Orange County Network: What’s Next for California’s Economy in 2026? Risks, Opportunities, and the Road Ahead
Tue 5/19 • 6PM PDT
Zoom
California’s economy is navigating a period of heightened uncertainty shaped by geopolitical conflict, energy market volatility, shifting trade conditions, evolving labor market dynamics, and continued investment in artificial intelligence and related technologies. This program will provide a timely overview of the key forces influencing the state’s economic outlook and the implications for California’s industries, institutions, and workforce.
Dr. Somjita Mitra ’00, Chief Economist for the California Department of Finance, will discuss several of the major developments affecting the economic environment in 2026. These may include the effects of global instability on inflation and energy prices, California’s exposure to trade and supply chain disruption, the relationship between business investment in AI and labor market adjustment, and the outlook for employment and growth across the state. Particular attention will be given to how these developments may affect sectors that are central to California’s economy, including technology, logistics, higher education, public finance, and innovation-driven industries. The discussion will place recent events in broader economic context and consider how national and international shifts may translate into state-level impacts. The program will conclude with an open question-and-answer session, providing attendees with the opportunity to engage directly on the economic issues most relevant to their work, studies, and communities.
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, she was Director of the Institute for Applied Economics at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, 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. She is also a member of the Public Policy Institute of California’s Economic Policy Center Advisory Council. Open to alumni, students, faculty, staff, and guests across the UC community.