We support community efforts in six cities to create an economy that works for all residents.

We envision local economies where workers and their families — including those harmed by discriminatory policies and practices built into many institutions — have the power to drive economic change and influence public systems and employers for good jobs, economic development, and self-determination. 

The Priority Communities grantmaking initiative launched in 2020 with a focus on five cities (Fresno, Stockton, Salinas, San Bernardino, and Riverside) that are critical to California’s future given their growth, diversity, and role in the state’s economy.  

Since 2020, the initiative has invested approximately $125 million to strengthen the ability of communities in each city to improve the quality of jobs and create thriving economies, including helping leverage $1.2 billion in opportunities that will prioritize community needs and local workers. 

In December 2024, the Irvine board approved an additional $220 million, through 2031, to add Merced as a sixth city, and to focus on three interrelated and complementary areas: 

• Strengthen worker and community power
• Invest in community-led and -owned economic development models, including workforce pathways and the small business ecosystem
• Respond to emergent community needs and opportunities

Read more here about what we now fund.