News
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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Escondido has some of San Diego County’s priciest water. Avocado growers have waited a decade for a lifeline.
Read more: Escondido has some of San Diego County’s priciest water. Avocado growers have waited a decade for a lifeline.PIC’s extensive water research was cited in its analysis of Escondido, the epicenter of our region’s avocado growers. Excerpt: “Of the 22 water utilities connected to the San Diego County Water Authority, Escondido has the second-highest average monthly cost per person trailing only Del Mar, according to a report last year from the Policy &…
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County launches $75M program to attract thousands of new workers for mental health jobs
Read more: County launches $75M program to attract thousands of new workers for mental health jobsThe program, called the Elevate Behavioral Health Workforce Fund, will offer zero-interest loans, apprenticeships, peer support training, paid internships and nurse practitioner programs with the goal of adding 3,000 new behavioral health practitioners in the region.
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Measure limiting digital-only coupons receives mixed responses
Read more: Measure limiting digital-only coupons receives mixed responsesA 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…
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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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DC Explained: The Biggest Federal Housing Bill in Decades Just Passed the Senate. Should San Diego Care?
Read more: DC Explained: The Biggest Federal Housing Bill in Decades Just Passed the Senate. Should San Diego Care?PIC Senior Vice President Alan Berube shares how a new federal housing bill could impact housing affordability, including here in San Diego.
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Artificial Intelligence, For Better or Worse
Read more: Artificial Intelligence, For Better or WorseDr. 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?
Read more: 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…
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Does that say $6? Why you’re paying so much at the pump
Read more: Does that say $6? Why you’re paying so much at the pumpDr. 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…
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Iran war: Economic impacts, talking to kids about the news
Read more: Iran war: Economic impacts, talking to kids about the newsDr. 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 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…