North Valley Thrive

Yesterday's Placemaking 101 session at UC Merced on Main was everything — a packed room, national experts, and real talk about what it takes to make great places work in our region.

If you missed it, don't let it happen again.

The Placemaker Lab Series has more sessions on the way, and each one is free and built for the doers, dreamers, and decision-makers shaping Stanislaus, Merced, and San Joaquin Counties.

📍 Register for upcoming events at www.opportunitymerced.org
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🌟 National experts. Local impact. Zero cost.
The Placemaker Lab is coming to the North Valley — and it's free.
On April 15, six nationally recognized leaders in urban design, economic development, and destination strategy will gather in Merced to tackle one big question: What does it really take to make great places?
Whether you're a planner, artist, developer, or simply someone who cares about your community — this is your seat at the table.

📅 Wed., April 15 | 9 AM – 4 PM
📍 UC Merced on Main, Merced, CA
🎟️ Free & Open to the Public

Space is limited — register now at: https://www.opportunitymerced.org/

Yesterday, leaders from across the North San Joaquin Valley (NSJV) gathered at the University of the Pacific for the Translation Destination Forum: a powerful conversation about the future of the region and its role in California’s economic landscape.

The NSJV is increasingly recognized not just for its potential, but for its capacity to translate ideas, innovation and technology into real‑world impact. The question before us is no longer whether the region can play a larger role, but how we do it intentionally, inclusively and at scale. 🚀

Hosted by North Valley THRIVE, the forum introduced and advanced the Translation Destination framework, a place‑based approach to economic development focused on better aligning:

🏛️Institutions
⚙️Production systems
👥Workforce pathways
🏗️Infrastructure
💼Markets

Throughout the day, regional leaders, practitioners and partners explored what it takes to move ideas from concept to use through keynote conversations, global perspectives and hands‑on design sessions. 💡

Thank you to our speakers, partners and attendees for contributing your insights, experience and energy. The work continues, and yesterday was an important step forward.

Stay tuned as we build on this momentum and continue shaping the North San Joaquin Valley as a Translation Destination: https://northvalleythrive.org/

We’re excited to spotlight SkillRISE at UC Merced Division of Professional and Continuing Education, a North Valley THRIVE Catalyst Fund awardee, and their new program designed to upskill the Northern San Joaquin Valley workforce for the future.

SkillRISE is a collaborative educational initiative focused on empowering both new and incumbent workers in advanced manufacturing and solar/renewable energy. Through hands-on training, industry partnerships and flexible learning pathways, SkillRise is preparing diverse learners for in-demand jobs.

Regional employees and employers can now access FREE training in:

📋 Project Management (CAPM/PMP)
☀️ Solar Operations and Asset Management
⚙️ Additive Manufacturing

Participants benefit from work-based learning projects, earn stipends and gain real-world experience through partnerships with local employers. This approach not only supports upward mobility for individuals but also strengthens our region’s competitiveness in global markets.

At North Valley THRIVE, we believe that education is central to economic growth. By supporting programs like SkillRISE, we’re investing in a stronger, more resilient future for all.

Learn more and apply today: https://pace.ucmerced.edu/programs/skillrise