catalyst projects and further grow the collaboration happening within the industry working groups, December also marked the final meeting for the Sierra Jobs First Governing Council– a dedicated group of stakeholders who played a vital role in ensuring regional representation in decision making, strategic direction, and project funding.
Please join us in sharing our deepest gratitude to the Governing Council for volunteering their time, efforts, and attention to Sierra Jobs First over the past two years.
Read on for a recap of the past year and project updates.
We also extend deep gratitude to everyone in the Collaborative for your dedication to the Sierra Jobs First process so far. Together, we’ve achieved meaningful progress—but this work is far from complete. As we look ahead to 2026, your continued engagement will be essential to ensure these efforts deliver lasting impact well beyond the September sunsetting of state funding.
We look forward to building what comes next with you!
Thank you,
The Sierra Jobs First Team
Sierra Jobs First News and Updates
2025 Sierra Jobs First Impacts, 38 Catalyst Projects Contracted
The efforts of the Sierra Jobs First Collaborative in 2025 were wide-reaching, from the important work of governance and administration, through to industry sector collaboration and on-the-ground impacts by our Catalyst projects. Click here for a recap of 2025 efforts and achievements.
As we close out the year, we are also pleased to announce 38 projects have completed the contracting process and are starting work in the region. For an updated list of contracted projects, click here.
December Governing Council Meeting Recap
The Governing Council met December 12 via Zoom for its final quarterly meeting of 2025. This meeting also marked the final meeting for the governing body. As we move into 2026, the Council members will be more involved in the industry working groups (Sustainable Recreation & Tourism, Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems /Natural & Working Lands, and Community Healthcare) and planning for what comes next– We thank them for their continued contributions to Sierra Jobs First since there are nine more months of this effort!
Regional News
Save the Date: Investing in Rural California Infrastructure Event Series
The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC), and Self-Help Enterprises is pleased to announce a series of three convenings focused on investing in rural infrastructure throughout rural California. These events will bring together key stakeholders to discuss challenges, opportunities, and solutions for rural infrastructure development and maintenance.
Visit the RCRC website for more information and to register.
Bakersfield, California Wednesday, February 11, 2026. In-person event.
Modesto, California Wednesday, February 18, 2026. In-person event.
Virtual Tribal Convening Date to be announced. Focused on infrastructure needs and opportunities for Tribal communities.
These convenings will provide valuable opportunities to:
Network with key stakeholders in rural infrastructure development
Learn about funding opportunities and innovative financing solutions
Share best practices and lessons learned
Build partnerships to address shared challenges
Develop strategies for sustainable rural infrastructure investment
Rural community leaders, non-profit organizations, community-based and civic organizations, elected officials, and more are invited to participate.