California Invests in High-Road Jobs as Zbur Workforce Training Bill Becomes Law

AB 2634 strengthens labor-management workforce partnerships that prepare Californians for good-paying jobs and growing industry needs

SACRAMENTO, CA - Democratic Caucus Chair and Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood) announced today that Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 2634, the High-Road Jobs & Workforce Training Act, strengthening California's investments in workforce training programs that bring workers and employers together to prepare Californians for good-paying jobs and meet changing industry needs. Strongly supported by SEIU California, Building Skills Partnership, and the Hospitality Training Academy, AB 2634 strengthens California's High Road Training Partnership (HRTP) program by prioritizing funding for programs rooted in genuine labor-management collaboration and strong job standards.

"California's workforce investments should lead to good-paying jobs and real economic opportunity for working people," said Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur. "AB 2634 strengthens a proven model that brings workers and employers to the same table to identify skills gaps, develop training, and create pathways to real jobs. With major economic opportunities like the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, we need to make investments today that prepare Californians for the jobs ahead while helping employers build the skilled workforce they need. I'm grateful to Governor Newsom for signing this bill and helping us strengthen California's workforce and our economy for years to come."

Since its creation in 2017, California's High Road Training Partnership initiative has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in workforce development programs designed to support job quality, equity, and climate resilience. These partnerships bring employers and workers together to identify industry needs and develop training programs that prepare workers for quality jobs. AB 2634 builds on that model by directing the state to provide a scoring preference for HRTP grant applicants that are bona fide labor-management cooperation committees or entities applying on behalf of those committees. The new law helps ensure state workforce investments support programs with strong connections to workers, employers, and the industries they serve.

"We are thrilled that Governor Newsom signed AB 2634, and we deeply appreciate his leadership in recognizing the essential role High Road Training Partnerships play in California's economy," said Luis Sandoval, Executive Director, Building Skills Partnership. "AB 2634 strengthens our state's workforce investments by prioritizing proven labor-management models to shape training around real industry needs. We see AB 2634 as a critical investment not only in workers, but in the long-term stability and resilience of industries that are foundational to California's economy. Low-wage sectors have too often been excluded from workforce systems that genuinely create pathways to economic mobility-yet these are the very workers who keep our buildings operating, airports functioning, businesses running, and communities moving every day. By bringing labor and management to the same table, this legislation ensures state resources shape training around real industry needs, proving that when we invest in partnership-driven workforce systems rooted in shared responsibility, we strengthen industries while expanding economic mobility for working families and cementing California's commitment to a truly high-road economy."

"The Hospitality Training Academy applauds Governor Newsom for signing AB 2634 into law, affirming California's commitment to workforce training programs that lift up communities and create pipelines to life-changing employment," said Adine Forman, Executive Director, Hospitality Training Academy. "This new law could not be more timely as global events coming to Los Angeles drive demand for a skilled hospitality workforce essential to being a world-class host. AB 2634 will help strengthen critical industries that can't be shipped overseas, expand access to good union jobs, and build a more resilient, inclusive economy."

The law comes as California prepares for significant workforce needs and economic opportunities in the years ahead, including the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. From hospitality and property services to infrastructure and other growing industries, California will need a skilled workforce ready to meet increased demand. AB 2634 was strongly supported by labor organizations, workforce training providers, and advocates working to expand access to quality jobs across California.

Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur serves as the Democratic Caucus Chair for the California State Assembly and represents the 51st Assembly District, which includes Universal City, Hollywood, Hancock Park, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and other portions of Los Angeles.

CONTACT: Vienna Montague, (916) 319-2051, [email protected]