Here is an announcement related to Pilot Areas for the New Employment Credit (NEC) that began in 2014. The pilot areas expired December 31, 2017.
The New Employment Credit (NEC) is a hiring credit for businesses that operate in areas of the state with the highest unemployment and poverty. These areas are known as the Designated Geographic Area (DGA). Pilot areas are areas within the DGA. Businesses operating in pilot areas have the added benefit of lower qualified wages for purposes of computing the NEC. Qualified wages are those above 150 percent of the current minimum wage, which is presently $12 per hour. In pilot areas, qualified wages are those above $10 per hour.
Governor Brown recently announced the designation of three pilot areas. The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) designated the pilot areas of Fresno, Merced, and Riverside. These pilot areas are in effect until December 31, 2017, and may be extended by GO-Biz for an additional three-calendar years.
From: https://www.ftb.ca.gov/Archive/professionals/taxnews/2014/May/01.shtml
Here is a 2018 FAQ on the New Employer Credit:
https://www.ftb.ca.gov/online/New_Employment_Credit_Reservation/FAQs.shtml
