The California Weekly

California invested nearly $13 billion in just the last year to enhance transportation safety, increase accessibility for people who walk and bike, support infrastructure in underserved communities across both rural and urban parts of the state, and create a more sustainable highway system that is resilient to climate change – projects that have helped fuel the world’s fifth largest economy and created approximately 420,000 jobs since 2022. Learn more at the newly revamped Build.CA.Gov.

The California Energy Commission approved a $1.4 billion investment plan that accelerates progress on the state’s EV charging & hydrogen refueling goals. These investments will help deploy infrastructure for light, medium, and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) across California, expanding the most extensive charging & hydrogen refueling network in the country.

California approved a $42 million grant to International Electric Power to build a long-duration energy storage project at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in San Diego County. The project will provide electricity to the statewide grid and backup power to the base for up to 14 days in the event of power outages. The installation will help enhance the resiliency of California’s electricity grid, the region, and the base, providing a replicable model that can be applied broadly. Learn more about the state’s Long-Duration Energy Storage Program.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) voted overwhelmingly to approve $141 million in additional funding for planning and permitting for the Delta Conveyance Project. The vote illustrates continued support for this necessary infrastructure that will protect access to clean drinking water for 27 million Californians. The Delta Conveyance Project is a critical part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s build more, faster agenda delivering infrastructure upgrades across the state.

The California Transportation Commission awarded $101.2 million to projects that increase walking and biking — total funding for walking and biking projects is now at $2.7 billion during the Newsom Administration. The 13 projects are located in or provide a direct benefit to disadvantaged communities, and over half of the projects are parts of designated “Safe Routes to Schools.”

By the end of this year, more than 3,000 miles of the backbone “middle mile” broadband network will be under construction and expansion, paving the way to connect millions of Californians to high-speed internet. This publicly funded, owned, and open-access network is set to be the nation’s largest. Expanding the state’s broadband network is a key part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s build more, faster agenda delivering infrastructure upgrades across the state.

2025 World’s Best Cities: “California continues to shine on the global stage, with four of its cities securing a spot among the world’s top 100 for 2025. From tech-driven innovation to vibrant cultural scenes, these cities offer a unique blend of factors that set them apart. Each has earned its place due to a mix of livability, economic strength, and global influence.”

OC Register: “57 US counties produced $100 billion or more of goods and services in 2023 dollars. Ten of them were in California. No state had more.”

By the numbers

• 523,000 — jobs created in California’s private sector between January 2022 and June 2024.

• $4,482,000 — to settle allegations of Clean Water Act violations in Contra Costa County.

• 241 — volunteers with Keep Riverside Clean & Beautiful! removed 6,000+ lbs. of litter as part of the statewide CleanCA program. 

• 53,000 — conifers and native plants planted by California Volunteers in Auberry, CA, helping restore landscapes.

• 60 — homes opened as part of an HCD supported new affordable housing complex in Fresno, with 15 supportive homes reserved for people exiting homelessness. Watch why efforts like these are crucial.