Matt Horton is an associate director of the Milken Institute California Center. In that capacity, he interacts with government officials, business leaders, and other key stakeholders to provide outreach and support for California research and policy efforts while developing programming and coordinating Forums, briefings, and stakeholder meetings. He also monitors policy developments at the local, state and federal levels for their potential impact on the state’s position as a global economic leader. Horton works to enhance the California Center’s statewide impact and its efforts to promote best practices. Previously, he worked for the Southern California Association of Governments, the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization. Horton served as the primary point of contact for external affairs with elected officials as well as sub-regional, state and federal stakeholders in Los Angeles and Orange counties while helping leaders in Southern California develop plans to address growth and improve quality of life.