Poverty and the Future

Project Good Podcast

Addressing Poverty in California: A Conversation with EPIC President Devon Gray

In this episode of the Project Good podcast the focus is on combating poverty in the United States, with

special emphasis on California. The podcast features Devon Gray, president of End Poverty in California

(EPIC), who discusses the stark statistics of poverty in California, the systemic issues contributing to

economic disparity, and EPIC's work in advocating for equitable policies. Gray shares insights from his

personal journey and highlights the importance of changing the narrative around poverty. The

conversation explores potential solutions like increasing affordable housing, strengthening safety nets,

and implementing programs like baby bonds to reduce the wealth gap.

00:00 Welcome to Project Good Podcast

00:26 Understanding Poverty in the United States

01:48 Interview with Devon Gray: Ending Poverty in California

09:27 Defining Poverty in the U.S. and California

13:07 Policy Choices and Economic Security

19:27 The Role of Government and Public Perception

28:53 Empowering Communities Through Advocacy

31:06 Broadening the Lens on Poverty

32:50 The San Francisco Effect

34:59 Economic Refugees and Housing Crisis

35:58 California's Influence on National Trends

38:41 The Domino Effect of Housing Shortages

41:29 Burnout and Economic Security

44:47 California's Unique Strengths and Challenges

49:57 The Importance of Progressive Politics

54:59 EPIC's Future Focus: Baby Bonds Program

01:00:19 Conclusion and Call to Action

Guest Bio:

Devon Gray the President of End Poverty in California or (Epic). EPIC aims to end poverty in California by

elevating the voices of people experiencing it, creating and implementing bold policies rooted in their

needs, and advancing a state agenda focused on equal opportunity for all.Prior to joining EPIC, Devon was a director with Evergreen Strategy Group, where he advised gun

violence prevention organizations on policy and strategy.

Devon previously served in the Newsom Administration as Special Advisor to the Governor’s Chief of

Staff and is an alumnus of national and statewide political campaigns. He is a graduate of Stanford Law

School and the Stanford Graduate School of Education, and lives in Orange County where he serves as a

delegate to the California Democratic Party.

Connect with us:

- Subscribe to the Project Good Work Blog to read the article version of the interview.

- If you have a passion for an unserved community, a social justice problem or want to change minds

contact Project Good Work at www.ProjectGood.Work to start your project of change today.