Wednesday March 25, 2020
10:00am-6:00pm, Gardenia Foyer
(All Board Meetings are Open to the Public)
The California Economic Development Authority Board Meeting
10:30am-11:00am, Carr
The California Association for Local Economic Development Board Meeting
11:00am-1:00pm, Carr
Lunch will be available for CALED Board Members and Guests
The California Academy for Economic Development Board Meeting
1:00pm-1:30pm, Carr
2:00pm – 5:00pm, meet in the Sheraton lobby at 1:50pm
(Advanced Registration is Required)
Don’t miss this exciting chance to learn about local economic development projects happening in the Cities of Sacramento and West Sacramento with financing tools your community may be able to benefit from.
First, the team from Sacramento will share their secrets to success for key sites in the downtown, including the complex redevelopment of the Sacramento Railyards as the City prepares to be the home of a newly-approved Major League Soccer team. Next, the West Sacramento team will highlight pending riverfront developments and their work creating IFD’s, the State’s first EIFD, and how these tools are transforming their riverfront as well as the city’s skyline.
Speakers:
- Richard Rich, Principal Project Manager, City of Sacramento
- Ellen Sullivan, Project Manager, City of Sacramento
- Marco Gonzalez, Project Manager, City of Sacramento
- Katy Jacobson, Director of Economic Development, City of West Sacramento
- Aaron Laurel, City Manager, City of West Sacramento
- Diane Richards, Economic Development Manager, City of West Sacramento
Thank you to our Hosts, the Cities of Sacramento and West Sacramento.
5:30pm-6:30pm, Morgan’s Restaurant, Sheraton Grand
Start the 40th Annual CALED conference off right by celebrating and connecting with your peers at the Welcome Reception. This is a great opportunity to network and figure out which sessions you are going to attend. And don’t forget to stop by the ‘Rural Re-Connect’ area to chat with your economic development colleagues making a difference in rural communities!
Thank You to our Welcome Reception Sponsor, RSG, Inc. 
Thursday March 26, 2020
7:30am-5:30pm, Gardenia Foyer
8:00am-9:15am, Magnolia/Camellia
Grab your breakfast and join us for an in-depth look at how two cities in the Sacramento region are working to ensure economic development success for all of their residents. CALED Conference Co-Chair, Michael Jasso will moderate a spirited conversation between Sacramento Mayor Steinberg and West Sacramento Mayor Cabaldon. You do not want to miss this engaging session to hear what these two cities are up to.
Speakers:
- Aaron Laurel, CALED Chair, City Manager, City of West Sacramento
- Scott Powell, Chairman and CEO, Superior Aviation Company
- Mayor Christopher Cabaldon, City of West Sacramento
- Mayor Darrell Steinberg, City of Sacramento
Moderator:
- Michael Jasso, CALED Conference Co-Chair, Assistant City Manager, City of Sacramento
Kick Start Your International Trade and Investment Program
9:30am – 10:30am, Beavis
Learn how international trade and foreign direct investment can play a vital role in your community’s economy and the resources available for your companies to export products to other countries. Federal and state experts will address how trade and investment are major parts of our economic engine that broadly benefit businesses, communities, consumers, and state government. This session will discuss the ways that communities can take the first step into developing a foreign direct investment strategy and supporting international trade.
Speakers:
- Seth Isenberg, Senior International Investment Specialist, SelectUSA, U.S. Department of Commerce
- George Tastard, Director, U.S. Commercial Service Sacramento, U.S. Department of Commerce
- Emily Desai, California Trade and Investment Representative – Europe, MEA, India, Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development
Moderator:
- Fred Glickman, President, North America, PM&P US LLC
New Strategies for Retaining Independently Owned Small Businesses amidst a Challenging Environment
9:30am – 10:30am, Bondi
How can jurisdictions and organizations identify a need with local small businesses, find appropriate solutions, and create and implement programs that help facilitate their future success? Gain knowledge about how cooperative conversion, individual development planning, and other strategies help small businesses at risk of displacement or closure.
Speakers:
- Jordan Klein, Economic Development Manager, City of Berkeley
- Alison Lingane, Co-Founder, Project Equity
- Rani Langer-Croager, Co-Founder, Uptima Business Bootcamp
- Gil Gonzales, Director of Strategic Development, California Manufacturing Technology Consulting
Thank you to our Lead & Succeed Sponsor, the California Academy for Economic Development 
PACE as an Economic Development Finance Alternative
9:30am – 10:30am, Tofanelli
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing has become the premier development mechanism to advance clean energy objectives. PACE has long been utilized to fund renewable and energy efficiency measures on existing buildings that are being upgraded. Now, PACE is playing a significant role in the capital stack for new construction projects in Opportunity Zones and beyond. Learn how to use PACE financing among your tools to attract new business or retain existing ones with this additional source of investment capital. Plus, PACE projects can support your city’s Climate Action Plan and California’s new Zero Net Energy mandate. Join us to learn more about this dynamic and evolving financing.
Speakers:
- Peter Grabell, Senior Vice President PACE, Dividend Finance
- John Wood, CEO, Sunfolio, LLC
Assets Posing as Liabilities?
9:30am – 10:30am, Bataglieri
Got dated retail corridors and malls, property incongruously zoned relative to market conditions, surplus land, vacant properties in your community? Need ideas on how to deal with them? Come learn to make the most of your assets. This fast-paced session will feature retail and land use trends, case studies of blended uses, and identify potential economic development and financing tools. It’s time to think outside the box!
Speakers:
- Corey Costelloe, Economic Development Coordinator, City of Tehachapi
- Ignacio Dayrit, Director of Programs, Center for Creative Land Recycling
- Ken K. Hira, President, Kosmont Companies
Supporting Businesses in Proactive Accessibility Compliance
11:00am – 12:00pm, Beavis
Economic developers are in a unique position to assist businesses with proactive access compliance. Learn five key steps that all businesses should take to protect against costly accessibility lawsuits and be more welcoming to people with disabilities. Understand how some jurisdictions are leveraging Disability Access & Education Funds (SB1186/AB1379) to support businesses with ADA compliance. Take away tips for educating businesses on accessibility requirements and reducing lawsuit risk.
Speakers:
- Rhea Agunaldo, Assistant Project Manager, Business Case Manager Office of Small Business, City and County of San Francisco
- Angela G. Jemmott, Executive Director, California Commission on Disability Access
- Shannon M. Mulhall, NIC, ADAC, CASp, Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator, City of Fresno
Enhance Your Retention Strategy & Skills
11:00am – 12:00pm, Bondi
Soft skills are vital to successful business visits and can help build trust among the business community and your organization. Learn important skills which can ultimately assist with your community’s retention and expansion efforts.
Speakers:
- Ernesto Lucero, Economic Development Coordinator, City of South San Francisco, Economic & Community Development Department
- Valerie Mamone, Development Project Manager, Office of Innovation and Economic Development, City of Sacramento
- Curtis Williamson, Economic Development Specialist, Fresno County EDC
Thank you to our Lead & Succeed Sponsor, the California Academy for Economic Development
Growing and Feeding Your Economy: Supporting Agriculture and Food Businesses
11:00am – 12:00pm, Tofanelli
Emerging trends in the food industry and dynamics related to feeding the growing population present unique opportunities for local economies. Come learn about a range of topics addressed in economic development strategies focused on supporting food and agriculture businesses from incubators and maker spaces to research and development facilities, to indoor and field production.
Speakers:
- Carol Lauffer, Principal, Business Cluster Development
- Dawn Meader McCausland, Consultant, Fruition Planning & Management
- Ryan Sharp, CEcD, Associate Director for Economic Engagement, UC Davis
Implementing the EIFD: Success Stories and Lessons Learned
11:00am – 12:00pm, Bataglieri
An underutilized, though much discussed tool, several jurisdictions have taken the plunge and adopted Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts. Learn from these experts and practitioners in an interactive panel discussion – what actually makes an EIFD work, what policies guide decision-making, and how can these mechanisms be layered and combined with other financing approaches to achieve desired economic development outcomes?
Speakers:
- Damien Arrula, City Administrator, City of Placentia
- Joseph Dieguez, Senior Vice President, Kosmont Companies
- Eileen Gallagher, Managing Director, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated
- Jamie Gomes, Managing Principal, Economic & Planning Systems
- Sheri Smith, Special Districts Manager, City of Sacramento
Moderator:
- Ellen Martin, Principal, Economic & Planning Systems
12:15pm-1:45pm, Magnolia/Camellia
(Doors open and food service begins at 12:15pm; program begins at 12:30pm; lunch included with conference registration)
Join us in congratulating CALED’s Award of Excellence winners, as we celebrate their successes as well as share some of our own. After a warm welcome from our lunch sponsor, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, CALED CEO Gurbax Sahota will provide an update to the membership on how we’ve been working to support your efforts. The report will include a special presentation by Academy Chair Bruce Kern as we introduce the inaugural Accredited California Economic Developer (ACE) recipients.
Additionally, our conference partner, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) will provide an update on their progress. This is a great opportunity to learn about their activities and see how you can leverage those to benefit your community. And, of course, we will close by recognizing the Award of Excellence recipients.
A word from our sponsor:
- Erik Krause, Director of Retail Product Development Services, Sacramento Municipal Utility District
Moderator:
- Mather Kearney, CALED Conference Co-Chair, Economic Development Coordinator, Economic Development & Partnerships, Sacramento Municipal Utility District
Speakers:
- Bruce Kern, Chair, California Academy for Economic Development
- Lenny Mendonca, Director, Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development
- Gurbax Sahota, President & CEO, CALED
Masters of Ceremony:
- Steve Dukett, Managing Partner, Urban Futures, Inc.
- Mario Giuliani, Economic Development Manager, City of Benicia
Thank You to our Celebrating Success Luncheon Sponsor, SMUD 
What to do When Your Retail Recruitment Efforts Are “Stuck”
2:15pm – 3:45pm, Beavis
Regardless of your city’s population size, retail recruitment can be a challenging process. This session will address practical steps you can take to troubleshoot your community’s development strategy and stay on track. Communities from various regions will provide inspiration for you to lead your community to reach its economic development goals.
Speakers:
- Chris Briggs, Senior Vice President, Buxton
- Jessica Gonzales, Economic Development Manager, City of Anaheim
- Lisa Hill-McCay, Senior Vice President, Buxton
- Jason Ridenour, Economic Development & Housing Manager, City of Porterville
Triple Bottom Line Economic Development
2:15pm – 3:45pm, Bondi
What is the Triple Bottom Line? Learn about this approach and how it differs from traditional economic development. Examples of economic development initiatives and projects that have reflected the triple bottom line principles and performance measures of financial, social, and environmental outcomes will be provided in this session.
Speakers:
- Meg Arnold, Interim CEO, Valley Vision
- Oscar Chavez, Assistant Director, Sonoma County Human Services Department
- Ismael Herrera, Director of Regional Stewardship, California Forward
- Bruce Stenslie, President & CEO, Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura County
Thank you to our Lead & Succeed Sponsor, the California Academy for Economic Development
Enhance Your Economy with Regional Industry Clusters
2:15pm – 3:45pm, Tofanelli
Industry clusters are a pivotal piece in economic development planning that helps a community shape its economy and future workforce. Greater Sacramento Economic Council’s California Mobility Center & Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation’s Bioscience industry are prodigious examples of regional partnerships between multiple entities to improve the local economy through industry cluster development. Learn from regional representatives how they collaborated with stakeholder partners and identified, analyzed, and implemented their industry’s cluster strategy.
Speakers:
- Carolyn Hull, General Manager of the Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD), City of Los Angeles
- Scott Powell, Senior Vice President, Business Development and Market Analytics, Greater Sacramento Economic Council
Walking Session—R Street Corridor Tour
2:05pm – 4:00pm, Meet in Sheraton Hotel Lobby at 2:00pm; Return to Sheraton Hotel Lobby at 4:00pm
(Advanced Registration is Required)
This session will require up to two and a half miles of walking in midtown/downtown Sacramento; please wear appropriate footwear and bring water if needed
Join us on a walking tour of the vibrant R Street Corridor. With brick buildings, landmarks, and street elements that reflect the former rail-based business activity that existed for over century, R Street’s historic structures are now home to some of the best dining, cocktails, entertainment, art and design that Sacramento has to offer. Attendees will see where R Street began and learn how CADA and the City of Sacramento have made this district a celebration of Sacramento’s past while looking to the future.
Speakers:
- Todd Leon, Development Director, Capitol Area Development Authority (CADA)
- Denise Malvetti, Senior Development Project Manager, City of Sacramento
- Bay Miry, Principal, Miry Development
4:00pm-5:30pm, Gardenia
Take some time to meet our generous sponsors. This is also a great opportunity to fill out your Sponsor Bingo card for a chance to win a 2021 CALED Conference Registration.
6:00pm start, Magnolia
(Separate Registration is Required)
Cocktail Attire Requested
CALED’s 40 year anniversary also marks 40 years of economic development success for California practitioners. This fun-filled evening will include opportunities to celebrate the past as well as create new memories. Special guest speakers will help us recognize this moment as we announce the 40 people/organizations that helped CALED reach this milestone. This is a rare event, connecting our founders to the next generation of economic development leaders. We hope you can be there!
Friday, March 27, 2020
6:30am, Meet and leave from the lobby of the Sheraton Hotel.
(Separate Registration Required)
Make sure you “get it done” first thing in the morning by joining us on a 3-mile walk/jog/run in downtown Sacramento!
Thank You to our Fun Run Sponsor, Xenco Medical 
7:30am-8:00am, Compagno
Grab your breakfast and join CALED President & CEO Gurbax Sahota for an informal conversation about how CALED is working for you and share how we can serve you better.
7:30am-2:30pm, Gardenia Foyer
8:15am – 8.45am, Magnolia/Camellia
Join CALED’s Legislative Action Committee Chair, Bob Burris, and California Business Properties Association’s Senior VP of Governmental Affairs, Matthew Hargrove, as they give a legislative update on CALED’s advocacy efforts and how they impact your economic development work.
Speakers:
- Robert Burris, Chair, CALED Legislative Action Committee, President & CEO, Solano EDC
- Matthew Hargrove, Senior Vice President of Governmental Affairs, California Business Properties Association
Opportunity Zones – Are They Making an Impact?
9:00am – 10:00am, Beavis
With more than a year of rhetoric and publicity on the value of Opportunity Zones, are they really making an impact? This session explores the local, state, and national perspective on how these are really being used, lessons learned, and tips for you to get the most out of your Opportunity Zone. Bring your questions and share your experiences as well – this will be interactive.
Speakers:
- Trelynd Bradley, Senior Business Development Specialist, Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development
- Bobby Kahn, Executive Director, Madera County Economic Development Commission
- Katie Kramer, Vice President, Council of Development Finance Agencies
Preparing for the “New Normal”: Resiliency & Recovery
9:00am – 10:00am, Bondi
Natural disasters, like wildfires, have unfortunately become a “new normal” for California. Economic developers can help prepare businesses for these natural disasters and create systems to prevent and recover from such threats. This session provides perspectives on lessons learned as well as valuable resources to help the resiliency and recovery effort.
Speakers:
- Ethan Brown, Program Manager, Sonoma County Economic Development Board
- Chelsea Irvine, Community Resource Manager, 3CORE
- Representative, Outsmart Disaster
Thank you to our Lead & Succeed Sponsor, the California Academy for Economic Development
Learn How Your Community Can Benefit from the Cannabis Industry
9:00am – 10:00am, Tofanelli
California communities such as the County of Humboldt, City of Needles, and City of Seaside have taken advantage of opportunities that the cannabis industry presents. By leveraging this expertise and trying out new models, these communities have developed cohesive cannabis strategies that provide services to populations and cannabis businesses. Hear about their best practices, some challenges they faced, and how they navigated the industry.
Speakers:
- Scott Adair, Director of Economic Development, Humboldt County
- Patrick Martinez, Director of Development, City of Needles
- Kurt Overmeyer, Economic Development Director, City of Seaside
Missing Middle Housing—What Economic Developers Need to Know
9:00am – 10:00am, Bataglieri
Workforce housing is one of the most critical issues facing business owners today. In so called “jobs rich” areas, housing costs have caused gentrification, displacement, longer commutes, and a reduced workforce. Delivering more affordable and attainable workforce housing is now part of an effective economic development program. Without the financial tools to subsidize moderate and above moderate (but below market) housing production, how can this happen on a wide scale? The panel of diverse experts will share their experiences on techniques, such as unsubsidized moderate and even below-moderate income housing development, inclusionary housing, and other tools.
Speakers:
- Andy Lucas, Business Representative, Community Development Services
- Joseph Perri, Director, Land Acquisition, The Olson Company
- Rafael Yaquian, Partner, Goldfarb & Lipman LLP
Tools for Financing Rural Infrastructure
10:30am – 11:30am, Beavis
Rural economic development concerns are similar to those in urban areas (affordable housing, quality infrastructure, trained workforce) but the solutions can be different in areas where distance, accessibility, and lower populations create unique challenges. This session will discuss the USDA-funded Rural Infrastructure Financing Guidebook. Speakers will review the Guidebook, case studies from rural California counties, and a methodology of how to review projects.
Speakers:
- Michelle Stephens, Program Director, California Association for Local Economic Development
- Kim Vann, State Director, United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development
- Stephen Wahlstrom, Managing Principal, Wahlstrom & Associates
Bridging Silos
10:30am – 11:30am, Bondi
Effective relationships among EDOs and other partners facilitate economic development success. Hear how communities have benefitted from collaboration among jurisdictional departments, community members, nonprofits, and other organizations. By breaking down walls and working together, these speakers will highlight how they have found success beyond their offices.
Speakers:
- Dominique Clark, Associate, RSG, Inc.
- Mike Flad, City Manager, City of South Gate
- Tara Schiff, Economic Development Specialist, Mariposa County
Thank you to our Lead & Succeed Sponsor, the California Academy for Economic Development
Three Ds of Economic Development and Housing: Density, Demand, Districts
10:30am – 11:30am, Tofanelli
Are state priorities on housing compatible with local cities’ drive for new taxes and jobs? Can sustainable economic development provide revenues while delivering housing and save cities from the state’s upcoming penalties? Does housing add value, or does it cost more to serve than it generates in taxes? And even if it costs, can we hope to be competitive without housing? This panel will explore the nexus of economic development programs, newly created state housing and sustainability districts, and explore the fundamental question: What comes first–jobs or housing? After all, isn’t housing a place for jobs to sleep?
Speakers:
- Tia Boatman Peterson, Executive Director, CalHFA
- Egon Terplan, Senior Advisor for Economic Development and Transportation Governor Gavin Newsom, Office of Planning and Research/Strategic Growth Council
- Ethan J. Walsh, Partner, Best Best & Krieger LLP
Incentive Zoning: A Tool to Encourage Development Coupled with Desired Community Benefits
10:30am – 11:30am, Bataglieri
Incentive zoning programs allow developers to change a land use and/or to increase development intensity in return for providing a community benefits package. In this session we will discuss the upfront policy considerations, how to balance public and private interests, program structuring, evaluation tools, and lessons learned by successful programs.
Speakers:
- Jennifer Alkire, Manager, Current and Historic Planning Preservation, City of West Hollywood
- Kathe Head, Managing Principal, Keyser Marston Associates, Inc.
11:45am – 1:00pm, Magnolia/Camellia
(Doors open and food service begins at 11:45am; program begins at 12:00pm; lunch included with conference registration)
This engaging lunch conversation will dig deep on the often-controversial topic of economic development incentives. As the speakers look at both pros and cons of these tools, there will also be discussion on how communities benefit from incentives and if that benefit is distributed equally. You won’t want to miss this lively panel answering tough questions on when and how to use incentives.
A word from our sponsor:
- Peter Grabell, Senior Vice President PACE, Dividend Finance
Speakers:
- Robert Burris, President & CEO, Solano EDC
- Danielle Casey CEcD, EDFP, Executive Vice President, Greater Sacramento Economic Council
- Jim Simon, Principal, RSG, Inc.
Moderator:
- Diane Richards, Economic Development Manager, City of West Sacramento
Thank You to our Trending in Incentives Luncheon Sponsor, Dividend Finance 
1:30pm – 2:30pm, Gardenia Foyer
Meet with the who’s who of economic development resource providers while you end the conference on a sweet note. Take the time to talk one-on-one with representatives with different federal, state, and private companies to see how their programs can make a difference in your community.
- CALED’s Statewide Revolving Loan Fund
- California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority (CAEATFA)
- California Enterprise Development Authority (CEDA)
- California Pollution Control Finance Authority (CPCFA)
- The California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank)
- CalRecycle
- California Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
- Dividend Finance
- State Treasurer’s Office
- US Department of Agriculture-Rural Development
- US Economic Development Administration
- US Environmental Protection Agency