My Catalyst Project

Project Description: As the Industry Sector Coordinator, a key MLTPA initiative was to support Catalyst Projects, whether submitted through the Catalyst RFP or introduced after the application deadline.

During the Planning Phase of California Jobs First, the region developed the Regional Strategy to gather data on the economy, demographics, opportunities, climate, and public health. This document then informed the Strategic Plan, which outlines approaches for climate-resilient job growth and economic development aligned with state goals.

The Strategic Plan acted as a guiding tool to evaluate and support Catalyst Projects, ensuring they align with state objectives and facilitate progress through funding opportunities and technical assistance. Through this framework, project stakeholders received guidance on policy compliance, funding support, and long-term sustainability.

Sierra Industry ShinDigs

Sierra Industry ShinDig 2025

In September 2025, MLTPA, in partnership with fellow Industry Sector Coordinators, Sierra Focus Media, Mother Lode Job Training, Burrows Consulting, and ESCOG, convened an in-person gathering in Bishop. The event brought together project stakeholders, local elected officials, and regional stakeholders and organizations to launch the Sierra Jobs First Catalyst Phase. 

The two-day session opened with Regional Catalyst Project Tours. Ahead of the Wednesday Summit, attendees were invited to join a series of Catalyst Project tours across the Eastern Sierra, an opportunity to see projects in action, meet local leaders, and observe firsthand the work shaping regional economic development.

The half-day summit on September 10th, hosted at Cerro Coso Community College's Bishop campus, provided a venue for regional networking, featuring presentations from ESCOG and Mother Lode Job Training and a select group of Catalyst Projects, along with an outlook on the year ahead for Sierra Jobs First.

Meeting Materials

• Regional Catalyst Project Tours - September 9th, 2025
  • Project Tours Agenda
  • Project Tours Photo Album

• ShinDig Summit - September 10th, 2025

  • ShinDig Summit Agenda
  • ShinDig Summit Presentation
  • ShinDig Summit Meeting Notes
  • ShinDig Summit Photo Album

Sierra Industry ShinDig 2.0 2026

ShinDig 2.0 convened a full-day session in Sonora, hosted at Mother Lode Job Training, bringing together project stakeholders, local elected officials, and regional partners to showcase the impact of Sierra Jobs First as the contracting period draws to a close.

The morning session featured presentations highlighting Catalyst Projects from across the region, followed by closing remarks marking the culmination of the Industry Sector Coordinator work.

The afternoon gave attendees the opportunity to tour three regional Catalyst Projects firsthand, offering an on-the-ground look at the work taking shape across the Sierra Jobs First region and where these projects plan to head in the future once Jobs First concludes.

Meeting Materials

• ShinDig 2.0 Meeting Agenda
• ShinDig 2.0 Meeting Presentation (Coming Soon)
• ShinDig 2.0 Morning Session Photo Album
• ShinDig 2.0 Project Tours Photo Album

Last updated August 25, 2026

This project was funded by Sierra Jobs First and created to support the initiative’s mission of creating a community-led, climate-neutral, inclusive future for our industry in the Sierra region. Through our partnership with Sierra Business Council, regional conveners and fiscal administrators for California Jobs First in the Sierra region, we provided industry-specific assistance that supported job growth, inclusive workforce development, and economic resilience, while protecting our region’s natural lands and vibrant communities.