COGCast

The future is rarely a clear picture. It is often ambiguous and difficult to plan for. Yet, understanding the future is essential and can help strategically orient an organization for long-term success. So what does the future hold for Western Riverside County? And how can governments prepare and strategically plan for future innovation and change? 

 

Tune in for this COGcast episode featuring Futurist, Mark Cofano. Additionally, for more information on the Inland Empire Innovation Week, follow this link: https://inlandempire.innovationweeks.com/tracks/innovation-in-government

At its root, public engagement seeks to better involve the community in policy decisions to achieve long-term and sustainable outcomes, processes, relationships, discourse, decision-making, or implementation. However, these engagement efforts can be exceedingly difficult due to a variety of factors including a shift in communication and skepticism of government. So what does effective public engagement look like?

On this episode of the COGCast, Ashely Labosier, Executive Director at the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement at Pepperdine University shares her insight on this relevant topic.

California is commonly regarded as one of the pioneering states for energy efficiency measures across the nation. Yet, while alternative and natural energy sources grow in popularity, cost remains a major barrier for many. Working to address this issue, GRID Alternatives is the nation’s largest, community-based, nonprofit solar installer that makes renewable energy technology and job training accessible to underserved communities.

 

GRID's impact has been significant, saving homeowners over $56 million in lifetime electricity costs. Additionally, over 2,700 people have received free hands-on job training to pursue careers in the solar industry.

 

On this episode of the COGCast, Lisa Castilone, Community Development and Tribal Manager, and Kari H’Orvath, Outreach Manager at GRID Alternatives, share how GRID is changing the lives of many across Western Riverside County and beyond. 

As it continues to be one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, the Inland Empire faces a variety of challenges common to urbanizing regions.  These include including traffic, pollution, adequate and affordable housing, and economic development. Although the region has seen a surge in employment, a recent study conducted by the University of Redlands indicates that the Inland Empire is particularly vulnerable to the automation of a large number of existing jobs. The study concludes that our region is the 4th most vulnerable metro in the nation to automation, with nearly 63% of all current jobs susceptible to automation over the next 20 years.

 

How should we respond to this news? Can we get ahead of the trends? Are there strategies to approach these challenges? On this episode of the COGCast, entrepreneur Fred Walti, President and CEO at The Network for Global Innovation, shares his insight on how the Inland Empire can best position itself for the future. 

The Riverside County Transportation Commission, also known as RCTC, is the hub for transportation solutions that connect Riverside County as a whole. RCTC is governed by local elected officials representing all of the jurisdictions in Riverside County, and is staffed by a team of public servants that work to connect the County’s vast region by enhancing roads, bridges, sidewalks, express lanes, and more.

 

On this episode of the COGCast, Supervisor Chuck Washington, Chairman of RCTC and Anne Mayer, RCTC's Executive Director, share their insight on how the Agency is responding to the County's growth and transportation needs.

There are many college students who call Western Riverside County home. To add to this, the City of Riverside is a top city millennials are moving to (as noted by Time Magazine).

 

With a variety of universities and community colleges, and the general influx of young professionals moving, living, and working in the subregion, how do we create a place of growth for young professionals to encourage their investment in the subregion throughout their career? How can young professionals leverage their skills and abilities as they transition from higher education to the workforce?

 

On this episode of the COGCast, Mike Bishop, Director of the Career Center at California Baptist University shares his insight on the topic.

Workforce development grows a region’s economic stability by training workers for future, meaningful employment opportunities. This in turn boosts the quality of life throughout a city and the larger subregion. The City of Perris, California has recently announced plans to create the Perris Downtown Skills Training and Job Placement Center, also known as the Skills Center, in the heart of their downtown area. 

 

On this episode of the COGCast, we are pleased to welcome Dr. Grace Williams, Economic Development Director at the City of Perris who is leading the charge in this endeavor.

Homelessness continues to be a rising issue in Southern California creating public health, public safety, and humanitarian complications. It’s multifaceted and systemic nature can be overwhelming. So how can local agencies address homelessness in Western Riverside County? How have others addressed this issue before?

 

Tune into this episode of the COGCast as we welcome Kris Murray, former Councilmember from the City of Anaheim, who played an instrumental role in addressing homelessness in Anaheim.

Active transportation utilizes non-motorized transportation modes, like walking, biking, and horseback riding that promote overall wellness, health, and safety throughout communities.

 

In an effort to help support active transportation initiatives in our subregion, WRCOG hired a project team led by consultant Fehr and Peers to create The Western Riverside County Active Transportation Plan, also known as ATP. This document aims to improve access to non-motorized transportation options within the subregion.

 

Tune into this episode of the COGCast, to learn about active transportation and the bright future it has in Western Riverside County with Miguel Nunez, Senior Associate at Fehr and Peers. 

Local jurisdictions alongside WRCOG and other partners have developed the Solid Waste Cooperative, which is intended to help Western Riverside County reach State mandated goals for recycling waste and extending landfill life. The Solid Waste Cooperative also works to instill stewardship values and empower the local community to recycle through education and community outreach. Tune into the most recent COGCast episode with Kyle Rodriguez, staff analyst at WRCOG, to learn more about the Solid Waste Cooperative.