COGCast

As an entrepreneur and owner of two businesses in the downtown area of the City of Riverside, Councilmember Ronaldo Fierro brings a unique and dynamic perspective to the conversation surrounding regional innovation and economic recovery in light of the impact of COVID-19.

 

Tune in for the most recent COGCast episode with City of Riverside Councilmember Ronaldo Fierro today! 

 

This episode is being released in anticipation for Riverside County's Innovation Month happening April 2021!

Save the date for Riverside County's Innovation Month happening April 2021!

 

Innovation Month is a time dedicated to commemorating inventive and entrepreneurial activities in Riverside County. To share more information on the month-long event and Riverside County's overarching economic development efforts, Rob Moran, Deputy Director of Riverside County Business and Community Services, joins us on the COGCast.  

Bill Fulton has served in various roles throughout Southern California. He has been a journalist, a Mayor for the City of Ventura, a Planning Director for the City of San Diego, and has established himself as a leading advocate for smart growth. Now, in his current role as the Director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University, Bill Fulton continues his work as a thought leader.

 

On this episode of the COGCast, Bill Fulton joins the discussion to share his thoughts on California's future regarding the state's slowing population growth and the implications this could have for local municipalities.

The League of California Cities, also known as Cal Cities, is an association of California city officials who work together to enhance their knowledge and skills, exchange information, and combine resources so that they can influence policy decision that affect cities.

 

On this episode of the COGCast, Erin Sasse, Regional Public Affairs Manager for Riverside County, joins the discussion to talk about how COVID-19 has impacted the legislature and what local governments can anticipate in the year to come.

Described by the New York Times as “America’s uber-geographer,” Joel Kotkin is an internationally recognized voice on economic, political, and social trends. He is the of author numerous books, including his most recent release titled, “The Coming of Neo-Feudalism: A Warning to the Global Middle Class." Currently, Mr. Kotkin is the Presidential Fellow in Urban Futures at Chapman University in Southern California.

 

Tune in for this episode of the COGCast as we sit down with Joel Kotkin to discuss his projections for Western Riverside County and California at large.

The Inland Empire is often defined by an unfortunate regional narrative that rarely depicts the many innovative efforts undertaken and milestones achieved. How did this happen? What needs to be done in order to change the regional brand?

 

On this episode of the COGCast, we welcome Steve Lambert, Partner in the 20/20 Network, a unique public affairs and strategic communications firm that works to assist entities elevate their brand by establishing a more effective narrative. 

As a vibrant and young city in the heart of southwest Riverside County, the City of Menifee has grown exponentially since incorporation in 2008 and is recognized as one of the top 10 cities for growth in southern California with a 2.4% growth rate per year. So what is in store for the City of Menifee and how is it preparing for additional growth?

 

On this episode of the COGCast, Gina Gonzalez, Economic Development Director, and Cheryl Kitzerow, Community Development Director, will share more about the City, its initiatives, and its future.

Since the beginning of the year, wildfires have burned over 3.1 million acres in California. To put this into perspective, 2020's acres burned is 26 times higher than the acres burned in 2019 for the same time period.

 

The devastation of these disasters calls local leaders to understand the scope of the issue and what can be done to help. Tune in for the latest podcast episode featuring Council Member Matt Rahn from the City of Temecula, who also serves as the Director for California State University San Marcos’s Environmental Leadership Institute and Wildfire Program.

 

Ontario International Airport was established in 1929 and was named the fastest growing U.S. airport in 2018 and 2019. Serving 18.7 million residents in southern California, Ontario Airport plays a key role in the economic ecosystem of the Inland Empire region. Aside from its passenger travel, Ontario Airport is also heavily involved in the air cargo industry, handling over 750,000 tons in 2018.

 

On this episode of the COGCast, Ontario Aiport’s Deputy CEO, Atif Elkadi, joins us to share about how COVID-19 has impacted Ontario Airport and what the future holds for this regional economic driver.

 

Senator Scott Wiener represents California Senate District 11, which includes the Cities of San Francisco, Broadmoor, Colma, and Daly City, as well as portions of the City of South San Francisco. Elected in 2016, Senator Scott Wiener has undertaken a concerted effort to address California's housing crisis, as well as other areas including transportation, healthcare, and much more.

 

Tune in for this episode of the WRCOGCast as we sit down with Senator Scott Wiener as he shares his thoughts on housing, COVID-19, and vision for the future of California.