When

Wednesday, November 18, 2026
12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Hosted reception immediately following

Where

The California Endowment Conference Center
2000 Franklin Street, Oakland

Description

The Bay Area is once again at a crossroads. In one direction lies the consolidation of corporate power, personified by an axis of right-wing tech elite who have translated their economic power into political and cultural power. In the other, we find a complex, dynamic populism, driven by a potent mix of anger, despair, hope, and audacity. Underneath both is a shifting, unstable landscape that has created a unique historical moment for the region and the nation. Trust in institutions has cratered, faith in future prosperity has dimmed, and extreme, chronic inequality threatens our commitment to democratic government.

At this year's State of the Region we will be releasing a policy brief and having a conversation about building a new regionalism and the implications of the election results.

The event will begin with a keynote by Alameda County Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas. A lifelong community organizer and policy advocate, Supervisor Fortunato Bas is the first Filipino-American elected to represent Alameda County. Since joining the Board of Supervisors in January 2025, Nikki has championed immigrant and refugee rights, affordable housing solutions, early childhood education, and equitable access to healthcare, and believes deeply in people-powered government.

There will also be two panel discussions with speakers exploring the following themes:

• Panel #1: Reclaiming the Future: Building a regionalism to counter elite power and growing inequality
• Panel #2: Growing Our Power: Implications of the elections for creating the communities we want

Registration is $40. Due to the generosity of our sponsors, scholarships are available. Please email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

View detailed agenda.

Your support as a sponsor is critical to ensuring this event is a success. Become a sponsor today by completing the online form. If you have any questions, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Thank you to our current sponsors!

• Common Counsel Foundation
• Blue Shield of California Foundation
• Destination Home
• Sobrato Philanthropies