What the Project Is
A CIVIC INNOVATION LAB FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT is powering the future of how investment, living, and earnings are redefined through technology and public-private partnerships. The project is rooted in Southern California, which not only serves as its headquarters but also as its sandbox, where innovative place-based solutions are developed as case studies for nationwide implementation. The initiative has been navigating the common challenges in predevelopment stages across varied local ecosystems since 2019… With a steady focus on merging technology with community-led initiatives, the project aims to shape and reimagine economic development in diverse regions.
Main Benefit
The benefits of this initiative are multifaceted, addressing key aspects of economic growth and innovation. Here are some of the core figures and facts:
- Opportunity Zone Data for Economic Developers: Leveraging data for decision making, impact reporting, and fundraising in federally designated Opportunity Zones.
- Inland SoCal Advanced Manufacturing Initiative: A strategic response to a U.S. Department of Energy challenge, promoting American reshoring and stronger supply chains.
- Standardized Plans for Middle Income Housing: Research and presentations that reduce soft costs and speed up city approval processes in high need areas like Riverside.
- Fresno Small Business Ecosystem Investable Plan: A nine-month-long effort that unearthed community priorities to foster local entrepreneurship and sustainability.
- Opportunity Riverside and Opportunity Coachella: Initiatives designed to bolster economic development through entrepreneurship and targeted business attraction competitions.
Technology Driven Solutions
Technology-driven solutions are at the forefront of this project. The team has been pivotal in harnessing Opportunity Zone data to support economic developers nationwide. Collaborations with mayoral offices, foundations, and private sector investors have helped the project deploy scalable, data-powered solutions for decision making and impact reporting. Simultaneously, the Inland SoCal Advanced Manufacturing Initiative emerged in response to the U.S. Department of Energy’s national challenge, encouraging American reshoring and advanced manufacturing in critical industries. This initiative, supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, reflects a dynamic approach to solving real-world economic and production challenges.
Access to Capital Initiatives
Access to capital remains a cornerstone of the overall strategy. In 2022, the initiative worked with community leaders in the City of Riverside to develop standardized middle-income housing plans. This approach aimed to reduce soft costs for project sponsors, encourage emerging developers, and enhance housing diversity in high need areas. Additionally, a comprehensive, investable plan was crafted for the Fresno small business ecosystem during a nine-month period in 2024. These efforts, including the Opportunity Riverside initiative launched in partnership with the Riverside County Office of Economic Development and Opportunity Coachella, have reinforced the project’s commitment to economic inclusion and local empowerment.
Location and Outreach
Southern California is more than just a geographic location—it is the heart of innovation that fuels this civic lab. This region, encompassing dynamic cities like Los Angeles and Riverside, serves as both the testing ground and the launchpad for place-based solutions that can be replicated across the nation. The project consistently creates, tests, and refines ideas that enhance economic development and attract startups and research-driven initiatives. The natural vibrancy of Southern California merges with a spirit of experimentation and collaboration, making every project a live case study for broader applications.
Project Impact
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Enhancing local economies through opportunities created by startups and technological innovation.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Implementing scalable, tech-driven solutions to modernize economic practices and infrastructure.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Promoting sustainable growth through standardized planning for middle income housing and community-driven development.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Building strong public-private partnerships that drive collaborative efforts and nationwide impact.
Strategic Collaborations
Strategic collaborations infuse the project with diverse expertise and community insights. Since its inception in 2019, the endeavor has worked closely with mayoral offices, foundations, and private investors to shape opportunity zones and stimulate growth. The Inland SoCal Advanced Manufacturing Initiative quickly assembled a ten-party stakeholder group across Riverside and San Bernardino counties in response to a federal challenge, demonstrating agile leadership and coordinated action. Initiatives like Opportunity Riverside and Opportunity Coachella highlight the collaborative spirit behind efforts to foster entrepreneurship through targeted competitions and innovative funding strategies. With a balanced blend of data, technology, and grassroots community involvement, the project continues to drive forward-thinking economic development across Southern California and beyond.
