Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) has selected Joby Aviation, the City of Marina, and the County of Monterey as the 2022 recipients of its Public-Private Partnership Award. This annual award recognizes the public-private partnerships that help our region grow and thrive. This three-way partnership has benefited the region in a number of ways and has tremendous potential for greater economic impact in the future. The award will be presented by MBEP Board Chair Cynthia Larive and MBEP President and CEO Tahra Goraya in a virtual format during MBEP's 8th Annual Regional Economic Outlook on May 20.

Joby Aviation Inc. (NYSE:JOBY) is developing all-electric aircraft for commercial passenger service. Its revolutionary electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is designed to operate as an air taxi service in cities and communities around the United States, with a planned launch of service in 2024.

"We are extremely fortunate to have an industry leader like Joby Aviation in our own backyard,” said MBEP Board Chair and UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia Larive. "They are central to the emerging electric-vertical-takeoff-and-landing industry, which is reimagining transportation and demonstrating how aviation can be more sustainable. In doing so, they are also creating hundreds of good jobs for our region, from engineering and manufacturing to administrative positions, invigorating our regional economy, and highlighting the Monterey Bay region as a hub of tech innovation. The collaboration between the City of Marina, the County of Monterey and Joby Aviation is a wonderful example of what is possible when the public and private sectors work together."

Joby Aviation has been working on the future of electric flight in and around the Monterey Bay area for more than a decade, says company spokesperson Oliver Walker-Jones. With more than 1,000 employees, Joby continues to grow, with more than 200 roles currently advertised.

"We're pleased to be developing our pilot manufacturing facility in Marina and to be working with local groups to develop opportunities and to best position the local community to take advantage of our growth,” says Walker-Jones.

Monterey County Administrative Officer Charles McKee says Joby has been an ideal partner with significant regional impact.

“Bringing Joby Aviation to Monterey County is a credit to the City of Marina and MBEP, as well as Joby’s insight,” says McKee. “However, the impact of Joby is region-wide. This partnership will help push the door further open to additional tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs into the Monterey Bay region in the future. It shows we are a region with workers, infrastructure, and technology to be attractive to employers looking for an ideal location to relocate or start up. The public-private partnerships with Joby, City of Marina, the County of

Monterey and MBEP also show our willingness to be creative. We thank Joby Aviation for recognizing Monterey Bay as an ideal place to locate cutting-edge industries.”

Marina City Manager Layne Long says the city has worked with Joby Aviation for more than four years in establishing a base for a new aerospace industry operating at the Marina Municipal Airport.

“Joby’s presence in Marina and Monterey County will have a profound impact on the creation of thousands of jobs and new high-tech businesses in our region,” says Long. “The City of Marina is grateful for the continuing support of Monterey County and MBEP in bringing this new industry and others to our area.”

“We are pleased to recognize Joby, City of Marina and County of Monterey with MBEP’s Public-Private Partnership award! Cross-sector, creative, and impactful partnerships are what MBEP aims to facilitate and convene. This is a beautiful example of what we can accomplish when we work together for the well-being of our region,” stated Tahra Goraya, President and CEO of MBEP.

The award will be presented during MBEP’s 2022 Regional Economic Outlook, which will take place from 9- 11 a.m. on Friday, May 20 and will feature Christopher Thornberg, founding Partner of Beacon Economics, LLC. Widely considered to be one of the nation’s leading economists, Dr. Thornberg is an expert in revenue forecasting and regional economics. Registration details can be found here: https://mbep.biz/events/economicoutlook2022/

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP): Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.