Workforce Strength Drives Green Empowerment Growth

The Green Empowerment Zone provides access to a highly skilled and adaptable workforce, capable of supporting advanced clean energy manufacturing and infrastructure development. Contra Costa County's existing industrial base includes more than 18,000 workers in refinery operations and related supply chain roles. These employees possess technical expertise in construction, transportation, facilities maintenance, and process management, providing a foundation for transitioning into renewable energy production and grid modernization projects.

Projected employment growth for traditional refinery roles is limited, while median wages in comparable occupations fall roughly 50% below refinery-level salaries. This creates a significant pool of experienced, available workers seeking opportunities in industries aligned with clean energy. Companies located in the Green Empowerment Zone can access this workforce, accelerate project ramp-up, and retain employees with proven industrial competencies.

Skilled Labor with Regional Mobility

Contra Costa County's labor force exceeds 585,000. A robust regional commute network showcases workforce flexibility, with more than 100,000 workers traveling between Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, and over 60,000 commuting to San Francisco. This mobility enables companies in the Green Empowerment Zone to draw talent from a broader regional labor pool, thereby reducing recruitment timelines and enhancing operational resilience.

Training Infrastructure Supports Industry Transition

Local technical colleges, workforce development programs, and apprenticeship initiatives offer structured pathways to reskill displaced refinery workers, and upskill new employees for roles in renewable energy manufacturing, battery assembly, and grid technology. Strategic partnerships with educational institutions enable companies to align training programs with their operational needs, facilitating rapid workforce deployment without compromising productivity or quality standards.

Workforce Deployment Drives Business Results

Companies establishing operations in the Green Empowerment Zone gain access to a labor market that combines specialized skills, regional mobility, and readiness for transition into clean energy sectors. Executives can scale operations efficiently while minimizing recruitment risks. 
The combination of experienced labor and workforce development infrastructure positions the Green Empowerment Zone as a competitive location for manufacturing, construction, and logistics operations in the renewable energy sector.