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.

  • New binational program, with $1.3 million in funding, aimed to help region’s arts sector

    New binational program, with $1.3 million in funding, aimed to help region’s arts sector

    Dr. Daniel Enemark, chief economist of the Policy & Innovation Center, highlighted the broader economic importance of the region’s arts sector as a new binational initiative launched with $1.3 million in funding. Enemark noted that investing in San Diego and Tijuana’s creative workforce strengthens not only cultural vitality, but also regional economic growth, workforce development,…

    Read more: New binational program, with $1.3 million in funding, aimed to help region’s arts sector
  • How is San Diego’s economy doing this holiday season?

    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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  • Mapping Workforce Opportunity in San Diego: Using Data to Restore the American Dream

    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…

    Read more: Mapping Workforce Opportunity in San Diego: Using Data to Restore the American Dream
  • Measure limiting digital-only coupons receives mixed responses

    Measure limiting digital-only coupons receives mixed responses

    A new law took effect Wednesday limiting the use of digital-only coupons by grocery stores — the first of its kind in the country. According to a study cited by the Policy & Innovation Center, 86% of low-income seniors own a smartphone, compared to 98% of San Diego residents overall. Three in 10 seniors in the…

    Read more: Measure limiting digital-only coupons receives mixed responses
  • Artificial Intelligence, For Better or Worse

    Artificial Intelligence, For Better or Worse

    Dr. Karen Boyd, senior officer of economics at the Policy & Innovation Center discusses the environmental impact of artificial intelligence.

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  • San Diego loses population as immigration nosedives. What are the consequences?

    San Diego loses population as immigration nosedives. What are the consequences?

    Dr. Daniel Enemark, chief economist of the Policy & Innovation Center points out that when the population and labor force contract, so, too, does the economy. Excerpt: “It’s decidedly bad news,” Enemark, chief economist of the Policy & Innovation Center, said of the downturn in foreign-born arrivals. “The size of our economy is simply the…

    Read more: San Diego loses population as immigration nosedives. What are the consequences?
  • Does that say $6? Why you’re paying so much at the pump

    Does that say $6? Why you’re paying so much at the pump

    Dr. Daniel Enemark, chief economist of the Policy & Innovation Center, joined KPBS to break down why San Diegans are feeling the squeeze at the pump. California’s higher fuel taxes, stricter environmental standards, specialized fuel blends, and limited refinery competition all contribute to prices that are pushing toward $6 a gallon. The conversation also underscored…

    Read more: Does that say $6? Why you’re paying so much at the pump
  • Iran war: Economic impacts, talking to kids about the news

    Iran war: Economic impacts, talking to kids about the news

    Dr. Daniel Enemark, chief economist of the Policy & Innovation Center discuesses how global conflicts like tensions involving Iran can quickly translate into real economic impacts at home—from volatility in energy markets to higher costs for goods and continued pressure on supply chains.

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  • San Diego jobless rate rises slightly to start year. Here’s who is hiring

    San Diego jobless rate rises slightly to start year. Here’s who is hiring

    Dr. Daniel Enemark, chief economist of the Policy & Innovation Center, helped put San Diego’s latest employment numbers into context. While the region’s jobless rate edged up to start the year, Enemark noted that the labor market remains resilient, with healthcare, government, education, and specialized professional services continuing to add jobs. His analysis underscores a…

    Read more: San Diego jobless rate rises slightly to start year. Here’s who is hiring
  • New data confirms the lack of affordability in San Diego

    New data confirms the lack of affordability in San Diego

    Dr. 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.

    Read more: New data confirms the lack of affordability in San Diego