VENTURA, CA – The County of Ventura’s Economic Vitality Unit, in partnership with the Department of Airports and key regional partners, has been awarded $550,000 to establish an Advanced Air Mobility Innovation Center. The grant is part of a $9 million Catalyst Predevelopment Funding Program from Uplift Central Coast, an organization which provides strategic grants to support community-driven projects that promote equity, sustainability, and regional resilience. The County’s project was selected as one of 36 regional initiatives across six Central Coast counties that support economic vitality.
The planned Innovation Center will feature a 500 square mile testing range for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) at Camarillo and Oxnard Airports. It will offer research facilities, business resources, and workforce training. The County airports will manage testing for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which are quieter and more eco-friendly. Testing will adhere to strict FAA protocols and comprise only about 5% of daily airport activities. Ventura County businesses will gain access to unique testing facilities, naval technology transfers, workforce development support, and new business collaboration opportunities in the AAM sector.
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication and strategic collaboration among our County departments and regional partners,” stated Supervisor Janice Parvin, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Securing this grant marks a pivotal step in shaping Ventura County’s future as a hub for innovation and advanced technology. I’m thrilled about the opportunity this creates—not only for the many companies that will benefit from cutting-edge testing facilities and strategic partnerships, but also for the residents who will gain access to high-quality jobs and career pathways in a rapidly growing industry.”
The Innovation Center involves four key partners: the County of Ventura’s Economic Vitality Unit, the County’s Department of Airports, FutureLabs/Fathomwerx, and the Ventura County Community College District. The Economic Vitality Unit will manage the center’s programming, while the Department of Airports provides facilities and manages airspace testing. FutureLabs/Fathomwerx will facilitate technology transfer between private companies and Naval Base Ventura County. The Ventura County Community College District will develop career pathways and workforce training programs.
“This grant represents a significant milestone in our efforts to position Ventura County as a leader in Advanced Air Mobility and next-generation transportation technology,” said Estelle Bussa, Deputy Executive Officer of Economic Vitality. “Through strategic partnerships with FutureLabs/Fathomwerx, the Ventura County Community College District, and our Department of Airports, we’re creating an ecosystem that will attract high-tech companies while ensuring our local workforce benefits from these opportunities.”
The Center will pave the way toward high-wage career opportunities in the rapidly growing Advanced Air Mobility sector, with a focus on ensuring opportunities are accessible to residents. The Center will support attracting and growing companies in precision manufacturing and advanced business services, which has been proven to provide a higher proportion of quality jobs that provide livable wages and other benefits. Predevelopment activities will begin immediately, with funding to be invested by summer 2026.
“This initiative demonstrates the power of regional collaboration,” said Keith Freitas, Director of Airports. “By combining our infrastructure with the Economic Vitality Unit’s business development expertise and strong educational and innovation partners, we’re creating unique opportunities to advance sustainable transportation technology while generating quality jobs for our community.”
For more information about the Advanced Air Mobility Innovation Center or partnership opportunities, contact the Economic Vitality Unit at (805) 654-2650 or email vceconomicvitality@ventura.org. To learn more about Uplift Central Coast’s regional economic development initiatives and the Catalyst grant program, visit upliftcentralcoast.org.
