July 2026 IE Legislative Roundtable
The July 2026 Inland Empire Legislators Roundtable gathered a strong attendance, with representatives from 19 federal and state legislative offices joining us at the Riverside Convention Center for a thoughtful conversation on the future of workforce development in California.
We’re grateful to Secretary Stewart Knox of the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency for an engaging and insightful discussion on what’s next for California Jobs First, Career Technical Education, Credit for Prior Learning, the Career Passport, and the importance of better workforce data through California’s Cradle-to-Career system. Attendees also appreciated his perspective on federal workforce funding’s impact on California’s ability to advance these priorities, and what the Inland Empire can do to stay aligned and competitive.
Thank you as well to Dean Laura Alvarado of Barstow Community College for sharing how statewide workforce strategies are being translated into
Secretary Knox and Michelle Decker, IECF’s President & CEO
action in the High Desert. With BNSF’s transformational investment expected to generate a $4 billion economic impact and approximately 75,000 jobs, including 13,000 permanent positions once supporting infrastructure is complete, the opportunities ahead for Barstow are remarkable. For a community that has added only about 900 residents and seen no new development over the past two decades, this represents a generational opportunity.
As a college where roughly half of its educational programs are workforce and Career Technical Education, Barstow Community College is serving as a critical partner in preparing residents for the family-sustaining careers that will help shape the region’s future.
Most importantly, we extend our thanks to the legislative district directors who continue to invest their time in these conversations. Their consistent engagement strengthens the connection between state policy, regional implementation, and the communities we all serve. We value their partnership and commitment to helping the Inland Empire remain competitive for future investment.
Finally, a special shoutout to Daissy Arteaga, District Director, Assemblymember Robert Garcia on her final Legislators Roundtable in this role. Over the past two years, she has had perfect attendance, been a dedicated partner, and consistently shown up with curiosity, thoughtfulness, and a collaborative spirit. We wish her all the best in her next chapter!
For more information on the IE Legislators Roundtable,
contact Graciela Moran, Manager of the Office of Policy & Engagement at IECF.
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