Economy/Labor Issues (Audio): Recent Episodes
UCTV
Across the United States, homelessness has been on the rise. In California, there have been over 181,000 people without a stable place to call home—about 30 percent of the nation’s homeless population. During the COVID-19 pandemic, those numbers continued to rise as earnings dropped and the housing affordability crisis worsened. What interventions have prevented people from becoming homeless? What lessons have we learned from local, regional, and statewide efforts to reduce unsheltered homelessness in the Bay Area and beyond? The Terner Center for Housing Innovation, the Goldman School of Public Policy, and a diverse panel of cross-sector experts and advocates collaborated for a discussion on reducing poverty and addressing homelessness in California. Series: "The Goldman School - Berkeley Public Policy" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 39849]
What's the root cause of poverty in America? And how do we fix it? In this discussion, Matthew Desmond, renowned Princeton sociologist and author of "Poverty, by America," talks about why poverty persists in the U.S. with Marc-Andreas Muendler, economic professor at UC San Diego. Desmond argues we can end poverty through grassroots activism and a willingness to target systems that perpetuate it, like local zoning laws. Desmond was catapulted into the national spotlight as a leading authority on modern American poverty when his Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, “Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City,” made its debut in 2016. His work has been supported by the Gates, Horowitz, Ford, JBP, MacArthur, and National Science, Russell Sage, and W.T. Grant Foundations, as well as the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Series: "Helen Edison Lecture Series" [Public Affairs] [Business] [Show ID: 39385]
Where did the American Dream of hard work equals upward mobility go? And what will it take to bring it back? In this talk, Raj Chetty, director of Opportunity Insights and professor of public economics at Harvard University, focuses on three policy levers to increase upward mobility: reducing racial and economic segregation through more effective affordable housing programs, investing in place-based policies, and strengthening higher education. Chetty gives specific examples of pilot studies and interventions that help inform the design of policy and practice from the federal to state to local levels, including at institutions of higher education such as UC Berkeley. He offers illustrations that can be scaled nationally, providing a pathway to expand opportunities for all. Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Public Affairs] [Business] [Show ID: 39239]
Children’s chances of earning more than their parents have fallen from 90% to 50% over the past half century in America. How can we restore the American Dream of upward mobility for all children? In this talk, Raj Chetty, director of Opportunity Insights and professor of public economics at Harvard University, shows how big data from varied sources ranging from anonymized tax records to Facebook social network data is helping us uncover the science of economic opportunity. Among other topics, Chetty discusses how and why children’s chances of climbing the income ladder vary across neighborhoods, the drivers of racial disparities in economic mobility, and the role of social capital as a driver of upward mobility. He presents data on the state of economic opportunity in California in particular to provide a local context to these national patterns. Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Public Affairs] [Business] [Show ID: 39238]
A hallmark of every developed nation is the provision of a social safety net – a collection of public programs that deliver aid to the poor. Because of their higher rates of poverty, children are often a major beneficiary of safety net programs. Compared to other countries, the U.S. spends less on antipoverty programs and, consequently, has higher child poverty rates. Professor Hilary Hoynes discusses the emerging research that examines how the social safety net affects children’s life trajectories. The long run benefits are significant for the families, but also show that many programs prove to be excellent public investments. This has implications for current policy discussions such as the expanded Child Tax Credit. Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Public Affairs] [Business] [Show ID: 38275]
The county of San Diego has instituted inclusionary hiring practices to recruit neurodivergent individuals to the workforce and ensure departments have the proper skills to interview, train, and work with these members of the San Diego community. Garret Hoff, Brandy Winterbottom, Brian Lafferty, and Megan Elledge-LeVota discuss how this initiative came to be and what it means for the future. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Public Affairs] [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38394]
The U.S. is blessed with stable neighbors to the south and north. Despite the polarization of immigration issues along the southern border, Mexico is the indispendable ally of the U.S., according to Rafael Fernandez de Castro, director of UC San Diego's Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies. Mexico is the top U.S. trading partner with over 6 million American jobs dependent on trade in goods and services with our neighbor to the south. Mexico also plays a substantive role in migration and border affairs. Series: "Triton Talks" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 38070]
This program looks at education and how the brain of adolescents primes them for learning. Caroline Hoxby, professor of economics at Stanford University and one of the world’s leading scholars in the field of education economics, says investing in education in early adolescents can have profound impacts on the continuation of learning through teenage years and beyond. She says that more education leads to social cohesion, advancing economic opportunity, reducing inequality and decreasing geographic and political polarization. This discussion includes commentary by Jan-Werner Müller, Erik Hurst, and Silvia Bunge. Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Public Affairs] [Education] [Show ID: 37733]
One of the world’s leading scholars in the field of education economics, Caroline Hoxby’s lectures draw upon economics, neuroscience, and education. She shows that early adolescence is the point at which most people either join the path towards advanced cognitive skills or not. Hoxby argues that it is imperative to invest in early education. Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Public Affairs] [Education] [Show ID: 38061]
One of the world’s leading scholars in the field of education economics, Caroline Hoxby’s lectures draw upon economics, neuroscience, and education. She shows that early adolescence is the point at which most people either join the path towards advanced cognitive skills or not. Hoxby argues that, in a highly industrialized economy like that of the United States, it is not unreasonable for people on the non-advanced-cognitive-skills path to exhibit “economic fatalism” — despair at their long-term economic prospects. This may explain patterns in persons’ susceptibility to populism and political movements that promise to insulate them from the world economy. Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Public Affairs] [Education] [Show ID: 37731]
Dr. Javier Birchenall, associate professor of Economics at UC Santa Barbara, discussed the impact of disease for long-run economic development, the interaction between population and the economy, and the labor market. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Public Affairs] [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 37870]
Grosche International Inc. is in the business of tea and coffee products but also in the business of action. Action to take action, and better the lives of those who are not able on their own, teaching developing communities how to make, install and maintain water filtration systems and providing communities with the tools to succeed. Megan Buchter talks with CEO Helmi Ansari and teacher Matthew Mulhern about the mission of the company and inspiring a new generation of change makers. Series: "Education Channel" [Public Affairs] [Health and Medicine] [Business] [Show ID: 36368]
Economist Hilary Hoynes explores her research on the COVID-19 crisis. She discusses the effects on low wage workers and the tripling of food insecurity in children. She also looks at the consequences of the delays and lack of inclusion in relief packages. Hoynes is a Professor of Public Policy and Economics and Haas Distinguished Chair in Economic Disparities at the UC Berkeley's Goldman School of Public Policy. Series: "UC Public Policy Channel" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 36540]
This lecture takes up the question of neoliberalism, income inequality and low wage workers. We begin with a brief overview of the political economy of the neoliberal project from the 1970s to the present, considering neoliberalism as both an economic philosophy and a political project of the global ruling class. Professor Jayaraman then takes up the main topic of the lecture on the politics of low wage workers, especially workers in the food service industry. Working through a history of restaurant workers and the practice of tipping from slavery to the present, we consider how restaurant workers have struggled to survive on a sub-minimum wage for decades due to the aggressive lobbying efforts of the National Restaurant Association (“the other NRA”). We discuss the alarming rates of sexual harassment experienced by this predominantly female and women of color work force, as well as ongoing efforts to organize working class Americans both on the job and at the polls. Series: "UC Public Policy Channel" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 36443]
With millions of people forced to remain at home, the labor sector is experiencing historic levels of unemployment. Firms and organizations are mobilizing to accommodate remote work locations - will this become the new normal? And will it be enough to keep the global economy from utter collapse? Series: "Global Impacts of COVID-19 - A GPS Webinar Series" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 35872]
What insights can data provide during a time of crisis? How can research make a change in our everyday lives? An expert panel takes a look at the data we can and cannot access during the COVID-19 pandemic, how data can point to solutions and support for students and workers, and how data can be used with integrity to support government policies. Series: "Career Channel" [Public Affairs] [Business] [Show ID: 35986]
Ray Major, chief economist at SANDAG, talks with Phil Blair about the economic impacts of COVID-19 in San Diego. He shares how data is driving decisions and how the future of San Diego will be shaped by this economic crisis. Series: "Career Channel" [Public Affairs] [Business] [Show ID: 35993]
Millions unemployed. Unprecedented supply and demand shocks. Stock market losses and massive government spending. How will the global economy survive in the wake of the most devastating pandemic of the modern era? Hear from a panel of experts as they look at the economic impacts of the pandemic. Series: "Global Impacts of COVID-19 - A GPS Webinar Series" [Public Affairs] [Business] [Show ID: 35867]
The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health crisis threatening to become an economic catastrophe that affects tens of millions of Americans. Is the $2 trillion aid package recently passed by Congress and signed by the president enough to keep the economy from freefall? What more is needed?
A panel of UC Berkeley's leading economists and public policy experts discuss the economic consequences of sheltering-in-place, evaluate the Congressional response and discuss strategies that could help to stabilize the economy, safeguard jobs and protect society's most vulnerable people. Series: "UC Public Policy Channel" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 35876]
Ethnic and racial diversity is a key strength in workforce development as well as moral imperative. How can we better match skills to opportunity? Molly Bashay, state policy analyst for the National Skills Coalition, explains how better workforce policies are needed to advance equity. Series: "Career Channel" [Public Affairs] [Business] [Show ID: 35386]
Immigrants and refugees represent nearly a fourth of San Diego County - and nearly $20 billion dollars in earning power. Workforce planning and development needs to create strategies to integrate the talent of these individuals into our community and businesses. Dyna R. Jones and Rahmatullah Mokhtar share their stories of finding a place in the workforce. Series: "Career Channel" [Public Affairs] [Business] [Show ID: 35385]
From highways to trains to housing, where governments spend money can have a major impact on the environment and the economy. Join California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, the Center for Environmental Public Policy at the Goldman School of Public Policy and the Berkeley Forum for a discussion on major finance policy issues facing the State of California, including green bonds and sustainable finance. Fiona Ma is California’s 34th State Treasurer. She was elected on November 6, 2018 with more votes than any other candidate for treasurer in the state’s history. She is the first woman of color and the first woman Certified Public Accountant (CPA) elected to the position. California is the world’s fifth-largest economy and Treasurer Ma is the state’s primary banker. Her office processes more than $2 trillion in payments within a typical year and provides transparency and oversight for an investment portfolio of more than $90 billion. Series: "UC Public Policy Channel" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 35321]
Rational choice theory states that individuals have coherent preferences over alternatives but this theory is being replaced by a new view rooted in psychology. Ignacio Esponda (Economics, UCSB) gives examples of economic experiments and contingent thinking. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Public Affairs] [Education] [Show ID: 35174]
Economist Aashish Mehta suggests the days of high manufacturing employment in this country are over. He explains data that show that it is increasingly hard for any wealthy country to compete in the global market — and for poorer countries to get rich by industrializing. He explores the affect of automation and off-shoring as he looks at the cause and potential solutions. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 35265]
Five leaders from the world of impact investing who focus on early stage ventures that create meaningful social and environmental value discuss what it means to invest for good. Panel: Lewam Kefela, Investor at VilCap Investments; Noushin Ketabi, Founder of Vega Coffee; Nancy Swanson, Executive Director of Linked Foundation; Julia Sze, Impact Investment Strategy Advisor. Keynote Speaker: Kat Taylor, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Radicle Impact. Series: "Bren School of Environmental Science & Management" [Public Affairs] [Business] [Show ID: 35072]
From the viewpoint of a community leader who made the journey from Compton to a University of California professorship, Dr. Gentry Patrick considers the difference between an open door and true access. Series: "Career Channel" [Public Affairs] [Business] [Education] [Show ID: 34908]
Two of Americas corporations, Gap Inc. and Hyatt Hotels, have set ambitious goals for hiring, mentoring and promoting opportunity youth. Meet the women who are leading these initiatives from the c-suite and learn why these employers see opportunity youth as a strategic investment. Each leader is joined on stage by a young adult who found a career foothold through their efforts. Series: "Career Channel" [Public Affairs] [Business] [Show ID: 34909]
Deme Hill discusses how to authentically engage youth. She examines justice systems and social services systems can be effective partners for change. Series: "Career Channel" [Public Affairs] [Business] [Show ID: 34910]
Inspired to fight poverty in the Bay Area, Goldman School of Public Policy Alumnus Daniel Lurie (MPP ‘05) founded Tipping Point in 2005. Since then, Tipping Point has raised more than $200 million to educate, employ, house and support those in need in the Bay Area. In the last year alone, the organization has helped put 21,000 people on a path out of poverty through a combination of grantmaking, grantee support, corporate philanthropy, policy and research. Series: "UC Public Policy Channel" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 34759]
"I use art to start conversations about something that is serious and complex." Shaney jo Darden, Founder and Global Creative Chief of The Keep A Breast Foundation, shares her journey in the world of art and activism. As someone who has carved out a career path focused on community and compassion, she stresses the importance discovering your unique talents and finding a place for them in your everyday work. Series: "Career Channel" [Public Affairs] [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Business] [Show ID: 34575]
Jennifer Granholm, former Governor of Michigan, identifies some of the most interesting policy ideas to address the problems of displaced workers, the skills gap and resulting inequality in an age of robots and artificial intelligence. Granholm teaches Public Policy at UC Berkeley’s Goldman School and is the chair of the American Jobs Project, a multi-state research initiative on creating industrial clusters in clean energy. Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Public Affairs] [Business] [Show ID: 34013]
Race, gender, and union-busting violence all arise in this discussion of Debra Kopple’s iconic Harlan County, USA. Documentarian Betsy Taylor and historian Alice O’Connor (UC Santa Barbara) offer expert perspectives into connections between events and figures in Kopple’s film and broader environmental justice and labor struggles unfolding across the US in the early 1970s. In addition, Taylor’s intimate knowledge of this mining area enables her to offer rich detail about the local landscape, corporate land ownership, and crooked politics that form the foundation of this classic documentary. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Public Affairs] [Humanities] [Show ID: 34290]
We know that the future of work is upon us—AI, robotics, global markets and online innovations are driving massive changes. So, what about workforce development? Join The San Diego Workforce Partnership to explore the boundary-busting, outer reaches of workforce development where job quality, equity, outcomes and opportunity drive our support for San Diego County’s job seekers. Local leaders and out-of-town renegades identify new frontiers for action. Series: "Career Channel" [Public Affairs] [Business] [Show ID: 34202]
Karen Ross, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, discusses the future of food and public policy in California and around the world at the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley. Secretary Ross covers everything from the challenges of water management in the face of climate change, to reforming United States immigration policy to benefit farmers, farm workers, and the country as a whole. Series: "Immigration" [Public Affairs] [Agriculture] [Show ID: 34017]
Steve Clemons of the Atlantic talks with MacArthur Genius Grant recipient and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Katherine Boo. Her bestseller, “Behind the Beautiful Forevers” tells the dramatic and sometimes heartbreaking story of families striving for a better life in a Mumbai slum. Based on three years of uncompromising reporting, she puts a human face on issues of inequality. Series: "Helen Edison Lecture Series" [Public Affairs] [Humanities] [Show ID: 33266]
Economist Alan Auerbach walks through the impact of the 2017 tax bill championed by President Trump and Congressional Republicans in this conversation with Henry E. Brady, dean of the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley. Series: "UC Public Policy Channel" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 33620]
California State Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin de León outlines the state’s efforts to protect its progressive agenda on climate, immigration and the economy as it girds itself from policies being implemented by the federal government. De León, a Democrat, is also running for the United States Senate but must first win one of two spots in California’s June 2018 primary before he can compete in November’s general election. He is presented by the Goldman School of Public Policy and the Berkeley Forum at UC Berkeley. Series: "UC Public Policy Channel" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 33564]
Oakland City Councilmember and Goldman School graduate Annie Campbell Washington talks about her career path in public service that has included stints as Chief of Staff for then-Oakland mayors Jerry Brown and Jean Quan, a partial term on the Oakland Unified School Board and then, in 2014, she ran successfully for elected office. Her inspiring story includes a nod to the quantitative analysis education that she received at the Goldman School because she says it taught her to properly evaluate municipal budgets. Washington also was recently named assistant dean for the Masters in Public Affairs program, working alongside Henry E. Brady, dean of the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley. Series: "UC Public Policy Channel" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 33588]
In an effort to bridge political divides, the UC Berkeley Office of the Chancellor and the Center on Civility & Democratic Engagement host a spirited conversation on taxes, tariffs, trade and President Trump with two economists known for their opposing views: Goldman School of Public Policy Professor and former US Secretary of Labor Robert Reich and Stephen Moore, a visiting fellow for the Project for Economic Growth at the Heritage Foundation. Series: "Richard and Rhoda Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 33505]
Behavioral economist Elizabeth Linos talks about how to implement good public policy by focusing on needs of the people who serve in government. In this conversation with Henry E. Brady, Dean of the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley, Linos argues that diversity in recruitment leads to better outcomes, particularly in law enforcement, and that burnout can be avoided if staffers are appropriately supported in their work environments. Series: "Richard and Rhoda Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley" [Public Affairs] [Humanities] [Show ID: 33485]