Joint Special Council/BFPD
01/6/26 06:30 PM
City Manager Department
Kenneth D Chapa
Other
Doc ID: 6250
AGENDA ITEM
AGENDA MATTER:
APPROVAL OF A LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR BARSTOW COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S
PARTICIPATION IN THE INLAND EMPIRE HIGH TECH COLLABORATIVE UNDER THE CALIFORNIA
JOBS FIRST REGIONAL INVESTMENT INITIATIVE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Barstow Community College (BCC) is seeking funding through the California Jobs First Regional Investment Initiative (RII) as part of the Inland Empire High Tech Collaborative project cluster. A key component of this effort is the proposed High Tech Workforce Accelerator, which is designed to expand industry-aligned workforce training in advanced manufacturing, automation, unmanned systems, electromechanical technologies, and other emerging high-tech sectors.
Approval of the proposed Letter of Support affirms the City of Barstow’s commitment to regional workforce development, economic diversification, and equitable access to high-quality career pathways for residents of the North High Desert.
DISCUSSION:
The California Jobs First Regional Investment Initiative is a statewide economic development program focused on advancing inclusive, high-road economic growth through regional collaboration. The Inland Empire High Tech Collaborative brings together educational institutions, public agencies, and industry partners to strengthen workforce pipelines and position the region as a competitive hub for advanced and emerging industries.
Barstow Community College plays a critical role in extending high-skill technical education into the North High Desert, an area that has historically faced geographic barriers to participation in the Inland Empire’s growing high-tech economy.
The City of Barstow is currently experiencing significant investment momentum, including infrastructure, logistics, and clean-energy related development. While these investments present important economic opportunities, long-term regional resilience depends on cultivating a skilled, adaptable workforce capable of supporting multiple industry clusters.
The proposed High Tech Workforce Accelerator directly aligns with the City’s economic development priorities by:
Expanding industry-aligned technical training capacity Providing residents with transferable, in-demand skills Joint Special Council/BFPD
01/6/26 06:30 PM
City Manager Department
Kenneth D Chapa
Other
Doc ID: 6250
AGENDA ITEM
Advancing geographic equity by extending high-skill training into the North High Desert Supporting employer attraction, retention, and expansion efforts In addition to workforce development benefits, the Accelerator is expected to serve as a catalyst for entrepreneurship, supplier development, and adaptive reuse of industrial facilities. A reliable pipeline of skilled workers strengthens Barstow’s value proposition as a community prepared to support innovation, defense-related industries, clean-tech supply chains, and long-term job creation.
If funding is awarded, the City of Barstow commits to continued collaboration with Barstow Community College and regional partners through alignment with City economic development strategies, participation in regional planning efforts, facilitation of employer connections, and support for outreach efforts that connect residents to training and career opportunities.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Letter of Support for Barstow Community College - Inland Empire High Tech Collaborative / California Jobs First Regional Investment Initiative
FISCAL IMPACT:
Approval of the Letter of Support carries no direct fiscal impact to the City’s General Fund or any other City funds.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve and authorize the Mayor and City Manager to sign a Letter of Support on behalf of the City of Barstow in support of Barstow Community College’s participation in the Inland Empire High Tech Collaborative project cluster under the California Jobs First Regional Investment Initiative.