Regional Economic Outlook Conference for 1997 and 1998

Wednesday January 28, 1997

MetroCenter Auditorium

On Wednesday, January 28, ABAG will be holding a conference to describe its short term economic forecast. The eighth annual Economic Outlook Conference will cover 1997 and 1998, providing regional and county level information on employment, household incomes, and taxable sales.

The conference is important for city and county staff responsible for budgeting and planning, as well as members of the private sector. Ted Gibson, the Chief Economist at the State Department of Finance, will provide a forecast for California. His detailed knowledge ofstatewide statistics and trends has made his presentation an important feature of previous Outlook conferences.

For more information, call Paul Fassinger at 510/464-7928 or e-mail PaulF@abag.ca.gov

Power Pool Issue RFP for Electricity

On October 9, ABAG's Power Purchasing Pool Program Committee elected Mike Garvey, City Manager of San Carlos, and David Finigan, Assistant City Manager, City of Vallejo as Chair and Vice-Chair, respectively, of the Committee, which is an advisory body to the Executive Board on ABAG's energy purchasing activities.

In addition to electing officers, the Committee heard some good news: estimated savings for the natural gas purchasing program are expected to grow substantially due to PG&E's forthcoming settlement of outstanding natural gas issues. Savings may increase by as much as 50 percent as early as January 1997. There are currently 30 jurisdictions buying natural gas through the Pool and new members are always welcome.

The Pool plans to issue a request for proposals for electric services this fall. Approximately 100 local governments will be represented in this solicitation for pricing on over 200 megawatts of power. ABAG plans to complete its evaluation of supplier proposals in January 1997 and present preliminary pricing information to interested local governments in February 1997.

For more information, please contact Patty Spangler, Power Pool Program Manager, at 510/464-7933 or e-mail PattyS@abag.ca.gov