The REACH Ideas + Action Summit brings together the boldest thinkers, creators and community shapers to dream big and accelerate progress for our region. It’s where inspiration becomes collaboration, and collaboration becomes action—all in one energizing, future-focused day.
March 12 | UC Santa Barbara
Corwin Pavilion
10 am | Check-in and networking
11 am | Program begins (includes lunch and breaks)
4:30 pm | Reception and networking
See scenes from last year’s summit!
STATE + NATIONAL POLICY LEADERS
Listen as visionaries discuss the big-picture challenges shaping our economy, communities, and shared future.
Jennifer M. Granholm
Former U.S. Secretary of Energy and Michigan Governor on the future of energy and how the Central Coast can play a leading role.
Nani Coloretti
Gov. Newsom’s Cabinet Secretary on what’s ahead for California and the realities of governing in a moment of fiscal constraints and federal uncertainty.
California Forward CEO and former national energy advisor Kate Gordon in conversation with Secretary Granholm on energy as economic differentiator and the innovations and policies shaping what’s ahead.
BUILDING A FUTURE-READY REGION
Institute for the Future Chief Impact Officer Rachel Hatch on how regions can build adaptive capacity, anticipate disruption, and position themselves for long-term prosperity.
BOLD VISIONS FOR HOUSING
Nationally recognized experts will challenge conventional thinking on housing policy, affordability, and how we build resilient communities across the Central Coast.
California Forever Head of Public Affairs Jim Wunderman on the grand vision of building a city from scratch and creating transformative opportunity in Solano County.
Strong Towns founder Charles Marohn on rethinking development patterns to create financially resilient communities where housing affordability actually works.
THE RISING LOW-ALTITUDE ECONOMY
Explore what scaling up advanced air mobility looks like for the Central Coast and how industry, education, and infrastructure must align to launch this emerging sector.
Brookings Institution senior fellow Marek Gootman on the advanced aviation landscape and how the industry is gaining altitude and unlocking economic opportunity.
Inspired Flight CEO Rick Stollmeyer on scaling advanced air mobility and autonomous drone technology to create jobs in the emerging low altitude economy.
UNLEASHING REGIONAL INNOVATION
UC Santa Barbara Chancellor and National Academy of Engineering member Dr. Dennis Assanis on research frontiers and the role of academia in driving regional innovation.
What to expect
Engaging segments
Get informed and inspired on the issues shaping our region’s future.
Inspiring discussion
Hear from visionary voices on where the region is headed.
Networking opportunities
Connect and collaborate with leaders from across the region.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
“As the Presenting Sponsor of the REACH Ideas Summit, Coastal Community Builders is thrilled to support the bold discussions that drive the future of the Central Coast. Last year’s event was an inspiring example of how collaboration and innovation can shape a more prosperous region. We’re excited to join visionary leaders, industry experts, and our local community to explore groundbreaking ideas and take action toward building a vibrant, sustainable future. The opportunities ahead are limitless, and we’re proud to be a part of this incredible journey.”
– Cam Boyd, CEO, Coastal Community Builders
RECEPTION SPONSOR
LUNCH SPONSOR
HOST SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
BUSINESS SPONSOR
