California Jobs First (CERF)

Building a Foundation for a More Resilient, Equitable & Sustainable Regional Economy

About California Jobs First / CERF

Originally launched as the Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF) and later renamed California Jobs First, this statewide initiative invested in regional planning and economic development designed to create accessible, high-quality jobs, strengthen regional economies, and advance equity and sustainability.

California organized the effort across 13 economic regions, bringing together local governments, businesses, nonprofits, community organizations, workforce partners, and residents to identify regional priorities and develop strategies for long-term economic resilience.

The initiative focused on:

Inclusive regional planning grounded in community priorities and regional opportunities.
Investment in strategies and projects supporting quality jobs, equity, sustainability, and economic resilience.
Alignment of public, private, philanthropic, state, and federal resources to strengthen regional economic development.

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Multi-story residential building with stone and wood facade, balconies, and sparse trees in front on a clear day.

Tahoe’s Role in the Regional Effort

The Tahoe Basin participated as part of the larger Sacramento economic region, with Tahoe Prosperity Center serving as the Tahoe Subregional Leader.

TPC led local engagement to ensure Tahoe’s distinct economic opportunities, challenges, and community perspectives were represented in the broader regional planning process. This work also helped connect priorities identified through the Envision Tahoe Prosperity Playbook with the regional economic development strategy.

Tahoe priorities included:

Expanding access to living-wage, high-quality jobs
Supporting a more diverse and resilient economy
Advancing opportunities in areas such as environmental innovation, health and wellness, and entrepreneurship
Increasing economic and community investment that benefits people throughout the region

Explore the Envision Tahoe Prosperity Playbook

From Planning to Action

The original CERF planning process helped identify regional priorities, build partnerships, and create pathways for continued investment through what became California Jobs First.

‍TPC has continued to build on that foundation through California Jobs First-supported initiatives, including efforts to expand bilingual business and entrepreneurial support in the Tahoe region and strengthen connections between Tahoe communities and the broader regional economic development effort.

These investments have helped move priorities identified through regional planning into action while continuing to strengthen relationships, community engagement, and economic opportunity across the Tahoe Basin.

Explore Bilingual Business Support

Continuing the Work

The relationships, community input, and priorities developed through California Jobs First continue to inform TPC’s approach to regional economic development. Today, TPC continues to bring together businesses, public agencies, nonprofits, community organizations, and regional partners to better understand Tahoe’s changing economy, identify shared priorities, and turn insight into collective action.

Explore Regional Collaboration & Data

California Jobs First Partners