Orange County Network: California’s Economic Outlook with Chief Economist Dr. Somjita Mitra ’00
Tue 11/11 • 6PM PST
Zoom
Who better to explain California’s economy than a Bruin? California—the world’s fourth-largest economy—is evolving rapidly amid global trade shifts, government spending debates, demographic transitions, and the rise of artificial intelligence. To help the UCLA community make sense of these forces, join us for a special conversation with Dr. Somjita Mitra ’00, Chief Economist for the California Department of Finance.
Dr. Mitra will provide a clear and accessible forecast of where California’s economy is heading, offering insight on:
* Demographic & workforce trends – How population changes, regional migration, and AI adoption are reshaping California’s labor force—from Silicon Valley engineers to Central Valley service workers.
* Tariffs & global trade – How supply-chain realignments are impacting California’s key industries: technology, agriculture, logistics, and manufacturing.
* Federal government shutdown effects – How interruptions to federal funding could ripple through California’s economy, affecting universities, public programs, research grants, and the state’s many government-adjacent employers.
* AI & innovation – How emerging technologies are redefining productivity and competitiveness across Hollywood, biotech, and beyond.
After Dr. Mitra’s presentation, participants will be invited into small-group breakout sessions to explore key themes more deeply and connect with fellow Bruins for open discussion and idea sharing.
**About the Speaker**
Dr. Somjita Mitra serves as Chief Economist at the California Department of Finance, where she oversees the Economic Research Unit responsible for preparing the state’s economic forecasts and advising on policy developments. She also guides the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors and provides analysis to the Director of Finance, the Governor’s administration, and other state and local agencies.
Before joining the Department of Finance, Dr. Mitra was Director of the Institute for Applied Economics at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), where she led regional and industry studies across California. Earlier in her career, she worked as an economist and consultant specializing in market analysis, economic damages, and strategic research for public and private clients.
A member of the Public Policy Institute of California’s Economic Policy Center Advisory Council, Dr. Mitra earned her BA in Economics and Political Science from UCLA and her MA and PhD in Economics from Claremont Graduate University.
**Why Attend**
This webinar is designed for Bruins across all fields—not just those in economics or government.
* **For alumni:** Gain credible insights to inform business strategy, investments, and career planning.
* **For students:** Connect classroom learning to real-world job markets.
* **For faculty & staff:** Understand the broader economic forces shaping higher education and community engagement.
This program highlights the influence of UCLA leadership in guiding policy, innovation, and economic resilience across California.