Join us as we delve into key insights and perspectives on the economic landscape of Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties. This year's keynote address and economic outlook will be provided by Jon Haveman, followed by a panel of our esteemed County Administrative Officers. Finally, learn about the exciting regional work being done across the Central Coast of California and Monterey Bay with a regional economic development planning update through the lens of the following programs: Uplift Central Coast, Regions Rise Together, and Monterey Bay Tech Hubs.
We look forward to seeing you on May 3rd for what promises to be an enlightening and enriching event.
Tahra brings to MBEP strong skills in leadership, management, policy advocacy, and public affairs. She is experienced in diverse issue areas across multiple sectors including nonprofit management, business, and government. Her familiarity in leveraging strategic relationships, building cross-cultural and cross-sector coalitions, crafting public policy, and organizing multi-faith and grassroots communities helped her succeed and pass legislation for over a dozen policies. READ MORE...
As the 11th chancellor of the University of California at Santa Cruz, Cynthia Larive leads an institution known worldwide for its high-impact research, for seeking interdisciplinary solutions to the world’s greatest challenges, and for its commitment to social and environmental justice.Under Chancellor Larive’s leadership, UC Santa Cruz has cemented its place as preeminent research university, with research support now surpassing $210 million annually. She advanced regional economic development by establishing the Innovation and Business Engagement Hub to connect industry with the campus innovation ecosystem. READ MORE...
Jon Haveman is widely considered to be one of California’s leading experts on the economics of seaports, goods movement, and international trade policy. He is also an expert in regional economies and local economic development. Prior to joining the Marin Consulting, Dr. Haveman was the Chief Economist at the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, a founding principal at Beacon Economics, and the Director of the Economy Program at the Public Policy Institute of California. He has been a Senior Economist with the President's Council of Economic Advisers and an Economist with the Federal Trade Commission, and he has held a faculty position in the Business School at Purdue University. Dr. Haveman holds a Ph.D. and Master of Science in Economics from The University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Wisconsin. READ MORE...
Lori Kletzer, UC Santa Cruz’s chief academic officer, is responsible for all academic divisions and units of the campus. Kletzer is a labor economist. Her research has focused on the domestic labor market effects of globalization and policy responses. She has been affiliated with UC Santa Cruz since 1992, and has contributed to campus as chair of the economics department, Academic Senate chair and vice chair, vice provost and dean of graduate studies and acting/interim dean of the Division of the Arts. READ MORE...
Fathia Macauley is the Chief Lending Officer for Housing Trust, in this role she provides oversight for Housing Trust’s lending programs including multifamily, first-time homebuyer programs and new lending initiatives. Fathia has been in the field of community development finance for the past 30 years, including over 23 years of experience financing and developing redevelopment projects throughout California, ranging from affordable housing development projects to community facilities such as charter schools, community health clinics, faith-based facilities, and mixed-use development projects. READ MORE...
Sonia M. De La Rosa stepped into the CAO position in January 2023 following a long-standing career with the County of Fresno, where her hard work brought forward many improvements to services which have enhanced the lives of the residents there. She has extensive experience working with challenging issues such as homelessness, supporting victims of crime and law enforcement. The first Latina County of Monterey CAO, De La Rosa was raised in Monterey County and has maintained her roots in the community. READ MORE...
Raymond Espinosa has served as the County of San Benito County Administrative Officer (CAO) and interim CAO since November 2012. In addition to managing the affairs of the County, Mr. Espinosa serves on the Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) Operating Board, is a member of the various County of San Benito committees, including but not limited to the Fire Protection and Economic Development Advisory Committee, and is Director of Labor relations, emergency services, internal services, and technology to name a few of his roles. READ MORE...
In 2017 Carlos Palacios was named County Administrative Officer, overseeing nearly 2,500 employees and the County’s annual budget process, and is the first Latino leader in the County's 168-year history. Since that time, he has implemented the County's first Strategic Plan, two-year budgeting and continuous process improvement. He initiated bringing the Public Defender’s Office to County government which had previously been a contract with a private law firm for over 40 years. He established the Housing for Health Division to oversee and coordinate the County’s response to the homelessness crisis. READ MORE...
Terence Concannon is the CEO for Visit Santa Cruz County, leading 9 amazing professionals who work diligently to market and promote the county as a world-class tourism destination, while assisting as stewards of the environment in which we live.Terence has over 25 years of experience in hospitality and tourism in California, Arizona, and Ohio, including sales, marketing and operations for hotels, destinations, and events. He comes to Santa Cruz County after six years in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, where he led Go Lake Havasu, the city’s Destination Management Organization. Terence is also an educator and is a former faculty member at Arizona State University at Lake Havasu’s Tourism & Recreation Department. READ MORE...
Rob is an accomplished destination marketing leader, noted for his innovation, creativity and ability to successfully grow brands and evolve organizations. Above all, he is passionate about conceiving new ideas and leading teams to deliver uncommon success.
Rob brings more than 20 years of experience in marketing and strategy to his role as president and CEO of See Monterey, previously holding the position of chief marketing officer at the organization. In his time at See Monterey, he has led the rebranding of the destination, developed a first-of-its-kind sustainable tourism program called Sustainable Moments, and guided the expansion of See Monterey's Group Sales and International business development strategies. READ MORE...
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Funding 500 new affordable homes.
Resulting in 14 + new policies that are improving housing affordability
To recommend water policies that are increasing housing production
Aiming to educate about new laws, and strengthen policies and practices in Monterey County.
Resulting in 2,029 new homes
Resulting in 2,200 + new beds
