Creating Successful Communities with Dr. Chris Benner

On March 1st, the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce brings dynamic and thought-provoking speaker Dr. Chris Benner to address the seemingly intractable issues of housing, out-migration of jobs, and income equity and their combined impact on our community. Can communities reimagine themselves, adopting policies and making investments that value both economic vitality and equity? If so, how? Might this research inform efforts by Santa Cruz County and its cities to work collectively to successfully address both social problems and the continuing out-migration of jobs?

UCSC professor, Dr. Chris Benner will describe the heartening experiences of U.S. communities that have overcome threats to their economic vitality and social equity by addressing both issues simultaneously. Based upon his book, Equity, Growth and Community, the presentation will tell the inspiring stories of a few of these communities.

Featured in stories on NPR and in the Huffington Post, the work by Dr. Benner and his UCSC colleague and research partner, Manuel Pastor, identified three common strategies that have led to remarkable outcomes, transforming long-divided communities. His research examines the relationships between technological change, regional development, and the structure of economic opportunity, focusing on regional labor markets and the transformation of work and employment.

Dr. Chris Benner is the Dorothy E. Everett Chair in Global Information and Social Entrepreneurship, Director of the Everett Program for Digital Tools for Social Innovation, and a Professor of Environmental Studies and Sociology at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

This luncheon program is presented by the Chamber’s Women in Business Committee and is one of the program’s quarterly events. Register for tickets at www.SantaCruzChamber.org

Date: Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Location: Cocoanut Grove, Santa Cruz, CA
What: Program on Creating Successful Communities and luncheon
Who: UCSC Professor Dr. Chris Benner speaking on his book Equity, Growth, and Comnmunity
Why: Engaging the community in processes to improve equity and economic vitality in Santa Cruz County

Contacts:
Annette McGarity,
Chamber Projects Director 831.457-3713
[email protected]
Bill Tysseling, Chamber CEO 831.457-3713
[email protected]