Keeping Track of How AI Impacts Employment

Nearing the end of his time at the helm of California, Governor Newsom is leaning into artificial intelligence policy. Early this month his administration released the AI Unemployment Tracker, a dashboard tracking how AI impacts jobs. This effort balances previous orders to encourage state adoption of the technology and reflects Bay Area Council advocacy encouraging innovation while also initiating programs to prepare users for future work impacted by AI. 

Developed by the Employment Development Department and the University of California, the Tracker provides monthly snapshots of jobs and industries impacted by artificial intelligence. The goal? Identify early signs of labor displacement and inform lawmakers as they respond with policy and regulatory ideas. Updated information will also help the state provide impacted workers with retraining, upskilling, job search assistance, health coverage guidance and financial support. Data will help replace vibes.

So, what does the data show for summer 2026? The Tracker notes that there have been no massive, statewide job losses caused by AI. But, specific sectors are feeling a pinch. College-educated workers in jobs heavily-exposed to AI, specifically in the Bay Area, are seeing increases in unemployment claims. Encouragingly, the early data does not show AI-related job losses disproportionately affecting people based on race, ethnicity, gender or age. 

Addressing an AI-ready workforce has been a critical workstream for Governor Newsom. Since taking office, the Administration has supported more than 674,000 earn-and-learn training opportunities. The state has also invested nearly $750,000 in the California Workforce Association to develop a workforce strategy that will help local workforce boards prepare workers for jobs in new tech fields. 

Supporting responsible innovation requires guarding against negative externalities, and for AI that includes possible job impacts. The Governor’s AI Tracker is a proactive measure to stay ahead of “bad news,” inform responses, and pivot accordingly. To engage in the Council’s technology and innovation policy work, please contact Senior Vice President Peter Leroe-Munoz.