Events & news
2024 Economic Outlook Conference Accordion Closed
This year’s Economic Outlook Conference is on November 7th, 2024 (7:00-11:00 am).
The focus area this year will be on the critical issue of housing affordability and availability in Northern Arizona, a topic that continues to be of great importance to our region’s economic landscape. Learn more about guest speakers below. For additional information and registration details contact Julieta.Barajas@nau.edu.
Shane Phillips – Housing Affordability Researcher, Author, Consultant, and Speaker
Shane Phillips is a housing researcher, writer, and consultant based in Los Angeles. He manages the Randall Lewis Housing Initiative at the UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies, and produces and hosts the UCLA Housing Voice Podcast, a biweekly show that translates emerging policy-relevant research for a non-academic audience. He’s the author of the book The Affordable City, which advocates for prioritizing Supply, Stability, and Subsidies and offers more than 50 strategies for improving and maintaining affordability. He has consulted for cities including Reno, NV, Grand Rapids, MI, and Hendersonville, NC, and given keynote presentations for various statewide housing associations, trade groups, regional advocacy organizations, and conferences. Shane earned his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Washington and master’s degree in public administration and urban planning from USC.
Bob Worsley – Retired Senator, Founder and CEO of ZenniHome
Bob Worsley is a former Republican State Senator from Mesa, Arizona, serving from 2012 to January 2019. With a background as an entrepreneur and 1999 Arizona Entrepreneur of the Year, he founded SkyMall and later NZ Legacy, which developed significant real estate, energy, and mineral projects, including a biomass energy plant in Arizona. Currently, he leads ZenniHome, a startup focused on innovative, sustainable micro-homes. During his Senate tenure, he chaired the Transportation and Technology Committee and was involved in key issues such as energy, technology, and immigration reform. Bob is also an author and serves on various boards, continuing his commitment to civic and philanthropic efforts.
Joe Little – Associate Professor of Economics at NAU
He earned his PhD in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics from the University of New Mexico in 2005 specializing in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics. He was a faculty member at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (2005-2020), researching topics like homeowner wildfire risk mitigation behavior, the influence of energy efficiency improvements on home values, and the relationship between home heating practices and local air quality. Dr. Little joined the NAU faculty in Fall 2020. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and twin sons.
Summer 2024 Programs Accordion Closed
The Economic Policy Institute hosts a diverse Summer schedule of events for both youth and adult learners. Check out our flyer for more information on:
Invest in Girls Overnight Camp
NAU Fleischer Scholar Program
Financial Literacy Boot Camp (2 days)
Webinar Series “Money Talk Tuesdays”.