About the Conference

Steve PonTell (left), National CORE Chief Executive Officer and President;
Paavo Monkkonen (center), UCLA, Associate Professor of Urban Planning and Public Policy;
Christopher Thornberg (right), UCR School of Business Center for Economic Forecasting and Development Director

12^th Annual Inland Empire Economic Forecast Conference

THE GREAT RECOVERY: COULD IT BE DERAILED?
Growth, Change, and Renewal in a Post-Pandemic Economy

As the trauma of the COVID-19 recession fades in our collective rear view mirror, the economic outlook is a mix of robust business growth and new challenges – some of which are still unfolding in unexpected ways.

On the backend of one of the most unusual business cycles in U.S. history, what’s changed and what hasn’t?
Many parts of the economy have already returned to their pre-pandemic levels, even surpassing them. Will the next year bring a slower climb for the U.S., California, and the Inland Empire?
Why are labor shortages so widespread? What does it mean for workers? For employers? And how long will it last?
How should state and federal resources be allocated to support sectors that continue to struggle? What’s behind the uneven recovery?
Is persistent inflation in our future? What’s the Fed’s best next move?
The Inland Empire is a major league region with minor league downtowns. Can local jurisdictions jumpstart a downtown renaissance?

Join some of the nation’s leading economists as they help decipher the gains and pitfalls of the coming year.