For the first time, the California Economic Summit is heading to San Joaquin County, with Stockton set to host the gathering at the Adventist Health Arena from Oct. 21-23.
The annual summit serves as a platform for regional collaboration, sharing successes and catalyzing state-level action on economic issues.
The event is organized by California Forward (CA FWD), a nonpartisan organization focused on improving government and economic policies. The summit will bring together business, community and labor leaders to discuss building a “New California Economy” that the organization said aims to be resilient, sustainable and inclusive.
This year’s focus includes topics like shared funding for climate resilience, industrial workforce building and youth engagement in emerging fields like AI and green jobs.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has attended the summit in the past, however, his attendance at the summit this year remains unconfirmed.
Registration is still open through the event’s website, though several sessions are already at capacity. Additional sessions may be added, and attendees are encouraged to check for updates.
There are several pre-summit activities on Oct. 21 designed to showcase Stockton and the surrounding area. These events include “Introducing the North San Joaquin Valley: Rich in History & Potential,” Led by Phillip Merlo, executive director of the San Joaquin County Historical Society & Museum, and “Is Hip-Hop America’s Biggest Success Story?” by Zócalo Public Square.
The summit opens on Oct. 22 with remarks from Kate Gordon, CEO of California Forward, and Mayor Christina Fugazi of Stockton. On the second and final day of the summit on Oct. 23, a forum with five of the 2026 candidates for California governor will be the last featured session of the event.
The forum aims to provide an opportunity for community members to hear from some of the candidates for Governor and learn about their priorities for California’s economy. The forum participants will include Betty T. Yee, Chad Bianco, Antonio Villaraigosa, Tony Thurmond and Ian Calderon.
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