-POLICY/FINANCE-
Financing the Future & Catalyzing the Green Infrastructure Project Pipeline
In order for cities, regions, and states to compensate for decades of deferred maintenance and disinvestment and ‘build back better,’ they must reimagine traditional economic development models to access broad array of financial solutions and capital markets, as well as establish, monetize, and catalyze project pipelines and deal flow. To accelerate infrastructure development leaders will need establish a collaborative policy framework to accelerate project delivery, increase investment, and meet local community development goals. During this session we will offer potential solutions and actions to the following questions and challenges: How do leaders access and widen the capital pool and modernize infrastructure investment models? How can state and local leaders structure governance frameworks that better align with federal financing tools and incentives?
Welcome & Introduction: David Abel, Chair, VerdeXchange
Opening Remarks: Darrell Steinberg, Mayor, City of Sacramento
10:10 AM Rethinking Economic Development & Fixing California’s Financing Gap
Moderator:
Matt Horton, Director, Center for Regional Economics, Milken Institute
Panel:
Fiona Ma, State Treasurer, State of California
Sen. Bob Hertzberg, Senate Majority Leader, CA State Senate
10:40 Catalyzing the Project Pipeline with Smart Capital & Innovative Finance Tools
Moderator: David Abel, Chairman, VerdeXchange
Panel:
Steve Westly, Founder & Managing Director, The Westly Group
11:10 Governance Frameworks for Multibenefit Infrastructure & Maximizing Outcomes
Moderator: Cecilia Estolano, CEO, Better World Group, CEO & Founder, Estolano Advisors
Panel:
Michael Mendez, Asst. Professor, UC Irvine, Appointee, LA Regional Water Quality Board
Harout Chitilian, Vice-President of Corporate affairs, Development and Strategy, CDPQ Infra
Ann Rogan, Director, Edge Collaborative, Fmr. Sr. Advisor for Economic Innovation, City of Stockton