Central Coast initiative will support drones, eVTOLs, and clean-energy aircraft
The Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) has received $7,450,000 from the California Jobs First Council to establish the first FAA-compliant multi-airport California drone flight corridor network. The project, known as the California Advanced Air Mobility Corridors Initiative (CAAMCI), will connect rural airports in Watsonville, Marina, Salinas, and Hollister.
The funding comes through the California Jobs First Regional Investment Initiative and is expected to accelerate growth in advanced air mobility (AAM), including uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and drones. The project builds on the Central Coast’s growing role in aerospace innovation and aims to position the region as both a state and national leader in AAM technologies.
A boost for regional innovation and jobs
“The development of an FAA-compliant multi-airport test corridor will be transformational for the Monterey Bay region, already at the forefront of innovation in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVOTL) aircraft and drone technology that is revolutionizing many aspects of our day-to-day lives,” said MBEP President and CEO Tahra Goraya. “The California Advanced Air Mobility Corridors Initiative (CAAMCI) charts a clear path forward for how we can embrace the full AAM potential of the Monterey Bay and bring the kind of jobs that will help our regional economy thrive.”
The corridor will provide a foundation for testing, certification, and commercialization of clean-energy aircraft used in passenger, cargo, defense, and drone operations. It also integrates workforce training and innovation programs designed to create quality jobs and expand career opportunities across the tri-county region.
Industry presence on the Central Coast
The Central Coast already has one of the nation’s highest concentrations of companies in the AAM sector. Firms including Joby Aviation, Wisk, Archer, Parallel Flight, Elroy Air, and Guardian Agriculture are developing advanced aircraft ranging from eVTOL passenger vehicles to heavy-payload drones.
While many of these companies already use public general aviation airports, those facilities lack the connected infrastructure needed to scale. By linking rural airports in a coordinated flight network, CAAMCI is designed to close this infrastructure gap and create a platform for industry growth.
Community-driven leadership
“Tahra’s visionary, collaborative leadership — rooted in fierce advocacy for the Central Coast and an unshakable commitment to our communities — set the tone for our success,” said Lavera Alexander, MBEP Chief Growth Officer and CAAMCI Lead. “I’m grateful she entrusted me to lead the proposal and represent the Monterey Bay Tech Hub and CAAMCI at the California Jobs First Regional Investment Initiative Pitch Summit, securing a transformative investment for Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties. This funding positions our majority-minority region as a national leader in advanced air mobility — fueling innovation, attracting industry partners, and opening doors for the next generation of talent.”
Expanding potential applications
The initiative highlights the wide-ranging potential for drones and advanced aircraft. CAAMCI envisions roles for uncrewed systems in wildfire monitoring, medical deliveries to rural communities, crop production support, and safe inspection of bridges and power lines. The corridor is designed to foster both economic and environmental benefits, while making the Central Coast more competitive in attracting federal and private investment.
“We’re excited about the promise of CAAMCI and its ability to power the future of aviation on the Central Coast and across the great state of California,” Goraya said.
About MBEP and the Monterey Bay Tech Hub
Founded in 2015, MBEP is a nonprofit organization with members from public, private, and civic sectors across Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties. Its mission is to improve economic health and quality of life in the region.
The Monterey Bay Tech Hub, co-founded by MBEP, UC Santa Cruz, and Monterey Bay DART, supports workforce training and policy development in drones, eVTOL aircraft, and hydrogen-fueled aviation. The hub brings together regional stakeholders including industry leaders, higher education, the military, municipalities, and community organizations.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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