Freedom & Progress 2024: Full Schedule

2:00pm EST

Reimagining our Approach to Homelessness

Monday November 18, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST

In its 2024 decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson, the U.S. Supreme Court gave local governments greater freedom to enact and enforce penalties on public camping and sleeping outside. This panel will explore the legal, ethical, and practical implications of the ruling and discuss innovative solutions to address homelessness that balance public order with compassion for the unhoused.

Speakers

Judge Glock

Senior Fellow & Director of Research, Manhattan Institute

Judge Glock is the director of research and a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a contributing editor at City Journal. He was formerly the senior director of policy and research at the Cicero Institute, a nonpartisan think tank based in Austin, and a visiting professor of economics at West Virginia University. He writes about the intersection of economics, finance, and housing, with a perspective informed by his work in economic history... Read More →

Michael Tanner

Senior Fellow, Social Mobility, FREOPP

After spending 29 years with the Cato Institute, Michael Tanner joined FREOPP in April 2023. Since then he has authored several studies for FREOPP on issues such as reparations, the definition of poverty, and homelessness. Tanner is also the author of The Inclusive Economy, which... Read More →

Roger Valdez

Research Fellow, Housing, FREOPP

Roger Valdez is Director of the Center for Housing Economics and a Research Fellow at the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity (FREOPP). He is an advocate for progressive supply side solutions to housing scarcity. Lack of housing keeps cities expensive for poorer people and... Read More →

Jonathan Blanks

Managing Editor & Senior Fellow, Criminal Justice, FREOPP

Monday November 18, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST
Location: Drawing Room

Concurrent Block 2

2:00pm EST

The Future of Work is Skills First

Monday November 18, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST

Location: Salons 1-3

As the economy evolves, the traditional college degree is no longer the only path to a successful career. This panel will explore the growing importance of skill-based education and alternative career pathways that prioritize practical experience and vocational training. We will discuss how industries are shifting toward a 'skills first' approach and how these alternatives can open doors to fulfilling, well-paying careers that do not require a four-year degree.

Speakers

Akash Chougule

Vice President, Government Affairs, Americans for Prosperity

Akash Chougule is Vice President of Americans for Prosperity, the nation's largest free-market grassroots advocacy organization. Prior to his current role, Akash was Vice President of the Economic Opportunity Priority Initiative at the Stand Together Chamber of Commerce. Akash also... Read More →

Steve Taylor

Director and Senior Fellow, Stand Together Trust

Dr. Steven Taylor is the Director and Senior Fellow for the Future of Work at Stand Together Trust. He leads the investment and partnership strategy and builds issue-focused coalitions to educate policymakers on reforms that empower and motivate all individuals to leverage their skills... Read More →

Johnathan Hartley

Research Fellow, Financial Services, FREOPP

Jon Hartley is an economist, a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity (FREOPP), a Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, and Host of the Capitalism and Freedom in the 21st Century Podcast at the Hoover Institution. Jon is a graduate of the University... Read More →

Laura Maristany

Founder & CEO, Prospera Insights LLC

Monday November 18, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST
Location: Salons 1-3

Concurrent Block 2

2:00pm EST

Will AI Advance or Hinder Equal Opportunity?

Monday November 18, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST

Location: Salons 4-5

As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes industries, the new technology could level the playing field by creating new opportunities for underserved populations. It could also exacerbate existing inequalities through biased algorithms and automation. In this panel, we will explore the potential risks and benefits of AI as it becomes ever more integral in the workforce and education, as well as ways to ensure that it expands opportunity without leaving the most vulnerable behind.

Speakers

Neil Chilson

Head of AI Policy, Abundance Institute

Neil Chilson is a lawyer, computer scientist, and author of the book “Getting Out of Control: Emergent Leadership in a Complex World.” Neil is Head of AI Policy at the Abundance Institute, where he works to create a policy and cultural environment where emerging technologies... Read More →

Wayne Brough

Program Director for Technology and Innovation, R Street Institute

Wayne Brough has a strong background in economics and public policy, focusing on regulatory policy in a number of fields, including technology, energy, insurance, and transportation. I also work on fiscal and tax policy questions, as well as legal reform. I have testified before Congress... Read More →

Dan Lips

Senior Fellow, Education (K-12), FREOPP

Dan Lips is senior fellow with the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity. He is head of policy at the Foundation for American Innovation. He previously was policy director with the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

Monday November 18, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST
Location: Salons 4-5

Concurrent Block 2