MARINA — Three local entities were awarded Monterey Bay Economic Partnership’s 2022 Public-Private Partnership Award, which recognizes those types of partnerships that help the Monterey Bay region grow and thrive.
Joby Aviation, the city of Marina and Monterey County are part of the three-way partnership that has benefited the region in a number of ways and presents tremendous potential for greater economic impact in the future.
The three were presented the award by Monterey Bay Economic Partnership board Chair Cynthia Larive and its President and CEO Tahra Goraya, in a virtual presentation during the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership’s eighth annual Regional Economic Outlook online event Friday.
“We are extremely fortunate to have an industry leader like Joby Aviation in our own backyard,” Larive said in a press release. “They are central to the emerging electric-vertical-takeoff-and-landing industry, which is reimagining transportation and demonstrating how aviation can be more sustainable.”
Larive said that in doing so, Joby is also creating hundreds of good jobs for the region, from engineering and manufacturing to administrative positions, invigorating the regional economy and highlighting the Monterey Bay region as a hub of tech innovation.
“The collaboration between the City of Marina, the County of Monterey and Joby Aviation is a wonderful example of what is possible when the public and private sectors work together,” said Larive.
Joby Aviation Inc. has been busy developing all-electric aircraft for commercial passenger service. Its revolutionary electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft are designed to operate as an air taxi service in cities and communities around the United States, with a planned launch of service in 2024.
The company has been propelling the future of electric flight in the Monterey Bay area for more than a decade with more than 1,000 employees, and continues to grow with more than 200 jobs currently advertised, said Oliver Walker-Jones, a Joby spokesperson.
“We’re pleased to be developing our pilot manufacturing facility in Marina and to be working with local groups to develop opportunities and to best position the local community to take advantage of our growth,” said Walker-Jones in the release.
Monterey County Administrative Officer Charles McKee said Joby has been an ideal partner with significant regional impact.
“Bringing Joby Aviation to Monterey County is a credit to the city of Marina and MBEP, as well as Joby’s insight,” said McKee. “However, the impact of Joby is region-wide. This partnership will help push the door further open to additional tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs into the Monterey Bay region in the future.”
McKee said the partnership shows the Monterey Bay region is one with workers, infrastructure and technology to be attractive to employers looking for an ideal location to relocate or start up.
“The public-private partnerships with Joby, City of Marina, the County of Monterey and MBEP also show our willingness to be creative,” said McKee. “We thank Joby Aviation for recognizing Monterey Bay as an ideal place to locate cutting-edge industries.”
Marina City Manager Layne Long says the city has worked with Joby Aviation for more than four years in establishing a base for a new aerospace industry operating at the Marina Municipal Airport.
“Joby’s presence in Marina and Monterey County will have a profound impact on the creation of thousands of jobs and new high-tech businesses in our region,” said Long. “The city of Marina is grateful for the continuing support of Monterey County and MBEP in bringing this new industry and others to our area.”
Goraya said Monterey Bay Economic Partnership is pleased to recognize the three entities with the Public-Private Partnership Award.
“Cross-sector, creative, and impactful partnerships are what MBEP aims to facilitate and convene,” she said. “This is a beautiful example of what we can accomplish when we work together for the well-being of our region.”
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