Gov. Code, § 12097.7

(a) The Office of Regional Economic Development Initiatives is hereby created within the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. The office shall be overseen by the Director of GO-Biz and administered by a deputy director appointed by, and serving at the pleasure of, the Governor.

(b) The office shall do all of the following:

(1) Maintain, update, and implement, in coordination with the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, the California Jobs First State Economic Blueprint, which is a statewide economic development strategy built on the priorities of California’s distinct regions.

(2) Coordinate interagency activities to promote job creation, attraction, and access in alignment with the statewide economic development strategy and with feedback from employers and industry, as appropriate.

(3) Support regional partners in developing, maintaining, and implementing their regional economic development strategies.

(4) Provide technical assistance to local governments and economic development partners, including, but not limited to, project financing, utilizing place-based and other geographically targeted economic development programs, and conducting site development and certification activities.

(5) Collaborate with the Office of Emergency Services to support disaster preparedness and response activities, as well as recovery efforts, with regard to regional economic impact.