25th Annual Travers Conference on Ethics & Accountability in Government

25th Annual Travers Conference

April 21, 2023 9:30am - 3:00pm

California confronts a set of interlocking policy challenges that threaten its future vitality. The state has long been a magnet to people across the U.S. and the world seeking economic opportunity and a high quality of life. But as the price of housing has spiraled out of control and as climate change has multiplied the risks posed by drought and wildfires to communities, the state must develop new strategies that safeguard its future. This conference will bring together academic experts, policymakers, and advocates for a discussion of both the underlying problems facing the state and potential solutions. 

9:30-9:40 am: Introductory Remarks by Susan Hyde, Professor and Charles & Louise Travers Department of Political Science Chair

Panel Information:

Panel 1: 
9:40-10:50 am

"Safeguarding California’s Communities in the Face of Climate Change," focuses on the risks posed by extreme weather, including drought, wildfires, and flooding, to the viability of California communities, along with potential policy responses.

Moderated by: David Vogel, Solomon Lee Distinguished Professor Emeritus, UC Berkeley

Speakers:
Senator Nancy Skinner, 9th District, California
Ellen Hanak, VP and Director of the Water Policy Center, Public Policy Institute of California
Matto Mildenberger, Associate Professor of Political Science, UC Santa Barbara
David Vogel, Solomon Lee Distinguished Professor Emeritus, UC Berkeley

Panel 2: 
11:00-12:15 pm

"California as Energy Leader," asks what role California can play in building reliable, renewable energy systems that can be a model for the U.S. and beyond. 

Moderated by: Sean Gailmard, Professor, UC Berkeley

Speakers:
Sharon Jacobs, Professor of Law, UC Berkeley
Daniel M. Kammen, James and Katherine Lau Distinguished Professor of Sustainability, UC Berkeley 
Robert Spiegel Senior Policy Director, California Manufacturers and Technology Association
Ross Zelen, Chief Committee Consultant for the California Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies

Lunch will be served at 12:15 pm
(Lunch provided for conference participants and attendees)

Moderated by: Eric Schickler, Professor & Jeffrey & Ashley McDermott Endowed Chair
Keynote Address on California’s Governing Challenges
12:30-1:30PM

Speaker: Betty Yee, State Controller, 2015-23

Panel 3: 
1:40- 3:00 pm

"Addressing the State's Housing Crisis," asks how the state can leverage its resources to improve the supply of housing, while managing relationships between local governments and other stakeholders. 

Moderated by: Sarah Anzia, Associate Professor of Public Policy & Political Science, UC Berkeley

Speakers:
Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, 14th District, California
Ben Metcalf, Managing Director of the Terner Center for Housing Innovation, UC Berkeley
Moira Kathleen O'Neill, Associate Professor, University of Virginia
Darrell Owens, Data and Policy Analyst, California YIMBY

Topics

Events topic page

Friday, April 21, 2023

9:30pm to 3:00pm

Bancroft Hotel - Great Hall 
Registration Link: 

Register via Form

Event Contact: ezrabristow@berkeley.edu