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Orange RPU PY 2025-2028 Regional Plan <br />3 | Page <br /> <br />II. ANALYTICAL OVERVIEW OF THE REGION <br /> <br />Orange County, California, is a dynamic economic powerhouse in which innovation, <br />diversity, and opportunity converge to fuel growth. Strategically located between Los <br />Angeles and San Diego, it benefits from its proximity to major ports, entertainment hubs, <br />and research institutions, making it a key player in California’s economy. With over 3.1 <br />million residents, it is the third-most populous county in the state and the sixth-most <br />populous in the United States1. <br /> <br />The county’s reputation for a high quality of life, characterized by suburban comfort, <br />coastal beauty, and thriving business districts, has historically attracted families and <br />professionals alike. Cities like Irvine, Anaheim, and Costa Mesa are economic engines, <br />hosting major corporations, vibrant small business ecosystems, and innovation hubs. At <br />the same time, areas such as Santa Ana and Garden Grove face systemic barriers to <br />economic mobility, with lower median incomes and higher unemployment rates, <br />underscoring the need for targeted workforce development strategies that bridge <br />economic divides. <br /> <br />As the county navigates a post-pandemic recovery period, it faces challenges and <br />opportunities reshaping its workforce and economic trajectory. Structural shifts, <br />demographic changes, and rising living costs are straining the region’s ability to sustain <br />its historic growth and attract new talent. An aging population, often called the "silver <br />tsunami," is driving significant shifts in workforce needs. This growing demographic has <br />increased demand for healthcare and social services while presenting opportunities for <br />innovation in healthcare technology and service delivery. The expanding "silver economy" <br />is creating jobs and spurring adaptive business models to meet the unique needs of an <br />older population. <br /> <br />At the same time, Orange County struggles to retain and attract young professionals. <br />Rising housing costs, which now require nearly five times the median annual income of <br />U.S. households to qualify for a home, make it increasingly difficult for younger workers <br />and families to establish roots in the region.2 These challenges prompt employers to <br />reevaluate workplace strategies, emphasizing flexibility, competitive compensation, and <br />robust career development pathways to remain competitive in the labor market. <br /> <br />In addition to the growing silver economy, the county’s transition toward sustainability <br />unlocks opportunities in emerging industries such as renewable energy, clean technology, <br />and green construction. These sectors are poised to generate high-quality jobs while <br />addressing environmental challenges. California’s ambitious climate goals, including <br />achieving carbon neutrality and expanding clean energy infrastructure, drive demand for <br />skilled workers in these fields. By investing in education and training programs aligned <br />with these industries, Orange County has the potential to position itself as a leader in <br />building a greener, more sustainable economy. <br />Orange County’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity adds another layer of complexity and <br />opportunity to its economic fabric. A substantial portion of the population speaks a <br /> <br />1 Lightcast. Economic Overview Tool. Accessed December 2024. https://analyst.lightcast.io/ <br />2 California Association of Realtors. Housing Affordability Index – First Quarter 2024. Accessed January 2025. https://www.car.org/aboutus/mediacenter/newsreleases/2024- <br />News-Releases/1qtr2024hai. <br />EXHIBIT 1