Ventura County, California, has been awarded a $550,000 Catalyst Grant to develop a dedicated Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Innovation Center—an initiative set to position the region as a leader in next-generation aerospace technologies.
Administered by the County’s Economic Vitality Unit in collaboration with the Department of Airports and regional stakeholders, the grant is part of Uplift Central Coast’s $9 million Catalyst Predevelopment Funding Program. This program supports community-led projects that enhance economic resilience, equity, and environmental sustainability across California’s Central Coast.
Supervisor Janice Parvin, Chair of the Board of Supervisors, said, “This achievement is a testament to the dedication and strategic collaboration among our County departments and regional partners. 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.”
Estelle Bussa, Deputy Executive Officer of Economic Vitality, added, “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. 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 forthcoming Innovation Center will be anchored at Camarillo and Oxnard Airports and will include a 500-square-mile flight testing corridor designed to accommodate eVTOL aircraft and other unmanned aerial systems (UAS). These emerging technologies promise quieter, more sustainable operations that align with the region’s environmental goals. Testing activities—closely coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration—are expected to represent no more than 5% of daily airport operations.
Beyond flight testing, the Innovation Center will serve as a multifaceted hub offering research infrastructure, business incubation resources, and advanced workforce training programs tailored to the AAM sector. Local businesses will benefit from unprecedented access to testing facilities, defense-related technology transfers, and opportunities for public-private collaboration.
The project unites four core partners:
- County of Ventura Economic Vitality Unit: Oversees program development and regional economic integration.
- County Department of Airports: Provides physical infrastructure and manages operational airspace for AAM testing.
- FutureLabs/Fathomwerx: Acts as a conduit for technology transfer between private industry and Naval Base Ventura County.
- Ventura County Community College District: Leads the creation of training pathways for high-demand AAM careers.
Together, these organizations will foster innovation while ensuring that career development opportunities remain accessible to Ventura County residents. A central aim of the Center is to drive high-wage job creation in sectors such as precision manufacturing and advanced business services—industries recognized for their strong potential to deliver sustainable employment and livable wages.
Keith Freitas, Director of Airports, added, “This initiative demonstrates the power of regional collaboration. 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.”
Initial predevelopment work is underway, with the full investment of grant funding scheduled by summer 2026. As the project progresses, Ventura County is poised to become a key node in the national AAM ecosystem—supporting not only flight innovation but also regional economic growth, talent development, and cross-sector collaboration.
