2026 Economic Forecast

The San Rafael Chamber’s 2026 Economic Forecast brings together top economic insight, local leadership, and forward-looking conversation about what it will take for Marin’s economy to thrive.

This year’s program features renowned economist Christopher Thornberg of Beacon Economics, returning by popular demand to provide a clear-eyed look at where the economy is headed. We’ll also hear from Marin County Executive Officer Derek Johnson on business retention and expansion, and the role employers, policymakers, and community leaders play in keeping Marin competitive.

Two timely panel conversations anchor the morning:

1. The Architecture of a Workforce Lifecycle explores how talent is built across a lifetime from early childhood education, career exposure to the skilled trades, professional pathways, and the growing role of older workers.

2. Housing that Sustains a Thriving Economy examines how housing availability, governance, and choice directly shape workforce stability and economic vitality.

The program also includes a short video featuring local employers sharing how housing and long commutes are driving turnover and threatening Marin’s workforce courtesy of our San Rafael Leadership Institute cohort of 2023.

This is more than a forecast! It’s a conversation about how we build the systems that support a resilient, prosperous local economy!

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Date and Time

Wednesday Feb 18, 2026
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM PST

February 18, 2026

8:00am - 12:00pm

8:00 - 8:15: Networking and light breakfast
8:15 - 9:00: Economist Christopher Thornberg, Beacon Economics
9:00 - 9:30: Derek Johnson, Marin County Executive Officer
9:35 - 10:20: The Architecture of a Workforce Lifecycle
10:20 - 10:30: Call Marin Home Video, a project of the San Rafael Leadership Institute 2023
10:30 - 11:15: Housing That Sustains a Thriving Economy
11:20 - 11:50: Special Guest Speaker
11:50 - 12:00: Closing Remarks

Location

Embassy Suites of San Rafael

101 McInnis Pkwy, San Rafael, CA 94903

Fees/Admission

$65.00 per ticket for Chamber Members

$75.00 per ticket for Non-Chamber Members