California is investing $25 million to support community-based organizations helping workers and businesses recover from the recent Los Angeles wildfires, Governor Gavin Newsom’s office announced Tuesday.
The funding will support 89 organizations across the state through the California Worker Outreach Project (CWOP), a program that partners with nonprofits to provide workplace safety education and labor rights information to workers in high-risk industries. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to aid fire recovery efforts and support small businesses and frontline workers involved in cleanup and rebuilding.
“Outreach work is critical in ensuring workers understand the protections available to them as they help Los Angeles recover,” the Governor’s office said in a statement.
Coordinated response across multiple agencies
The funding, administered through the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) in partnership with the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), Cal/OSHA, and the State Labor Commissioner, aims to improve awareness of health and safety measures, hazard prevention, and other legal protections for workers.
The state’s efforts go beyond safety outreach. The Employment Development Department (EDD) has offered unemployment and disability benefits, as well as Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for workers ineligible for standard programs. Thousands of businesses in the region have also received payroll tax extensions and access to the state’s Work Sharing Program.
Assistance for small businesses
More than 200 on-the-ground business advisors from California’s Small Business Support Centers are helping firms navigate disaster recovery programs, loan applications, and insurance claims. The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development has also launched a wildfire-specific resource guide through the Outsmart Disaster website.
Financial relief includes support from the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank), which offers loan guarantees up to 95% for businesses affected by the wildfires. Businesses with up to 750 employees are eligible.
Speeding up rebuilding and licensing
To aid in the physical rebuilding of homes and businesses, the Contractor State Licensing Board (CSLB) has expedited contractor licensing and promoted the use of licensed professionals. The CSLB’s Disaster Hotline and online help center have also assisted survivors navigating repairs.
State officials have warned the public about the risk of unlicensed contractors operating in disaster zones and reminded residents that contracting without a license in a disaster area is a felony under California law.
Meanwhile, licensing boards such as the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and the Board of Accountancy are waiving exam rescheduling fees and issuing replacement licenses at no cost for those lost during the fires.
Executive orders support rapid recovery
Governor Newsom has issued several executive orders to fast-track housing, waive certain regulatory requirements, and expand support for fire survivors.
The combined actions represent a coordinated statewide effort to ensure workers and businesses have the tools they need to safely and effectively recover from the wildfires.
