Circular SoCal 2026

Circular SoCal brings together leaders across design, manufacturing, development, government, utilities, industry, and community organizations to accelerate a more regenerative built environment in Southern California. Through expert conversations and collaboration, the event explores how circular economy principles can move from aspiration to action across materials, buildings, infrastructure, and policy. The program focuses on three interconnected scales: circular manufacturing and regional prosperity, strengthening local supply chains through deconstruction, workforce development, repair, remanufacturing, and reuse; and commercial-scale implementation, exploring the business case for circularity through real-world projects, financing, procurement, risk, and partnerships. The day concludes with policy as infrastructure, examining how ordinances, incentives, procurement, utilities, and infrastructure systems can create the conditions for circular systems to scale. Grounded in collaboration and action, Circular SoCal connects leaders across sectors to share lessons, build partnerships, and shape a more resilient, equitable, and regenerative future for Southern California. Agenda:• 8:30am - 9:00am Breakfast and Welcome• 9am - 12pm Panels• 12pm - 1:30pm - Keynote and lunch• 1:30pm Sand Dune Tour 2:00pm - 4:30pm Invite Only Local Government SessionPanel #1Building Regional Prosperity Through Circular ManufacturingFrom Waste Streams to Workforce PipelinesPanelists: Ferris Kawar, Marcela Oliva, Jasen HubbardBuilding on insights from prior Circular SoCal events and charettes, the discussion will examine how shifting from demolition to deconstruction can unlock local supply chains, create skilled jobs, and retain economic value within the region. Panelists will explore the infrastructure, workforce pathways, and community-scale resources needed to make circular manufacturing viable, from Material Reuse Hubs and material collection systems to repair workshops, maker spaces, apprenticeships, and training programs that help Southern California use its existing buildings, materials, labor force, and industrial capacity to create regenerative economic growth. Panel #2Circularity in PracticeCommercial-Scale Case Studies, Business Models, and Enabling EcosystemsPanelists: Emi LaFountain, Melissa Gutierrez-Sullivan, Kelly Tigera, Giovanna AraujoThrough case studies and candid discussion, panelists will unpack the financial realities behind circular delivery, including investment approaches, procurement models, risk allocation, and long-term value creation, while addressing the practical challenges of moving circular projects from demonstration to standard practice. The panel will also explore the enabling ecosystems needed for success, from matchmaking platforms and partnerships with real estate owners and non-profits to inventory data, procurement guidance, and local government incentives, with a focus on replicable models and the business case for circularity at the commercial scale. Panel #3Policy as InfrastructureAccelerating Circular Systems Through Leadership, Regulation, and Public InvestmentPanelists: Brian Reyes, Kelly LoBianco, Shannon Parry, Luke LombardiDrawing from municipal leadership and lessons learned, this panel convenes public sector leaders and policy innovators to examine how cities are translating climate and circularity ambitions into implementation and measurable outcomes. Panelists will explore policies and incentives that can move beyond waste reduction to enable regenerative systems, including permitting pathways, green code incentives, tax credits, procurement standards, and municipal support, as well as the training needed to ensure these policies are practical and durable. Attendees will leave with examples of policies working today and strategies for creating circular ecosystems across Southern California.