The High Cost of Underinvestment: Assessing the State of Infrastructure in Southern California

In this episode, host Jon Switalski spoke with Matt Newman, the Principal and Co-Founder of Blue Sky Consulting Group, about a new report titled “The High Cost of Underinvestment: Assessing the State of Infrastructure in Southern California,” Rebuild SoCal Partnership launched in January of this year. We discuss key findings from the report, including transportation challenges, regional bridge and water system concerns, and equity disparities.

Over the past decade, Southern California's infrastructure investment has plummeted by 37 percent, impacting critical needs. Infrastructure at our regional ports needs investment, too - an estimated $5.7 billion investment is needed over the next decade for efficient goods movement at the region's ports.

Infrastructure investment drives economic growth, enables the swift movement of goods throughout the region, enhances health and safety across communities, and improves the quality of life for residents.

To read the full report, please visit https://rebuildsocal.org/2024report/

In this episode, host Jon Switalski spoke with Adán Ortega, the Chair of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). Ortega took office as chair on January 1st of this year. We discussed the effects of the rain and storms in Southern California earlier this year, the challenges with building new water infrastructure, the future of water delivery in Southern California, and more!

Please note this episode was recorded on June 28th, 2023.

Women in Construction - President and CEO of Cooper Engineering Inc. Denise Cooper joins host Jon Switalski for an inspiring conversation about being a successful woman and business owner in the construction industry. Cooper talks about how young women should want to join the construction industry and not feel scared to do so, her journey into the industry, and the key to having a successful small business. 

Please note: This episode was recorded on March 8th, 2023. If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes, please email podcasts@rebuildsocal.org