Episode 227

Never Underestimate the Power of Ceremony with Melissa James

July 13th, 2026

37 mins 57 secs

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memorandums of understanding high-tech industries energy and clean technology space and aerospace housing affordability workforce development coalition building economic diversification reach central coast regional economic development economic development econdev eco devo

About this Episode

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Dane Carlson talks with Melissa James, founding president and CEO of REACH Central Coast, about building a regional economic development organization amid the anticipated closure of Diablo Canyon, persistent affordability challenges, and a fragmented approach to growth.

Melissa explains how the Central Coast organized around its distinctive assets in energy, space and aerospace, and high tech; set a goal of creating 15,000 good-paying jobs by 2030; and connected that strategy to workforce development and housing.

She also shares practical lessons about private-sector leadership, cross-sector coalitions, memorandums of understanding, institutional continuity, the patience required for long-term development, and the surprisingly powerful role ceremony can play in sustaining shared ownership and momentum.

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