OUR INITIATIVES
Tri-County Economic Development District (EDD)
As part of our mission to strengthen the Monterey Bay region’s economy, MBEP has worked with local, state, and federal partners to establish a tri-county Economic Development District (EDD) encompassing Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties. EDDs are multi-jurisdictional planning and economic development organizations that help regions align resources, coordinate strategies, and access federal funding to support local priorities.
This designation connects the tri-county area to a national network of over 400 districts, opening doors to grants, technical assistance, data tools, and other resources that can support projects in broadband expansion, housing, sustainable tourism, workforce development, and technology-driven growth. By formalizing regional collaboration, the EDD allows all communities—urban, suburban, and rural—to benefit from coordinated economic development efforts.
MBEP has long served as a convener and facilitator of regional initiatives, from driving broadband and housing projects to fostering inclusive economic recovery programs like California Jobs First and Regions Rise Together. The EDD builds on this foundation, creating a framework for municipalities, organizations, and businesses to work together more effectively, leverage funding, and implement strategies that support a resilient, sustainable, and thriving regional economy.
Through this federal designation, MBEP continues to advance its goal of ensuring the Monterey Bay region is equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the current economic climate, while fostering innovation, investment, and collaboration across the tri-county area.
California Jobs First
California Jobs First is a state-led initiative that invests in local communities to drive sustainable economic growth, innovation, and access to good-paying jobs. Under MBEP’s leadership, this initiative has helped launch key regional programs, including the California Advanced Air Mobility Corridors Initiative (CAAMCI) and Uplift Central Coast, which foster innovation, workforce development, and economic opportunity across the Tri-County region. By empowering communities to define their own economic priorities, MBEP works within the Jobs First framework to strengthen local economies, create high-quality jobs, and build long-term regional resilience.
California Advanced Air Mobility Corridors Initiative (CAAMCI)
CAAMCI, led by MBEP on behalf of the Monterey Bay Tech Hub, is developing California’s first FAA-compliant, multi-airport flight corridor network connecting Watsonville, Marina, Salinas, and Hollister airports. Supported through a $7.45 million California Jobs First grant, the initiative accelerates the region’s advanced air mobility ecosystem, including eVTOL aircraft and drones, while creating high-paying jobs and fostering innovation in aerospace, defense, and clean-energy technologies. By linking rural airports and integrating workforce training, CAAMCI positions the Central Coast as a statewide and national leader in advanced air mobility and aerospace innovation.
Uplift Central Coast
Uplift Central Coast is a six-county coalition co-led by MBEP, REACH, and the Economic Development Collaborative to build a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous economy. Operating under California Jobs First, Uplift develops community-driven economic strategies that reflect the needs, strengths, and values of the Central Coast. Through collaborative planning, sector-specific predevelopment grants, and engagement with local stakeholders, Uplift is advancing workforce development, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth across the region, ensuring that economic opportunities benefit all residents.
Regions Rise Together
Led by the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) with support from CA Forward and funded by the James Irvine Foundation, the Regions Rise Together initiative supports the creation of an inclusive economic development initiative that seeks to achieve inclusivity and prosperity for all residents in the tri-county region, to synchronize and leverage existing efforts, enable and empower communities through the co-creation of investment plans, and ultimately demonstrate that our region is investment ready and worthy.
Community Driven Initiatives
Regional Black Leadership Roundtable
Launched by MBEP in partnership with tri-county advocates, the Regional Black Leadership Roundtable (RBLR) is a place-based economic initiative and network of Black leaders, business owners, advocates, youth, and organizations across Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties. RBLR members are committed to advancing strategic efforts that drive economic growth and vitality for Black communities, focusing on priorities such as housing, health, education, childcare, leadership development, and expanding economic opportunities. The network’s vision is to be the premier leadership hub in the tri-county region, fostering systemic change, generational wealth, and community resilience through inclusive economic development.
Pajaro Disaster Long Term Recovery Alliance
When the Pajaro River levee broke in 2023, the community faced devastating losses. Homes, businesses, and livelihoods were upended—but from that hardship came extraordinary resilience. Neighbors united, forming the Pajaro Disaster Long Term Recovery Alliance (PDLTRA), a coalition dedicated to a recovery rooted in equity, community voice, and long-term strength.
MBEP supports PDLTRA as its fiscal sponsor, providing financial stewardship and organizational infrastructure so that resources reach the local leaders guiding Pajaro’s rebuilding. Our role reflects a core belief: economic resilience thrives when trust, collaboration, and community leadership come first.
Pajaro Valley Collaborative
The Pajaro Valley Collaborative (PVC) is a united network of organizations dedicated to improving health and wellness, economic mobility, and civic engagement across the Pajaro Valley. Born out of the South County Triage Group’s coordinated pandemic response, the PVC has evolved into a long-term collective impact initiative grounded in equity and social justice.
Bringing together nonprofit leaders, government agencies, and community partners, the Collaborative works beyond crisis response to create lasting systems change. Through shared leadership, resources, and an equity-centered framework, the PVC fosters interdependence, belonging, and collective action to build a thriving, resilient Pajaro Valley for all. MBEP supports the PVC through policy and program partnership.