FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 17, 2023

Marina will see hundreds of jobs, expanded investment in manufacturing 

Marina, CA – The Monterey Bay Joby Aviation Working Group is celebrating the $9.8M Cal Competes grant awarded to Joby Aviation to enable the manufacturing, maintenance and pilot training facility expansion at the Marina Municipal Airport in Central California. This transformative award will leverage an additional $41.3 million investment by Joby and hiring of 690 full time jobs throughout the state by 2027. Locally, hundreds of new job opportunities will be open to workers in our region building upon the DART-Joby Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship pilot program. 

“This grant to Joby for their planned manufacturing expansion in Marina affirms California’s commitment to build the future of advanced air mobility through a partnership with government, community, and industry, which I like to describe as the Marina Way,” said State Senator Anna M. Caballero, author of SB800 to create the regulatory framework for advanced air mobility. 

The State’s $9.8M investment leverages the dedication and persistence of the Working Group, who met regularly over the past year, in collaboration with State officials, elected representatives and community-based organizations to support Joby’s expansion in Marina. During the CalCompetes Committee hearing, Maria Elena Manzo, Project Director of Mujeres en Accion, stood alongside Joby CFO Matt Feld, in front of an aircraft under construction to represent the model of inclusive economic development that centers community and access to high-road jobs envisioned by Governor Newsom for a sustainable and equitable recovery from the pandemic while transitioning to a carbon-neutral economy. 

Bruce Delgado, Mayor of Marina, stated, “Marina is excited that, with this CalCompetes grant, Joby will be able to expand their production capabilities at our Marina Municipal Airport, creating hundreds of new, local jobs. The funding will also support Joby in expanding their research and development hub here in Marina and continue their success as a leader in the eVTOL industry.”

The planned expansion at the Marina Municipal Airport is “shovel ready” because of the constant collaboration among the Working Group to collectively problem solve and remove barriers as Joby pursued necessary approvals, power upgrades and planning requirements. Josh Metz, of Monterey Bay DART, who coordinated the Working Group highlighted, “This was truly a team effort. We are excited to see how the new facilities and workforce demand will increase aerospace career pathway opportunities for Salinas and Pajaro Valley residents and anchor the emerging climate-smart, aviation and robotics technology ecosystem on the Central Coast. This is a big win for our region that will inspire more opportunities ahead.”

The Monterey Bay Joby Aviation Working Group includes: the Monterey Bay Drone Automation and Robotics Technology (DART) Initiative, the Salinas Inclusive Economic Development Initiative (SIEDI), the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP), the City of Marina, Monterey County, CSU Monterey Bay, UC Santa Cruz, PG&E, Central Coast Clean Energy, the Office of Senator Anna Caballero, Senator John Laird, Senator Dawn Addis, and Congressman Panetta. 

State Senator John Laird, District 17: “Joby has been at the forefront of pioneering the evolution towards environmentally sustainable air transportation. They exemplify the California spirit through their unwavering diligence and tenacity. I am genuinely privileged to host not only their manufacturing facility in Marina, but also their headquarters in Santa Cruz within the bounds of my Senate District. The achievements enabled by this grant promise to positively catalyze our communities throughout the Monterey Bay region.” 

Sonia M. De La Rosa, County Administrative Officer, County of Monterey: “Joby Aviation’s groundbreaking strides in environmentally sustainable air transportation resonate deeply with Monterey County’s ethos. Hosting their manufacturing hub in the City of Marina, Monterey County is a true privilege. This grant signifies a pivotal turning point, igniting a wave of positive impact throughout the Monterey Bay region. It stands as a testament to our collective dedication, uniting diverse organizations, leaders, and communities in advancing our shared vision for inclusive economic growth and environmental sustainability. The County of Monterey stands firmly behind Joby’s expansion within our region, continuing our unwavering support as they pioneer sustainable aviation technology, fostering growth, and aligning with our commitment to a greener, more prosperous future.” 

President Vanya Quiñones, Cal State Monterey Bay: “Cal State Monterey Bay is excited by the opportunities this new grant brings for creating new career pathways for students within our university. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Joby Aviation and DART, especially as we launch our new College of Science mechatronics engineering program and continue the work of our College of Business Institute of Innovation and Economic Development.”

Larry Samuels, Strategic Advisor to the Chancellor, UC Santa Cruz: “Joby’s Marina expansion recognizes the unique workforce opportunities in the Greater Salinas MSA. We are enthusiastic about the potential of creating an Advanced Air Mobility Tech Hub in the region and Joby’s support and leadership towards that vision is to be commended.”

Tahra Goraya, President & CEO MBEP: “Joby’s visionary clean-energy aircraft technology is having a transformative influence on the way we think about transportation while creating sustainable, high-skilled jobs that are reinvigorating our regional economy. We’re thrilled to partner with Joby as it continues to expand.”

Barbara Meister, Salinas Inclusive Economic Development Initiative (SIEDI): “This is what inclusive economic development looks and feels like. The DART-Joby apprenticeship is proof that the Salinas Valley, despite its challenges, has motivated workers ready to contribute to an innovative company like Joby and share in the economic benefits of its success. SIEDI organizations are working on a robust workforce development strategy and persevering on the issues of housing, childcare, education and digital access, foundational to a thriving and equitable economy that serves all of us.” 

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About Monterey Bay DART Initiative

The Monterey Bay Drone, Automation, and Robotics Technology (DART) Initiative is a pioneering nonprofit organization committed to fostering innovation and creating high-road career pathways in the fields of drone, automation, and robotics technology. Through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and educational programs, we aim to empower underserved communities and drive inclusive economic growth in the Monterey Bay region.

About the 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.

About Cal State Monterey Bay

Cal State Monterey Bay is a mid-size residential campus that provides more than 7,500 students an extraordinary opportunity to learn in an inspiring coastal environment just one mile from the shores of the beautiful Monterey Bay. Our diverse student body receives personal attention in small classes while pursuing degrees in 25 undergraduate and 9 graduate majors.

About the Salinas Inclusive Economic Development Initiative (SIEDI)

SIEDI is composed of 9 community-based organizations, with deep roots and connections in the Salinas Valley community. With funding from the James Irvine Foundation in partnership with the Community Foundation for Monterey County, the initiative is building the capacity of these nonprofits to influence inclusive recovery and economic development, especially those related to the preservation and creation of quality, family-sustaining jobs.

About the University of California, Santa CruzA global research university, UC Santa Cruz is part of the world’s most celebrated system of public higher education and stands among the most renowned institutions of higher learning. Leading at the intersection of innovation and social justice, UC Santa Cruz faculty and students conduct transformative research and scholarship that serves society. Undergraduate students experience a small liberal arts college environment with the depth and rigor of a major research university through the pairing of high-impact research with 10 tight-knit residential colleges – a rare combination among U.S. public universities. UC Santa Cruz shares the distinction of being the youngest member of the Association of American Universities and one of only five members that is both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions.