The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® was a co-host and partner in the 2013 Silicon Valley Regional Economic Forum held at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View on May 31. Organized by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG), the forum gathered 400 leaders from the public, business and political arenas. They were asked to identify pressing needs in the valley and in the state that can be most effectively addressed by working together with other regions and state-level partners.
SVLG president and CEO Carl Guardino explained the forum is one of 16 regional forums that will culminate in a California Economic Summit in Los Angeles in November. The summit would align regional leaders to advance solutions to problems and initiatives that would help California grow good jobs, increase personal income for all, and improve the community health and well-being of every region across the state. Through this endeavor, Guardino envisions the creation of a "non-partisan regions-driven process that promotes economic, social and environmental progress throughout California."
Emphasizing the importance of their task, Guardino and other leaders repeated, "We're an economy of regions. Silicon Valley is a driver of the state. We can either band together or hang separately. We need to stand up as regions and make it happen or no one else will."
A succession of panels with top CEOs and local, state and federal officials tackled topics like the future of Silicon Valley's innovation economy, how Washington can help the region succeed, and top priorities that need to be communicated to Sacramento. All issues affecting the region were explored, from the tech boom, transportation (high speed rail, BART, Caltrain), environment, housing, infrastructure investment, education, to bringing the region together via sports events like Super Bowl L, which will be coming to the Bay Area.
"Sports cuts through politics and bring regions together," remarked San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York.
Local, state and federal officials were asked to address concerns regarding access to affordable homes and economic opportunities, closing the achievement gap in education, investment in the environment, including problems with CEQUA (California Environment Quality Act), and the need for a comprehensive immigration reform and a national energy policy.
Participants were asked to hone in on their priorities on different issues. Some suggested solutions to problems can best be met via public and private partnerships. All were especially upbeat about the state of California.
"There has never been a place in our planet where the fundamental principle was 'everybody counts' and we're doing it in California more than any place in the country," said California State Treasure Bill Lockyer.
"There's no place like it with the willingness to embrace change and find the outcome for change," added Arno Harris, CEO of Recurrent Energy.
Expressing his admiration for tech and growth of start-ups in the state, Dan Gordon, CEO of Gordon Biersch, exclaimed, "The amount of innovation in this area is unbelievable!"
The forum wrapped up with panelists, co-hosts and partners reflecting on the event and imparting a special message. "We all need to serve a purpose larger than our own," said California State Controller John Chiang.
Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® executive officer Paul Cardus urged that discussions not end with the forum. "We can't let what happened here remain here. We need to get engaged and remain engaged. Silicon Valley is the home of economic innovation. Let's come together and keep the conversation going," said Cardus.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please contact Rose Meily at SILVAR Public Affairs, email , or phone (408) 200-0109.