The Future of Aviation is Now
The next decade is poised to revolutionize transportation, logistics, and emergency response through Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
These industries stand to create faster, cleaner, and safer solutions to challenges in mobility and delivery, from urban centers to rural communities. With the global UAS and AAM markets expected to reach respective sizes of $157 billion and $80 billion by 2034, communities that embrace this shift have an opportunity for inclusive jobs growth and regional investment.
However, this growth presents urgent challenges that must be addressed to ensure responsible development. The specialized skills required for aerospace jobs are in high demand and ask communities to rethink how they train their labor force. Communities must also tackle infrastructure needs while balancing concerns around safety, noise, and privacy.
With a complex technological and regulatory environment, California regions must work proactively to support inclusive and resilient growth in the UAS and AAM industries.
Our Mission: To support the advancement of UAS and AAM industries for quality job growth and community vitality
Established in the Monterey Bay tri-county region of Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties, DART is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of UAS and AAM for quality job growth and community vitality. We envision a future where all have an opportunity to benefit from UAS and AAM, both as a service and as a potential career path.
DART works towards this mission with three program focus areas:
Our History
DART began with a casual conversation.
Josh Metz, Economic Development Manager at the Fort Ord Reuse Authority, and entrepreneur Chris Bley founded DART in 2018. The two discovered their shared passion for drones, aviation, and robotics during a chance meeting in their neighborhood.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) called for proposals to establish drone initiative sites that year as part of their UAS Integration Pilot Program (UASIPP). Seizing the opportunity to support cutting-edge research and attract industry partnerships at former Fort Ord in Marina, Metz and Bley joined forces to draft a proposal.
Led by the Fort Ord Reuse Authority, the two collaborated with public and private sector partners including the City of Marina, University of California, California State University, Airspace Integration, and Joby Aviation. The proposal development process established a lasting network of regional partners dedicated to innovation and inclusive economic development within Monterey Bay. Interest in the project also confirmed an increasing market demand for UAS testing and innovation spaces.
With support from the community and a clear mission, DART was established as a public-private non-profit organization in 2019.
Why Monterey Bay?
Monterey Bay is an ideal location for the cultivation and growth of the emerging UAS and AAM industries, with leading companies in AAM and UAS, proximity to Silicon Valley’s innovation and capital, and wide open spaces suitable for the development and integration of novel aircraft within the national airspace.
Home to two public universities and a thriving network of community colleges, Monterey Bay is well-equipped to meet the growing demand for a skilled engineering and manufacturing workforce. Four general aviation airports in the region are working with industry and research institutions such as the NASA Ames research center to support critical infrastructure, test flights, and workforce development for AAM.
Impact
From our founding, DART has been a catalyst for innovation and equitable economic growth in emerging Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industries. By uniting industry leaders, government agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations, DART has driven progress in three key areas: workforce development, infrastructure expansion, and ecosystem building.
Since 2022, DART has collaborated with The James Irvine Foundation and Joby Aviation to create the Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program (AMAP), which led to the full-time employment of 20 apprentices at Joby and a 22% increase in median wages in 2023. AMAP has been covered in a case study by Talent Rewire and serves as a blueprint to make advanced manufacturing more accessible to underserved communities.
DART has been a leader in the long-term planning of the Monterey Bay Region to align developing aerospace tech with community priorities, researching regional workforce and infrastructure needs for AAM in several white papers. We are currently working with Skyway, a vertiport developer, on a planning exercise to bring critical AAM infrastructure to Monterey Bay and future expansion across the state.
To drive progress and consensus on the development of AAM and UAS, DART has organized 5 annual conferences in Monterey, most recently the 2025 LIFT Summit focused on AAM & UAS workforce, infrastructure, and policy themes. These gatherings have brought together key stakeholders from industry, government, academia, and the community to exchange insights, address challenges, and identify opportunities for growth. DART also works with government agencies and academic institutions to seek grants for AAM development, most recently partnering with the University of California to respond to the Federal Aviation Administration’s request for information regarding a Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies.
Building on its success, DART is spearheading new initiatives to address the critical shortage of skilled aviation professionals, particularly in aviation maintenance. Through recent funding from the California Jobs First UpLift Central Coast Catalyst Award and in collaboration with Joby Aviation, DART will launch two distinct Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) apprenticeship pathways: a two-year paid apprenticeship for individuals with no prior experience and a one-year accelerated program for AMT-certified individuals. This initiative will streamline AMT certification timelines and equip workers with the expertise needed to maintain next-generation all-electric powertrain systems, helping to alleviate critical aviation maintenance workforce shortages, while simultaneously clearing pathways for low-wage workers to high-wage, quality jobs.
Publications
Strategic planning and research are essential to preparing communities for the future of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). DART’s publications provide key insights, assessments, and policy recommendations that support workforce development and infrastructure planning, ensuring California regions are equipped to harness the opportunities of these emerging industries. Explore our reports to stay informed and help shape a sustainable, innovation-driven future.
SOAR AAM: A Strategic Outlook and Assessment for Regional Advanced Air Mobility in the Monterey Bay Region
Nov 12, 2024
This report evaluates the Monterey Bay Region’s preparedness for AAM infrastructure, operations, and regulatory considerations, providing a roadmap for strategic implementation.
Monterey Bay Emerging Technology Workforce Skills Demand Study
Oct 7, 2024
An in-depth analysis of current and projected workforce needs for the UAS and AAM industries, highlighting key skill gaps and training opportunities to support equitable job growth.
AMAP Case Study: Securing a Successful Future for Workers, Community, and Business
Aug 30, 2024
A case study detailing the outcomes of DART’s AMAP initiative, showcasing its impact on workforce development, employment rates, and wage growth.
Monterey Bay Region Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Training Center Feasibility Study
Dec 13, 2023
This feasibility study explores the potential for a regional training center in the Monterey Bay Region dedicated to equipping workers with the specialized skills needed for careers in aerospace, robotics, and advanced manufacturing.
Monterey Bay and Beyond
DART supports the development of a robust and accessible tech community in the Monterey Bay area and promotes excellence in all areas of our work. DART works tirelessly with partners in industry, education, policy, and advocacy to uplift underserved communities through quality jobs growth.
Our initiatives have not only strengthened the Monterey Bay region’s position as a hub for UAS and AAM innovation but have also laid the groundwork for sustainable and equitable growth across the state. As we look to the future, DART remains committed to empowering communities, advancing cutting-edge technologies, and ensuring that the benefits of this rapidly evolving industry are shared by all Californians.