Photo courtesy of Inland Empire Community News

San Bernardino County leaders recently unveiled plans for a sweeping economic revival in 2025 — centered on mining, workforce development, and tourism growth. At the county’s annual State of the County gathering, more than 1,300 community leaders and students heard how officials aim to reinvigorate local industries and strengthen pathways to opportunity.

As the county with the most active mining sites in California, San Bernardino is poised to ramp up gold extraction and rare earth production. One mine in the Mojave has reopened with ambition to produce up to $270 million in gold annually. Meanwhile, MP Materials in Mountain Pass is expanding its rare earth operations through a new public–private collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense.

But it’s not just about extracting resources. The county is doubling down on workforce training, using educational institutions to help students and job-seekers connect to skilled roles in mining, manufacturing, and technology. Local colleges are embracing programs in industrial maintenance, aviation, fabrication, and more — equipping the next generation for high-demand work across the High Desert and beyond.

Tourism also made the spotlight, with massive visitor numbers to Joshua Tree, Big Bear, and other regional draws underscoring the region’s natural assets. County supervisors emphasized that beauty, history, and adventure are central to economic growth — not just industry.

All told, this renewed push paints an optimistic future: stronger industries, better job pathways, and a High Desert that continues to grow with purpose and pride.