Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Continues to Support the Rapidly Evolving Electric and Hydrogen-Fueled Aircraft Ecosystem in the Monterey Bay Region
(Dec. 30, 2025 — Marina, CA) — The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is seeking public comment on the newly released Draft Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Infrastructure Readiness and Three-Year Implementation Work Plan, through Friday, Jan.16, 2026. Accessible on the Caltrans Aeronautics Division webpage, the Draft Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Infrastructure Readiness and Three-Year Implementation Work Plan details California’s preparedness for the expanding AAM industry and outlines additional steps to enhance AAM operations.
The evolution of electric and hydrogen-fueled aircraft industries holds huge significance for the Monterey Bay region, already home to one of the highest concentrations of AAM activity in the world. Ensuring that the tri-county region is prepared for exponential growth in those industries has the potential to transform our regional economy and uplift communities through the creation of skilled, high-wage jobs that don’t require advanced degrees.
The draft report is the result of 2023 legislation by state Sen. Anna Caballero (D-Merced) and championed across the region by Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP), regional stakeholders, and community-based organizations in the Regions Rise Together and SIEDI projects. . Sen. Caballero’s Senate Bill 800, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in October 2023, called for the creation of an Advanced Air Mobility and Aviation Electrification Panel, and the assessment of current federal and state law and any potential changes needed to facilitate the development of Advanced Air Mobility operations and infrastructure in California.
In mid-December, the federal Department of Transportation also released The Advanced Air Mobility National Strategy and the accompanying action plan, which outlines recommendations supporting the safety, security, and coordination of AAM.
“The Central Coast is at the forefront of advanced air mobility and aerospace innovation, and significant investments, including $7.5 million from California Jobs First to develop the state’s first FAA-compliant multi-airport flight corridor network, will accelerate advanced air mobility growth, jobs, and innovation across our region,” said MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “The release of the draft report as required by SB 800 is a milestone in charting the path forward for local governments and for the essential infrastructure this rapidly evolving sector will require. MBEP continues to work with national and state experts and our cross-sector partners to ensure that our region is prepared to meet the moment.” About
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP): Monterey Bay Economic Partnership(MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.