How can we reimagine a California that is more equitable and resilient, where we redress the racial and economic inequities that have made the California Dream increasingly elusive for far too many?
That question is at the center of CA FWD’s Building Equitable Economies webinar series to be held weekly on Thursdays at 11 a.m. beginning on February 11.
“This past year has made it abundantly clear that we cannot afford to go back to a state where rampant racial and economic inequities continue hindering the ability for all Californians to prosper,” said Micah Weinberg, CEO of CA FWD. “If we want to achieve different outcomes then we must collectively move solutions forward that are centered within communities and evidence, and which also balance equity, environmental sustainability and economic growth.”
The Building Equitable Economies series will bring experts together across regions and sectors for important solution-oriented conversations that will delve into critical issues from criminal justice, housing, climate resiliency to broadband access and youth engagement.
The series will feature:
- February 11, Moving California Forward: Learn how to be a part of California Forward’s movement across communities, regions and interests to improve government and create inclusive, sustainable growth for everyone. Hear about the Equitable Economies Project, how the California Dream Index provides the data to track our progress and keep us accountable, our collaborative efforts across regions and focused policy actions in the year ahead.
- February 18, Improving Justice System Interventions: In 2014, CA FWD launched the Justice System Change Initiative to help California counties transform their criminal justice systems by using data-driven practices to improve interventions and wisely use resources. Learn more about the findings from the jail utilization studies conducted in four counties (Merced, Riverside, San Bernardino and Santa Cruz) as well as best practices and lessons learned.
- February 25, Regions Build Together: If California is to achieve its full economic potential and fulfill its promise as a place of opportunity for all, the state and a broad coalition of regional stakeholders must work together to increase housing supply across income levels and support conditions that allow all residents to live affordably in communities near their jobs. This webinar will focus on a “regions up” housing agenda for the state, highlighting key initiatives with the potential to make a dent in California’s affordability crisis.
- March 4, On-The-Ground Forest Resiliency I: As the state is considering large investments in wildfire reduction and forest resiliency, on-the-ground projects with potential for landscape-scale restoration and community resilience are moving forward. Join the first of two webinars to learn more about these efforts.
- March 11, On-The-Ground Forest Resiliency II: The second part of our forest resiliency webinars to learn more about on-the-ground efforts.
- March 25, CA FWD Young Leaders: Currently, Millennials are underrepresented and Gen Zers are unrepresented in the Legislature. The state’s representation does not mirror the population and lacks valuable input from the communities it is responsible for serving. Hear from CA FWD’s Young Leaders Advisory Council on how this talented group of students and early professionals are helping move California forward.
- April 1, Broadband Funding Innovations: With one in eight families in California disconnected and nearly one million school-aged children with no internet connection, the lack of broadband access is creating additional hardships during a time when connectivity is more essential than ever. Join the first of three webinars on broadband to learn about innovative on-the-ground projects that leverage public and private investments to ensure broadband for all Californians.
- April 8, Broadband Governance Innovations: In the second broadband webinar, learn about innovative on-the-ground projects where local governments are forging new solutions to improve access for residents.
- April 15, Broadband Provider Innovations: In the final broadband webinar, learn about innovative solutions spearheaded by internet service providers to expand the digital highway and bring broadband access to all.
- April 22, Affordable Home Ownership: California’s commitment to racial justice and economic inclusion are meaningless without dramatic changes that make homeownership a possibility for marginalized racial and economic communities. This webinar provides an overview of the dramatic racial wealth gap, the consequences of that gap for home ownership and current policies that might be reformed to build more homes that are affordable by design.
- April 29, California’s Sustainable and Resilient Energy Future: California is a world leader in responding to climate change by setting goals to curb emissions and transition to less carbon-intensive energy sources. The goal is to develop a powerful strategy for collective action to address climate change and the state’s energy needs from a triple-bottom-line perspective, balancing equity, environmental sustainability and economic growth.
The series in supported in part by Wells Fargo, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, the California Emerging Technology Fund, and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.
To learn more and to register click here.
