One way to ensure that historically marginalized communities benefit from economic growth is to utilize a pipeline approach, creating clear pathways for youth to complete high school and then advance to higher education, technical training programs, or entrepreneurship. Adults who are unemployed, underemployed, or do work that is becoming obsolete also need similar pathways or pipelines and additional support post-employment to address challenges and grow professionally—both of which increase employee retention.

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As the third largest employer in Santa Clara County and the administrator of numerous resources related to self-sufficiency, the County of Santa Clara is uniquely positioned to model innovative career development approaches in its own recruitment, hiring, and retention practices. By coordinating across departments, the County can maximize sustainability co-benefits: helping residents develop the skills and networks to become self-sufficient, increasing the numbers and diversity of job applicants and hires, and increasing the satisfaction and motivation for employees. The County can achieve additional environmental and social benefits when supporting job readiness for green jobs and other socially beneficial work, and by leveraging its relationships with County contractors/vendors and small and minority owned businesses to expand career pipelines and business enterprises.