The Inland Empire region, encompassing Riverside and San Bernardino counties in southern California, spans over 27,000 square miles and is home to more than 4.5 million residents. The Inland Empire is one of the fastest-growing regions in California, and Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI or AAPI) communities are an important part of that growth story. Despite this rapid growth, AAPIs remain underrepresented in critical discussions about economic opportunities, political leadership, and access to equitable resources. This report aims to highlight the urgency of investing in AAPI communities in the Inland Empire, and to amplify their voices in regional planning and policymaking.

Findings: AAPIs are deeply embedded in the Inland Empire’s local economy.  Investments in AAPI civic engagement and political representation need to be strengthened. There are growing long-term health concerns and mental health needs for AAPIs in the region. AAPI-serving organizations in the Inland Empire are subject to persistent resource gaps, perpetuating a cycle of “low capacity.”