T
he High Desert Economic and Real Estate Symposium & Forecast returns for its 12th year on March 20th at the Victor Valley College Performing Arts Center. As the White House administration shifts, so too do the economic tides that affect housing, employment, and other sectors. This year's symposium will dissect the impact of new leadership on the global, national, state, and High Desert landscapes.

    Coldwell Banker Commercial hosts the event from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with economist Dr. Chris Thornberg set to present his "Economic Review and Forecast." Thornberg's firm, Beacon Economics, made headlines in 2007 by accurately predicting the subprime real estate bubble collapse and subsequent global recession.

    Keynote speaker Dan Spiegel, managing director of Coldwell Banker Commercial Worldwide, will share insights on the commercial real estate market. Chris Lamoreaux, broker and owner of Coldwell Banker Home Source, will present a historical review and forecast of the state and regional housing market.

    Community leaders will discuss new projects in the High Desert, including the Silverwood Master Plan. General Manager John Ohanian will provide an update on Phase 1 construction, which includes model homes set to open in spring 2025 as part of the 2,000-home neighborhood. The project spans 9,366 acres and will feature commercial space, parks, and trails.

    Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway's Executive Director of Public Affairs Lena Kent will discuss the $1.5 billion Barstow International Gateway project, which aims to transfer international containers to domestic ones and create 20,000 new jobs. The Bureau of Land Management has approved a land sale for the project, expected to positively impact the economies of Barstow and the High Desert.

    Brightline West Director of Public Affairs Antonio Castelan will speak on the nation's first high-speed rail project, promising passengers a 200 mph trip between Las Vegas and Southern California. The project includes stations in Apple Valley, Hesperia, and Rancho Cucamonga, with construction expected to begin early this year.

    City managers from Apple Valley, Adelanto, Hesperia, and Victorville will share updates on their municipalities' progress. Coldwell Banker Commercial leaders Bob Basen and Jerrad Schendel will present the state of the High Desert real estate market. To register for the symposium, visit cbcsymposium.com.