Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.

Walter P. Paepcke, Aspen Institute Co-Founder
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The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program (EOP) advances strategies, policies, and ideas to help low- and moderate-income people thrive in a changing economy.

We hope you’ll join us at one of our upcoming events, which you can learn about below. Everyone who registers will receive a link to the recording, so feel free to sign up even if you can’t participate live.

June 5 — Marketcrafters: The 100-Year Struggle To Shape the American Economy — A Book Talk with Chris Hughes (online)

Thursday,  June 5, 1-2 p.m. Eastern time, on Zoom

While we often hear about the “invisible hand” of the free market, the mechanics beneath our economy are far more intentional. Markets are shaped by the decisions of policymakers, business leaders, and advocates, and those decisions determine who benefits, who bears the risk, and what goals we prioritize. In his new book, “Marketcrafters: The 100 Year Struggle to Shape the American Economy,” Economic Security Project Chair Chris Hughes reveals how decision-makers have attempted to organize markets in the past — to address shortages, fight inflation, cultivate industries, and more. Join us for a virtual book with Hughes, moderated by Natalie Foster, a senior fellow with the Aspen Institute and president and founder of the Economic Security Project. By drawing on the lessons of the past, together we can build an economy that’s more innovative, stable, and inclusive for all. Click here to register.

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June 26 — Job Quality in Practice: Advising Small Businesses on Job Quality (online)

Thursday, June 26, 3-4 p.m. Eastern time, on Zoom

 

Improving job quality doesn’t just benefit workers; it can also strengthen small businesses themselves and the broader communities they serve. Yet, many small business owners lack the resources and knowledge needed to improve the quality of their jobs. Trusted partners, like community development financial institutions (CDFIs), can make a meaningful difference. Our Job Quality Advising Guide guide provides tools, resources, and success stories that can help organizations working with small businesses coach clients on potential job quality improvements that can also enhance business resilience. Join us to learn more about the guide, hear from CDFIs about their approaches to building job quality advising into their work, and share your questions and comments. Click here to register.

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Stay Tuned

We have a number of other exciting events in the works. Join our mailing list or connect on social media for updates and information.

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External Events and Speaking Engagements

EOP staff are frequently called upon to lend their expertise to a variety of critical conversations and settings. We hope to see you at one of the many insightful discussions we’ll be participating in soon. To invite one of our experts to speak at an event, please send us an email at eop.program@aspeninstitute.org.

  • June 11-13 in Austin, Texas: Small Business Finance Forum, hosted by the Opportunity Finance Network. Business Ownership Initiative Senior Director Joyce Klein will speak on a panel, “Beyond the Loan: Tracking CDFI Small Business Borrowers’ Credit Over Time.” Klein and Good Companies/Good Jobs Initiative Director Lauren Starks will speak on a panel, “Amplifying CDFI Impact Through Job Quality: Findings and Insights from the Shared Success Demonstration Project.”
  • June 12 in Washington DC: The World of Work, hosted by Semafor and Gallup. Economic Opportunities Program Executive Director Maureen Conway will take part in an interview on AI, labor, and economic opportunity for workers.
  • June 25-July 1 in Aspen, Colorado: Aspen Ideas Festival, hosted by the Aspen Institute. Future of Work Initiative Director Liba Wenig Rubenstein and Senior Fellow Natalie Foster will lead a discussion on AI and the future of workers. This session is happening June 26 from 11:50 a.m. to 12:50 p.m.
  • July 11-14 in Aspen, Colorado: 2025 Summer Seminars, hosted by the Socrates Program at the Aspen Institute. Roy Bahat, chair of the Aspen Business Roundtable on Organized Labor, will moderate a discussion, “What Does the Future of Work Look Like—And Who Gets to Shape It?”

In Case You Missed It

 

May 6: Job Quality Fellowship Informational Webinar

May 21: How Good Jobs Support Small Business Success: Lessons from the Shared Success Demonstration

For more news, events, and publications from the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program, join our mailing list or connect with us on social media.