California continues to lead the United States in shaping a forward-looking economy, with strong advancements in high-tech sectors such as quantum computing, fusion energy, robotics, biotechnology, nuclear technology, and aerospace—fields essential to both economic growth and national resilience. To sustain this momentum, Governor Newsom recently enacted legislation that channels funding toward global innovation initiatives at university campuses, reinforcing the state’s position at the forefront of emerging technologies. The state remains committed to fostering inclusive opportunity, empowering individuals to develop and test new ideas.
In February, the governor unveiled the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint, a comprehensive strategy designed to reshape the state’s economic trajectory. This plan, now being executed by nine state agencies under the California Jobs First Council, emphasizes regional development, modern workforce training, support for business investment, and strengthening the innovation ecosystem—all aimed at expanding access to well-compensated employment across communities.
The creative sector is also receiving significant support. The state has expanded its Film and Television Tax Credit program from $330 million to $750 million, marking a major boost for the entertainment industry. This week, 52 new film productions were awarded tax credits, expected to bring $1.4 billion into California’s economy and create numerous jobs, particularly for behind-the-scenes crew members.
While federal policies shift toward cutting key public programs, California is intensifying its commitment to human capital and innovation through targeted investments in local communities.
Education and skill development are central to this vision. The state is making transformative investments in early and K-12 education, including the introduction of a new grade level, expanded before- and after-school programs, summer learning opportunities, and universal access to two free, locally sourced meals per student. Additionally, behavioral health services in schools are being strengthened. To align education with labor market needs, California has allocated $30 million to train workers for high-demand roles in healthcare, education, and tech, along with a $25 million commitment to grow employment in skilled trades.
With a gross domestic product of $4.2 trillion—the largest of any U.S. state—California’s economy stands as a global leader, powered by diversity, ingenuity, and broad access to opportunity.
— news from California State Portal | CA.gov
— News Original —
Governor Newsom outlines California’s economic dominance at the California Economic Summit
An economy for the future n nCalifornia is setting the pace for the nation, and helping to propel the state and the country into the future. California leads in quantum, fusion, robotics, biotech, nuclear, space, industries critical to our long-term economic and national security. Recently, Governor Newsom signed legislation to invest in global innovation on university campuses to help maintain California’s ongoing dominance in emerging technologies that are fueling our future. California believes in giving everyone the opportunity to succeed and the chance to test out their ideas. n nCalifornia Jobs First: A bold plan, realized locally n nIn February, Governor Newsom released the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint – a new economic vision for California’s future. The Blueprint, which is being implemented by the nine state agencies on the California Jobs First Council, outlines key initiatives to support regional growth, invest in 21st-century job training, create an attractive environment for job creators and strengthen California’s innovation economy – all to help increase access to good-paying jobs for Californians. n nSupporting the creative economy n nThe Governor is helping to drive California’s creative economy forward, with a historic expansion of the state’s Film and Television Tax Credit from $330 million to $750 million and creating more opportunities for below-the-line workers to thrive. This week, the Governor announced tax credit awards for 52 new job-creating films shooting in California which will generate $1.4 billion for the state’s economy. n nAt a time when the federal government is focused on dismantling essential services, here in California, we’re doubling down on our talent and innovation by investing in our communities and their success. n nEducation and training n nCalifornia students are also set up for success with major investments in TK-12 that benefits all learners: creating a whole new grade; providing before-, after-, and summer school; offering all students two free, locally-sourced nutritious school meals; and increasing access to behavioral health supports. California is creating new pathways to success with an investment of $30 million into high-demand jobs in healthcare, education, and technology, along with a $25 million investment focused on creating more jobs in skill trades. n nCalifornia’s economic leadership n nWith a nation-leading GDP of $4.2 trillion, California’s economy remains a global powerhouse driven by diversity, creativity and opportunity: