A REGION AT IT'S TIP-ING POINT

Dr. Wallace Walrod​

is Managing Partner of TCCG Tech Coast Consulting Group LLC, a management consulting, strategic planning, and economic research firm based in Orange County that serves corporate, government, foundations, and non-profit clients. Dr. Walrod is a leading voice on economics, housing, labor markets, business climate, economic development, workforce development, and a variety of economic and public policy research and data analytics topics of interest in the Southern California region, and statewide. His work includes designing innovative research, strategy, and policy solutions for the private sector and government. He is Chief Economic Advisor to both the Southern California Association of Governments and Orange County Business Council.

Matt Horton​

is a director at the Milken Institute's Center for Regional Economics and California Center. In this capacity, he interacts with government officials, business leaders, and other key stakeholders in directing statewide programming and policy initiatives. Horton's programmatic work identifies a variety of financial tools, public policies, and collaborative models that leaders can deploy to increase investments in education, community development, housing, human capital, and place-based economic development. Previously, Horton worked for the Southern California Association of Governments, the nation's largest metropolitan planning organization. There, Horton served as the primary point of contact for external and government affairs, coordinating regional policy development with elected officials as well as sub regional, state, and federal stakeholders. In this role, he developed plans with leaders across Southern California to address growth, build resiliency, and improve quality of life.