The Californer - What Experts Predict for Ventura County's Economy & Beyond

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Nationally syndicated columnist and Cal Lutheran economist to highlight dire U.S. fiscal situation, as well as local policies that affect economic growth

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Californer -- From serial government deficits to stringent growth controls, decisions made years ago have shaped the current state of the economy. And decisions made today will have major consequences for future generations. "Broken Inheritance: How Today's Decisions Handicap the Next Generation" is the theme for the 2026 Ventura County Economic Forecast Event. The 16^th annual event is presented by California Lutheran University's Center for Economic Research and Forecasting (CERF). Networking for attendees will begin at 8 a.m., followed by the forecast event from 9-11 a.m., at the Scherr Forum Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks.

Leveraging CERF's deep roots and unmatched expertise in the regional economy, Executive Director Matthew Fienup, Ph.D., will present the 2026 Ventura County Economic Forecast publication, with in-depth analysis of the county's economic and demographic performance. Fienup also will provide detailed discussion of the state of Ventura County agriculture and present CERF's award-winning U.S. and California forecasts.

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Featured speaker Veronique de Rugy, Ph.D., will discuss the economic and social costs of government debt, underscoring the critical importance of putting the country on a sound fiscal path. De Rugy is chair of Political Economy at George Mason University and a nationally syndicated columnist. She frequently appears in the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, as well as on Bloomberg, Fox News and CNN.

"Growth is not merely about higher GDP figures. It is about whether societies remain open or turn inward, whether politics is cooperative or zero-sum and whether the next generation expects progress or prepares for conflict," noted de Rugy. "Growth is not a luxury or an abstraction. It is a moral obligation to those with the least power, the fewest assets and the longest futures."

"Whether we look nationally or right here in Ventura County, policy matters," Fienup said. "And the policy decisions that we make today will determine whether the next generation enjoys the same opportunity for people to flourish that the previous generation enjoyed."

Tickets are $75 when purchased in advance or $105 at the door. The economic forecast event is free with a Cal Lutheran ID. Anyone wishing to attend can purchase tickets at CalLutheran.edu/2026VCEF. CalLutheran.edu (https://www.callutheran.edu/).