Climate & Environment
The Policy & Innovation Center and partners share stories and data about equitable and innovative ways to create change in San Diego. For media inquiries, please email Olivia Stafford or Mariah Almasco at J. Walcher Communications, or call (619) 295-7140.
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Economic Forum Addresses San Diego’s High Cost of Living
Read more: Economic Forum Addresses San Diego’s High Cost of LivingDr. Daniel Enemark, chief economist of the Policy & Innovation Center addresses San Diego’s high cost of living at 2026 Economic Roundtable.
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‘The Need Is Out There’
Read more: ‘The Need Is Out There’The County of San Diego launched the $75 million Elevate Behavioral Workforce Fund, supporting education and workforce development in mental and behavioral health through zero-interest loans, paid internships and more.
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San Diego commits $75M to tackle mental health worker gap
Read more: San Diego commits $75M to tackle mental health worker gapSan Diego County is investing $75 million to address a growing shortage of mental health workers, a shortage that has left some residents waiting months to receive care. For recent graduates like David Valencia, the challenges of entering the mental health field begin long before they start working with clients. Valencia, who recently earned his…
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Environment Report: While San Diego Leaders Balk at High Rates, City Debates Less-Ambitious Sewage Recycling Plan
Read more: Environment Report: While San Diego Leaders Balk at High Rates, City Debates Less-Ambitious Sewage Recycling PlanDr. Daniel Enemark, chief economist of the Policy & Innovation Center, addresses water affordability “Expensive water is annoying to me because I make enough money to be able to afford it,” “For others, it’s crushing.”
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Mapping Workforce Opportunity in San Diego: Using Data to Restore the American Dream
Read more: Mapping Workforce Opportunity in San Diego: Using Data to Restore the American Dream“Workforce Needs & Assets Map,” a new tool from the San Diego Workforce Partnership (SDWP) developed in partnership with the San Diego Policy & Innovation Center that helps leaders, policymakers and communities better understand the geography of opportunity across our region. It’s not just a map. It’s a mirror reflecting who our economy serves and…
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How is San Diego’s economy doing this holiday season?
Read more: How is San Diego’s economy doing this holiday season?Daniel Enemark, chief economist of the Policy & Innovation Center, discusses how the holiday season often means extra spending on gifts and travel. But amid rising costs, inflation and a weakening labor market, the financial stress can be a lot. During the Midday Edition, Daniel checks in on the state of San Diego’s economy. Discusses…
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As Washington pulls back, it’s time for San Diego to bet on itself
Read more: As Washington pulls back, it’s time for San Diego to bet on itselfEmily Wier and Amy Liu address how Washington’s impacts on the region will inevitably wax and wane. And just as we have seen in the past, San Diego leaders can come together in 2026 to help government and community leaders act on smart ideas.
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DC Explained: An Eventful Year for San Diego’s Relationship with Washington
Read more: DC Explained: An Eventful Year for San Diego’s Relationship with WashingtonPIC’s senior vice president Alan Berube explores a month-by-month sampling of the myriad changes our region has navigated — and will continue to navigate — as its federal relationships evolve.
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San Diego County job growth slowed in 2025, with 62% fewer jobs than the previous year
Read more: San Diego County job growth slowed in 2025, with 62% fewer jobs than the previous yearDr. Daniel Enemark, chief economist of the Policy & Innovation Center, noted the hard-hit professional and business services sector added jobs in October, November and December. In the article addressing how San Diego County’s job growth slowed considerably in 2025, with 62% fewer jobs than the year before.
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New data confirms the lack of affordability in San Diego
Read more: New data confirms the lack of affordability in San DiegoDr. Daniel Enemark, chief economist of the Policy & Innovation Center joins Midday Edition to talk about the state of the economy, as new data highlights the difficulties many San Diegans face in getting by.