COGCast

The One About Robots and Jobs - Part 2

In part one of this two-part segment on automation, Dr. Johannes Moenius from the University of Redlands explained what automation is and how it is projected to impact the Inland Empire. His research indicated that about 50% of jobs in the United States are susceptible to automation, for the Inland Empire 63% of jobs are susceptible to automation. On this episode of the COGCast, Dr. Johannes Moenius discusses best practices for how to prepare communities for the coming automation. 

The One About Robots and Jobs - Part 1

Forthcoming advances in robotics, automation, machine learning, and artificial intelligence could have profound impacts on the local economy affecting a variety of industries and the local workforce. Studies indicate that many of these prospective changes could happen over the next five years. With this information, a few questions arise for our local area: What is automation and how does it apply to the Inland Empire? And how do we prepare our communities for this change? To address these two questions, the COGCast welcomes Dr. Johannes Moenius for a two-part segment featuring his research on the implications of automation. 

The One About Clean Energy Financing

With almost 40 million residents, California is commonly regarded to as one of the pioneering states for energy efficiency and water conservation measures. Due to its drought-zone environment, seismic activity, and prevalent sunshine, there is a need to keep innovation and safety at the forefront of development. With the variety of improvement opportunities available to both residential and commercial property owners, the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program administered by the Western Riverside Council of Governments, helps owners finance property retrofits to become greener, more energy efficient investments.

 

Tune in for the most recent COGCast episode with Casey Dailey, the Director of Energy & Environmental Programs at the Western Riverside Council of Governments, to learn about the PACE Program!

The One About Madaffer Enterprises

Innovation continues to shift and change the world we live in.  From smart cities to autonomous vehicles, technological advancements are shifting the status quo. In this changing landscape, leaders must be mindful to understand what the coming technology is and how it can affect communities in the future. 

On this episode of the COGCast, we welcome Jim Madaffer, President of Madaffer Enterprises, to learn more about the coming technology and how it can impact our subregion. 

The One About SCAG

With 6 counties, almost 200 cities, and 19 million residents, the Southern California Association of Governments, also known as SCAG, is the largest Metropolitan Planning Organization in the nation. Acting as a catalyst for Southern California, SCAG seeks to foster innovative regional solutions that improve the quality of life for the growing population that call this area home. Through collaboration, planning, regional advocacy, and the promotion of best practices, SCAG addresses key issues that Southern Californians face everyday.

On this episode of the COGCast, we learn more about SCAG with Darin Chidsey, Interim Executive Director at SCAG.

The One About Western Riverside Energy Partnership

The Western Riverside Energy Partnership, also known as WREP, is a partnership between Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Company, WRCOG, and 15 member jurisdictions. This partnership assists WRCOG members identify and implement energy efficient projects to increase utility bill savings, while also equipping the community to carry out sustainable best practices in their homes and businesses.

 

On this episode of the COGCast, we learn about WREP and the impacts it has on the local community with Anthony Segura, Staff Analyst at WRCOG.

The One About IEEP

The Inland Empire is comprised of both San Bernardino and Riverside counties. While many people consider the Inland Empire part of the Greater Los Angeles area, the reality is that it has its own set of challenges and opportunities unique to the area. The Inland Empire Economic Partnership, also known as IEEP, works to improve the economic climate of the Inland Empire to enhance the quality of life for both the residents and businesses that live, work, and play in our fast growing region.

On this episode of the COGCast, we learn more about the IEEP alongside Paul Granillo, President and CEO of the IEEP.

The One About Young Professionals

The Western Riverside County is home to approximately 200,000 college students served by both private and public colleges and universities. Once degreed, however, many students leave the region to find work elsewhere. To address this issue, local jurisdictions are participating in a new program working to develop this young talent to become competent and confident professionals who will stay in the subregion and perhaps find a career in local government. On this episode of the COGCast, we explore a unique endeavor, the WRCOG Fellowship Program.

The One About Rats

As Western Riverside continues to grow, conservation of the areas natural resources is important in order to maintain urban and wildlife balance in our communities.  Healthy ecosystems depend on plant and animal species as their foundation. More specifically, wildlife conservation plays an important role in balancing the ecosystem. When a species becomes endangered, it is a sign that the ecosystem is failing. 

On this episode of the COGCast, we explore The Riverside County Habitat Conservation Agency (RCHCA), the agency responsible for maintaining and restoring habitat for the endangered Stephen's Kangaroo Rat alongside Princess Hester, Director of Administration for the RCHCA.

The One About Western Community Energy

The Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) has been working with local governments to develop a new program, Western Community Energy, which will provide residents and businesses a choice in the energy supply it receives, enable local control over rate setting, and offer rates competitive to Southern California Edison. These Programs, commonly called “Community Choice Aggregation” – or CCA’s -are growing in popularity throughout California. 

On this episode of the COGCast, we will explore CCA’s in more detail and are pleased to welcome Barbara Spoonhour, Deputy Executive Director of Operations for WRCOG, to the COGcast.