Thursday, October 21, 2010
Bay Area’s jobs, the economy and sustainability were the focus of elected officials and civic leaders attending the Association of Bay Area Governments’ (ABAG) General Assembly at the San Jose Hilton. ABAG President and Union City Mayor Mark Green convened this timely discussion with San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed welcoming attendees with remarks about San Jose’s sustainability efforts.
Conference keynote speakers included Jon Haveman, Founding Principal of Beacon Economics, and Jean Ross, Executive Director, California Budget Project. Dr. Haveman is considered one of California’s leading experts on regional economies and local economic development. Jean Ross is an acclaimed expert on the budget, workforce, and other fiscal and economic policy issues.
A panel of elected officials and business leaders, including Redwood City Councilmember Rosanne Foust, President and CEO, SAMCEDA; Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia; San Jose Councilmember Sam Liccardo; and Russell Hancock, President and CEO, Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network, critically examined sustainable development and the challenges of balancing jobs and housing for cities, counties, and business. Moderator Santa Clara County Supervisor and ABAG Past President Dave Cortese facilitated the panelist and attendee discussion of these sustainability and economic challenges.