San Bernardino County — San Bernardino County leaders gathered last Thursday evening to present a comprehensive vision for the region’s future during the 2025 State of the County event, where the theme “Building a Stronger Tomorrow” underscored plans to strengthen the workforce, expand infrastructure and foster innovation.
The event, which drew civic leaders, business representatives and residents, highlighted key sectors driving the county’s growth suchas workforce development, manufacturing, technology, tourism and mining.
Fontana City Council Member John Roberts said before the program that he was eager to hear how county leadership would continue partnering with local cities.
“We’ve been very blessed with Supervisor [Jesse] Armendarez, who has partnered with us on many projects, especially in the area of homelessness,” Roberts said. “They’re just good partners, and we look forward to continually working together for the betterment ofour citizens and the people we represent.”
Ontario resident Lionel A. Newman Thomas said he hoped the county would focus on solutions to homelessness, housing and infrastructure.
“I’m excited to hear about the future of the county, how they’re going to decide on the new improvements like the train, the BNSF,the housing solutions [and] what they’re going to do about our homeless problems,” he said.
Fifth District Supervisor and Vice Chairman Joe Baca Jr. emphasized workforce development as a foundation for the county’s future.
“One of San Bernardino County’s enviable assets is a strong, skilled workforce population that numbers over one million strong toensure that the county remains a highly sought-after location for business growth and investment,” Baca said.
He pointed to the newly opened Applied Technology Building at San Bernardino Valley College as a centerpiece of this effort.
The 114,000-square-foot facility features 50 classrooms and hands-on training spaces serving nearly 3,000 students, faculty and staff.
Programs range from automotive repair and diesel truck technology to water supply management, providing students with skills that meet the needs of local industries.
“These programs don’t just prepare students for today’s jobs, they create a pathway to financially rewarding and stable careers inSan Bernardino County and beyond,” Baca said.
In a statement after the event, Baca added, “The theme ‘Building a Stronger Tomorrow’ reflects our commitment to strengthening our workforce to meet tomorrow’s opportunities. These projects not only prepare our students for future careers but also strengthen the pipeline of talent that will drive our region forward.”
Baca also highlighted broader community investments, including affordable housing at Pacific Village and Arrowhead Grove, and major infrastructure projects such as the Glen Helen Parkway Bridge.
“These investments are about more than construction — they reflect our vision of building a stronger San Bernardino County, where people live, thrive, and grow,” he stated.
Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez highlighted manufacturing, which he called a vital economic driver.
“Manufacturers are powerful economic drivers accounting for more than 2,000 firms. These firms grow and hire right here in San Bernardino County,” Armendarez said.
Local companies like Crown Technical Systems and CraftPow were showcased for their innovation.
Sorenson Engineering, founded in 1956, now employs nearly 600 people and partners with local schools to offer apprenticeships in advanced manufacturing.
Pharmaceutical firm Amphastar, headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga, announced plans to quadruple its production capacity with a 220,000-square-foot expansion.
“We’re looking, with this expansion, to add hundreds of new jobs within the next three to four years,” said Dan Dishner, Amphastar’sSenior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Human Resources.
Dishner said the expansion reflects a vision to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign manufacturing.
“Ten years ago, the pharmaceutical industry made about 60 percent of pharmaceuticals in the United States. In just 10 years, we’re down to about 25 percent,” he said.
Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman highlighted the county’s emerging technology sector, praising companies like Claremont BioSolutions, which develops compact tools for disease detection and molecular diagnostics, and ZM Trucks, a maker of zero-emission commercial vehicles.
Hagman said these industries are diversifying the local economy.
“Entrepreneurial tech businesses in San Bernardino County are changing the world,” he said.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems was also featured for its work on unmanned aircraft that support U.S. military operations.
The company partners with local colleges and high schools to prepare students for aviation careers.
Ontario International Airport CEO Atif Elkadi detailed the airport’s recent growth, reporting a 70 percent increase in passenger traffic since the airport returned to local control in 2016.
“Our mission is to boldly connect the Inland Empire to the world,” Elkadi said. Elkadi also celebrated a milestone in customer service.
“J.D. Power just released and announced today that out of all of the medium hub airports in the country, we’re number two when it comes to customer satisfaction,” he said.
A video presentation from First District Supervisor Paul Cook highlighted the county’s leadership in mining, including rare earth production at Mountain Pass Mine, which produces over 10 percent of the global supply.
“Our county’s diverse mining industry is both an important and valued sector for our regional economy while also providing a highlycompetitive resource advantage to our nation,” Cook said in the video.
Hagman also celebrated San Bernardino County’s tourism and cultural assets.
Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, Oak Glen Preserve and Lake Gregory were highlighted as destinations drawing millions of visitors each year.
Crestline’s Goodwin & Sons Market was recognized for its rapid recovery after a roof collapse during 2023’s record snowstorms.
The market reopened in just 14 months, providing essential services and jobs to the community. As the evening concluded, leaders encouraged collaboration to ensure sustainable growth.
