STRATEGIC DIRECTION
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
GOAL 1 – INDUSTRY DIVERSIFICATION & GROWTH
GOAL 1.1
Organize and coordinate regional economic development by promoting effective land use planning, engaging elected officials and local leaders, sustaining small business, entrepreneurial, and workforce support by leveraging public/private partnerships and investment to unify our economic development narrative and implement best practices.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Advanced Manufacturing: Establish sites (see 1.2) program that identifies key opportunities for advanced manufacturing as well as biotech, technology and aerospace.
Advanced Manufacturing: Expand supply chain analysis to identify large suppliers that are outside of the region for expansion closer to customers.
Advanced Manufacturing: Support ongoing funding for SoCal OASIS Park (see 1.5).
Agribusiness: Identify innovations used in agriculture and introduce them to industry, particularly as early adopters.
Agribusiness: Create model land-use and zoning policies that promote agribusiness innovation such as agrivoltaics, microgrids and water conveyance.
Tourism: Implement digital kiosks or mobile apps that increase visitor experiences and promote in-county tourism opportunities.
Clean Energy: Launch community based microgrid projects in commercial and industrial districts where scale is applicable.
Advanced Manufacturing: Identify aerospace companies in the SoCal market that are in expansion mode and assist with expansion to Riverside County.
Creative Media: Support the development of coworking spaces, sound stages and studio-style lots with an initial focus on indie creators and digital media start-ups.
Research & Development/Manufacturing: Advocate for the creation of sector-focused business parks or industrial areas that are developed with amenities for use by target industries (labs for biotech, studios for media).
Lithium and Batteries: Promote manufacturing and supply chain opportunities as part of a related focus on climate resilience planning (see 2.1).
PRIORITY
High
Med
Med
Med
Med
Med
High
High
Med
High
High
YEAR
1
1
2
2
2
3+
1
1
3+
2
1
COST
$
$$
$$$
$
$
$$$
$
$
$
$
$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 1.2
Establish sector-specific business attraction & retention programs with tailored incentives.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Incentives: Expand existing Foreign Trade Zone designations to focus on Advanced Manufacturing attraction.
Sites: Identify state and federal owned surplus property that can be transferred to local control for innovative development.
Sites: Identify and market shovel-ready sites based on target industry opportunity.
Resources: Designate a RivCoED staff member to serve as industry sector ambassador.
Incentives: Bundle state and federal grants, tax credits and incentives with local incentives.
Business Retention/Expansion: Continue deployment of County’s existing business retention and expansion program resources and integrate with new activities and resources as outlined in EDSP.
PRIORITY
High
Low
High
Low
Med
Med
YEAR
1
3+
1
1
1
2
COST
$$
$
$$$
$
$
$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 1.3
Launch targeted marketing campaigns to position Riverside County as a hub for emerging industries.
a.
b.
c.
d.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Marketing: Create videos and collateral material (digital) to highlight attributes for emerging industries.
Marketing: Create editorials and advertorials for trade publications within targeted industries.
Marketing: Create a Team California type approach where Riverside County brings groups together for trade shows and events.
FDI: Host international trade forum/roundtable highlighting the FDI investment in the county.
PRIORITY
Med
Med
Med
High
YEAR
2
2
2
1
COST
$$
$$
$$
$$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 1.4
Develop industry consortiums to foster collaboration between businesses, research institutions, and workforce partners.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Advanced Manufacturing Alliance: Establish Advanced Manufacturing Alliance that would focus work on technology adoption and innovation, supply chain resilience and business recruitment support.
Clean Energy & Sustainability Collaborative: Establish collaborative that would focus on coordination of microgrid and other development across jurisdictions and serve as advocate for increased transmission and distribution in the county. Marketing: Create a Team California type approach where Riverside County brings groups together for trade shows and events.
Health & Life Sciences Partnership: Group would facilitate partnerships between higher education and existing industry to create shared lab space, incubators, accelerators and other activities that increase commercialization of biotech and other life sciences.
Logistics & Supply Chain Innovation Network: To accelerate innovation, resilience, and sustainability in logistics and supply chain operations across Riverside County by fostering collaboration among industry leaders, technology providers, academic institutions, and public agencies.
Creative Economy and Digital Media Hub: Would cultivate a vibrant ecosystem for creative professionals and digital media innovators in Riverside County by fostering collaboration, entrepreneurship, and access to cutting-edge tools, spaces, and talent—positioning the region as a dynamic center for storytelling, design, and digital production.
PRIORITY
High
High
High
High
High
YEAR
1
1
1
1
1
COST
$
$
$
$
$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 1.5
Secure funding for innovation-focused infrastructure, such as clean energy, biotech or other specialized campuses.
a.
b.
c.
d.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Investment: Leverage federal and state grant programs such as USEDA, DOE, NIST, CEC to fund innovation/research centers
Innovation: Expand biotechnology and life sciences infrastructure (lab space, wet labs, scaled manufacturing) to support additional commercialization.
Partnerships: Collaborate with anchor companies, utilities and developers to co-invest in development of building space suitable for innovation firms.
Partnerships: Strengthen Higher Education-Industry collaboration by expanding translational research programs with a tech focus and encouragement of joint ventures.
PRIORITY
Med
Med
Med
High
YEAR
2
3
2
1
COST
$
$$$
$
$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 2 – CLEAN ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY
GOAL 2.1
Align economic growth with climate resilience planning.
a.
b.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Partnerships: Partner with lithium extraction and geothermal companies to encourage supply chain businesses and end users of minerals to locate in Riverside County.
Partnerships: Foster innovation and public private partnership by supporting R&D in climate technologies, resilience analytics and development of sustainable materials and other adaptive technologies.
PRIORITY
Med
Med
YEAR
2
3
COST
$
$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 2.2
Expand public-private partnerships to accelerate clean energy investments and grid modernization.
a.
b.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Energy: Advocate for the implementation of Community Choice Aggregators in Riverside County to provide locally controlled electricity at competitive prices.
Energy: Advocate for the establishment of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) that help to reduce costs to commercial users.
PRIORITY
High
High
YEAR
1
2
COST
$$
$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 2.3
Secure federal and state grants for environmental remediation projects, including Salton Sea revitalization.
a.
b.
c.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Revitalization: Consider the creation of a Salton Sea Infrastructure Investment Fund that can pursue state and federal grants and secure private or philanthropic contributions to invest in projects that enhance economic development.
Partnerships: Continue to advocate for the Salton Sea revitalization efforts and leadership in investments to revitalize area.
Investment: Apply for EPA funding for brownfield sites that can be reutilized for commercial or industrial development.
PRIORITY
Med
High
Low
YEAR
2
1
3
COST
$$
$
$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 3 – WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & TALENT ATTRACTION
GOAL 3.1
Increase industry-driven apprenticeship and internships and training programs to upskill residents in priority sectors.
a.
b.
c.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Encourage the continued deployment and expansion of workforce development programs and offerings with emphasis on advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and industrial technology.
Training: Facilitate the creation of Rapid Skills Bootcamp(s) that would be designed as intensive, hands-on training program(s) designed to quickly upskill residents for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and industrial technology in just 6 to 10 weeks.
Innovation: Establish Logistics Tech Training Hub(s) that will equip residents with the skills and certifications in the rapidly evolving logistics and warehousing sectors, especially in areas like robotics, automation, and AI-driven operations.
PRIORITY
High
Med
Med
YEAR
1
2
2
COST
$
$$
$$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 3.2
Strengthen collaboration between educational institutions and employers to align curricula and job training with job market needs.
a.
b.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Workforce Development: Utilize consortiums established to serve as technical resources to ensure continued alignment between education, workforce development and industry.
Workforce Development: Communicate and refer opportunities outlined in the Workforce Development Integration portion of the EDSP to the appropriate education and workforce development organizations.
PRIORITY
Med
Med
YEAR
2
2
COST
$
$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 3.3
Develop programs to attract and retain skilled professionals, including student loan assistance and relocation incentives.
a.
b.
c.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Incentives: Develop model programs for employers that create Employer Student Loan Repayment Assistance programs, tuition reimbursement, or student loan buydown opportunities for key industry sectors and in demand workers.
Incentives: Develop and launch the "Riverside County Plus One" program, a workforce and talent retention strategy designed to support the partners of newly relocated professionals, especially in sectors like healthcare, education, tech, and government, by helping them find meaningful employment and community connections.
Incentives: Continue to expand on needs assessments for increasing childcare options for workers, with an emphasis on facilities closer to job centers.
PRIORITY
Med
High
Med
YEAR
2
1
2
COST
$
$
$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 3.4
Increase accessibility of career pathways by expanding digital education, technical certification, and skill-building initiatives.
a.
b.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Marketing: Establish a countywide Career Pathways Report Card & Summit to annually assess and showcase progress in expanding access to career pathways through digital learning, certifications, and workforce training—while fostering collaboration among education, industry, and community partners.
Marketing: Implement "Train Local, Hire Local" marketing campaign that would increase employer awareness and participation in local job training and certification programs by demonstrating value, building trust, and offering easy access to talent pipelines.
PRIORITY
Med
Low
YEAR
2
3
COST
$
$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 4 – INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS
GOAL 4.1
Advance major transportation projects that reduce congestion and improve connectivity.
a.
b.
c.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Transportation: Continued investment (via RCTC) and completion of currently planned projects: I-15 express lanes, 91 eastbound corridor improvement project, mid-county parkway phase 3 and the SR-60 Potrero Interchange mid-term projects (RCTC Priorities).
Transportation: Continue to seek state and federal funding for other long term Regional Transportation project priorities.
Rail: Continue to secure investments for rail and transit improvements with priority of mobility to and from workplaces and attraction of visitors from other parts of the SoCal region.
PRIORITY
High
Med
Med
YEAR
1
2
2
COST
$
$
$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 4.2
Upgrade digital infrastructure by expanding broadband access for businesses and residents.
a.
b.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Broadband: Continued implementation of Broadband Master Plan with a focus on areas with low subscription rates, limited speed tiers and gaps in last mile infrastructure.
Broadband: Apply for federal, state and private funds to improve broadband access, digital literacy and Tech On Wheels program.
PRIORITY
High
Med
YEAR
2
2
COST
$
$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 4.3
Modernize zoning and land-use policies to promote mixed-use developments that integrate work, living, and recreational spaces.
a.
b.
c.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Land-use: Develop model ordinances that provide for hybrid, mixed-use zoning districts, transit-oriented development and flexibility in use-based zoning.
Land-use: Develop model ordinances that provide for adaptative reuse of underutilized buildings (strip malls, warehouses, etc.) into mixed-use spaces.
Permitting: Encourage the streamlining of permits for mixed-use projects, particularly live/work style projects.
PRIORITY
Med
High
Med
YEAR
2
1
2
COST
$
$
$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 4.4
Reduce commuter traffic by enabling residents to live and work in the same region.
a.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Development: Encourage development of remote work facilities that offer high-speed internet, ergonomic workspaces, and collaborative environments for individuals who work remotely (thereby reducing commuting, supporting local, and promoting work-life balance.
PRIORITY
Low
YEAR
2
COST
$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 4.5
Expand basic (water, sewer, drainage) infrastructure capacity to facilitate job growth in key industries.
a.
b.
c.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Infrastructure: Encourage the continued expansion of basic infrastructure (water, sewer, drainage) that is under local control and serves key industry sectors.
Infrastructure: Seek/support federal and state grant investments for increasing local service capacity.
Infrastructure: Create model ordinance that encourages on-site water treatment, reuse or other on-site recycling programs that divert wastewater, process water, and/or solid waste from collection systems.
PRIORITY
High
High
Low
YEAR
2
2
3
COST
$
$
$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 5 -ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVATION ECOSYSTEMS
GOAL 5.1
Expand access to startup capital through venture funds, microloans, and local investment networks.
a.
b.
c.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Financing: Establish a Catalyst Capital Network which would connect venture capitalists to businesses as a catalyst for innovation and growth.
Financing: Hold "Next Wave Venture Capital Forum" to connect emerging, next generation of startups to potential investors.
Financing: Utilize and expand RivCo Small Business Thrive Program as a connection point and referral network for small business financing options.
PRIORITY
High
Med
High
YEAR
1
2
1
COST
$
$
$$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 5.2
Encourage technology adoption and digital transformation for businesses.
a.
b.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Assistance: Support additional programs throughout the county to promote innovation and startups.
Continue and expand Innovation Month activities to include a focus on introducing innovative technologies to local businesses.
PRIORITY
Med
High
YEAR
2
1
COST
$
$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 5.3
Continue supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship.
a.
b.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Assistance: Expand Business Assistance NOW Program page to include links and resources for countywide business assistance.
Sites: Encourage the development of space, building and sites options to accommodate various levels of business growth.
PRIORITY
Med
Low
YEAR
2
2
COST
$
$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 6 -REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY & TRADE EXPANSION
GOAL 6.1
Strengthen partnerships with neighboring regions and cross-border economies.
a.
b.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Partnerships: Continue an active leadership role in Inland Economic Growth & Opportunity (IEGO) and advocate for fair distribution of state funding.
Partnerships: Collaborate with neighboring counties to support projects and opportunities that generate value to Riverside County.
PRIORITY
Med
Med
YEAR
1
1
COST
$
$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 6.2
Position Riverside County as a manufacturing onshoring gateway for domestic and international trade.
a.
b.
c.
d.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Marketing: Create/host SelectUSA investment summit (or spinoff event) or create "Invest RivCo" summit with emphasis on FDI.
Marketing: Consider expanding the County FDI website in multiple languages to attract investment from key global areas.
Marketing: Consider rebranding of existing resources into "Global Business Gateway: Riverside County" as a means to attract, support and scale FDI and international partnerships in the county.
Marketing: International Consulate Engagement Program which will position Riverside County as a premier destination for FDI, trade partnerships and cultural exchange, by hosting targeted visits from international consulates.
PRIORITY
High
Low
Low
Med
YEAR
1
3
3
2
COST
$$
$$
$$
$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 6.3
Encourage collaboration between municipalities, businesses, developers, and residents.
a.
b.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Partnerships: Expand and enhance Economic Development Alliance as an opportunity to encourage continued intracounty collaboration.
Partnerships: Host an annual roundtable of municipalities, developers, building associations and others involved in commercial and industrial development to highlight areas of success and areas needing improvement and increased collaboration.
PRIORITY
High
Med
YEAR
1
2
COST
$
$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 6.4
Coordinate development efforts across municipalities to ensure cohesive economic strategies.
a.
b.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Resources: Develop and maintain a comprehensive, countywide land-use inventory that identifies and monitors the availability of developable land to support strategic planning, investment, and sustainable growth.
Resources: Develop model (best practices) for development streamlining, permitting and incentives for use by local jurisdictions.
PRIORITY
Low
Med
YEAR
3
2
COST
$$
$$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 7 -REGIONAL BRANDING & TOURISM
GOAL 7.1
Develop a cohesive regional branding campaign highlighting Riverside County’s strengths in innovation, sustainability, and quality of life.
a.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Marketing: Develop and distribute brand activation toolkit to economic development partners to utilize branding assets and messaging across the region as applicable.
PRIORITY
High
YEAR
1
COST
$$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 7.2
Invest in signature events that drive tourism and showcase the county’s cultural assets.
a.
b.
c.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Tourism: Support the designation of a state park in the Pass subregion.
Tourism: Identify increased opportunities for agritourism.
Events: Create countywide portal for events that take place within County and distribute among visitor network.
PRIORITY
Med
Low
Low
YEAR
3
3
2
COST
$
$
$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 7.3
Strengthening ties between tourism, hospitality, and local economic development initiatives that result in expanded marketing opportunities.
a.
b.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Tourism: Establish an immersive, hands-on boot camp designed to equip hospitality professionals, front-line staff, and community ambassadors with the knowledge and tools to elevate the visitor experience across Riverside County by exploring the region’s diverse tourism assets while learning best practices in guest services, local storytelling, and destination marketing.
Tourism: Utilize key events in Riverside County (and individual communities) to promote business location opportunities.
PRIORITY
High
Med
YEAR
2
2
COST
$$
$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 8 -QUALITY OF LIFE & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
GOAL 8.1
Increasing affordable housing options and homeownership rates.
a.
b.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Community Development: Collaborate with large employers to co-develop housing on or near their campuses for employees (especially workers in key, in-demand professions).
Community Development: Advocate for inclusionary housing bonuses such as increased density or reduced parking requirements for employer-sponsored housing developments.
PRIORITY
Low
Low
YEAR
3
3
COST
$
$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 8.2
Improve access to healthcare where lacking in region.
a.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Quality of Life: Encourage the development of clinics, hospitals or deployment of mobile health clinics to areas of need within the county.
PRIORITY
Med
YEAR
2
COST
$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
GOAL 8.3
Activate placemaking initiatives that enhance public spaces, parks, and cultural districts.
a.
b.
c.
STRATEGIC ACTION
Infrastructure: Develop a subregional mobility and connectivity framework that integrates Complete Streets, public transit, and rail to create safer, more accessible, and multimodal transportation options across Riverside County.
Quality of Life: Promote the arts by encouraging investment in public art, supporting local artists and organizations, and creating arts and cultural districts that celebrate the region’s diversity.
Quality of Life: The Santa Ana River Trail should be elevated as a regional example by expanding access points, enhancing safety and amenities, and connecting nearby neighborhoods, parks, and transit.
PRIORITY
Med
Med
Low
YEAR
2
2
3
COST
$
$
$
$ = less than $50,000 (or no cost)| $$ = $50,000 to $100,000 | $$$ = more than $100,000
