The San Rafael Chamber’s 2026 Economic Forecast brings together top economic insight, local leadership, and forward-looking conversations about what it will take for Marin’s economy to thrive.
This year’s program features renowned economist Dr. Christopher Thornberg of Beacon Economics, returning by popular demand to provide a clear-eyed look at where the economy, from the federal level to Marin-specifics, is headed. We’ll also hear from Marin County Executive Officer Derek Johnson on business retention and expansion, and the role employers, policymakers, and community leaders play in keeping Marin competitive.
Two timely panel conversations anchor the morning:
1. The Architecture of a Workforce Lifecycle explores how talent is built across a lifetime from early childhood education, career exposure to the skilled trades, professional pathways, and the growing role of older workers.
2. Housing that Sustains a Thriving Economy examines how housing availability, governance, and choice directly shape workforce stability and economic vitality.
The program also includes a short video featuring local employers sharing how housing and long commutes are driving turnover and threatening Marin’s workforce courtesy of our San Rafael Leadership Institute cohort of 2023.
This is more than a forecast! It’s a dynamic networking experience, along with conversations about how we build the systems that support a resilient, prosperous local economy!