Riverside is thriving, and business is booming! At the forefront of the clean and green technology revolution, Riverside is no longer just part of the conversation—we are leading it. This success is no accident. Through strategic planning, collaboration, and forward-thinking investments, Riverside is a magnet for groundbreaking companies and transformative opportunities.
In 2021, the California Air Resource Board (CARB) opened its headquarters right here in Riverside. This critical development positioned Riverside as an economic powerhouse and global leader in the clean and green technology space. With this relocation came the promise of quality jobs and attention from companies eager to connect with the CARB facility. These promises have become a reality; green technology companies continue to make Riverside their home, creating a dynamic and sustainable economic ecosystem.
Beyond CARB, we are supported by our world class educational institutions, such as UC Riverside (UCR), which provides research and workforce to power to our local economy.
One shining example of our ecosystem at work is Ohmio, a cutting-edge green technology company that is relocating its global headquarters to Riverside. Ohmio is the first all-electric autonomous shuttle manufactured entirely in the United States. Three shuttles purchased by the city will be operated, staffed, and maintained by Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) during a two-year trial period, representing a multi-sector collaboration that marks a transformational shift in our existing transit system. Be on the lookout for these shuttles and take a ride!
But Ohmio isn’t the only exciting company coming to Riverside. We will also be bringing Voltu Motors to the neighborhood. Voltu Motors is a groundbreaking company specializing in the first-of-its-kind electric-powered, medium-duty trucks. Given that 100% of all new vehicles purchased by state and local government city fleets will be zero emission by 2027, our newest business is poised to meet this increasing demand. Voltu has worked for two years establishing relationships with UC Riverside’s brightest engineering students and researchers, many of whom are working on cutting-edge projects in areas like battery technology, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. Already recognized as the “greenest fleet” in the country by the NAFA Fleet Management Association, the City of Riverside is taking its sustainability goals even further with the launch of Voltu Motors.
Opportunities for innovation continue. Hyundai Rotem Tech is also set to open a new manufacturing plant right here in Riverside as they focus on producing hydrogen-powered trains, a development that will bridge even more gaps in the Southern California transit system. Stay tuned for more details about this exciting endeavor as Riverside continues to build a future driven by innovation, collaboration, and progress.
This is just the beginning. Riverside’s trajectory is brighter than ever, and the coming year holds even more opportunities for success.
I invite all of you to learn more about these developments and join the conversation at the upcoming State of the City Address on January 30th. This event will provide a look at Riverside’s accomplishments, goals, and plans for the future.
"The recent decision in the Supreme Court Grants Pass case will enhance our city’s efforts as an additional tool in our arsenal to navigate and mitigate the complex issue of homelessness."
