8th Infraday California

Current Agenda

2026 Venue

Hudson Loft

Floor 3

1200 South Hope St
Los Angeles, CA 90015

Point of Contact: Ken Bauco | 646-675-0171 | ken@infraday.com

April 22 Evening Reception (6:00-8:30 PM)

RSVP Here

Prank Bar
1100 South Hope St

The Big Picture

Infraday California 2026
April 22-23 | Los Angeles, CA

California’s infrastructure system is being pushed from every direction—population growth, electrification, climate pressure, and the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure.

On April 22–23, Infraday California returns to Los Angeles for its 8th annual gathering, bringing together 100+ speakers and senior leaders from across transportation, utilities, water, housing, and capital delivery. Hosted at Hudson Loft, the event is designed as a working forum focused on how major infrastructure programs are actually being executed across the state.

The program reflects where pressure is showing up in real time:

• Transportation systems scaling simultaneously — rail, transit, highways, freight, ports, airports, and Olympic-driven investment
• Capital programs under strain — managing multi-billion-dollar portfolios with better controls, data, and accountability
• Grid, power, and electrification — rising demand from EVs, buildings, and data centers reshaping utility planning
• Water systems and resource constraints — drought resilience, wastewater expansion, and industrial demand
• Housing and infrastructure alignment — capacity challenges across power, water, and transportation tied to development
• Digital infrastructure growth — broadband expansion, cybersecurity, and the physical limits behind data center demand
• Industrial systems and logistics — warehousing, ports, and freight corridors under increasing load
• New delivery models and technologies — robotics, automation, AI, and advanced air mobility entering real projects

The conversations are grounded in execution—how agencies, operators, and partners are navigating cost, risk, permitting, and delivery across complex, overlapping systems.

Infraday California brings the people responsible for building and operating these systems into the same room—focused on what’s working, what’s breaking, and what happens next.

Interested in partnering with us? Visit www.infraday.com/partner

Point of contact: Ken Bauco | 646-675-0171 | ken@infraday.com

Meet the 2026 Speakers

Adrian Hightower, Strategic Sustainability Partnerships Program (S2P2) Manager, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

Adrian Hightower, PhD, PE is Strategic Sustainability Partnerships Program Manager at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, where he leads cross-sector collaborations advancing climate resilience, renewable energy, and environmental justice. He oversees ESG reporting, climate vulnerability risk assessments, and partnership-driven initiatives spanning water, energy, and infrastructure systems. A licensed engineer and sustainability professional, Adrian brings deep expertise in the water-energy nexus, power systems, and organizational change across public, academic, and industrial environments. He holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science from California Institute of Technology and is an active contributor to regional and national sustainability initiatives.

AJ Waters, Chief Evangelist, Kahua

AJ Waters is Chief Evangelist at Kahua, where he helps construction owners, contractors, and technology leaders navigate digital transformation across complex capital projects. With a background spanning product management, solution engineering, and industry strategy, he has spent his career translating construction technology into practical outcomes for project teams. AJ is widely recognized as an industry advocate and speaker who simplifies complex contech concepts and champions technology adoption that actually improves jobsite performance. He also created TheEngiNerdLife, a platform dedicated to making construction technology more accessible, relatable, and impactful for the broader AEC community.

Alex Ricklefs, Program Manager, Community Solar, Clean Power Alliance

Alex Ricklefs is a Community Solar Program Manager at Clean Power Alliance with a strong background in renewable energy, distributed energy resources, and public-sector program delivery. He has led innovative initiatives including community solar, virtual power plants, and battery storage programs that expand access to clean energy—particularly for low-income communities. With experience spanning consulting, research, and project management, Alex has secured over $12M in funding through successful proposals and partnerships. His work is grounded in a deep understanding of California’s energy policy landscape and a commitment to building resilient, carbon-free energy systems.

Alex Summe, R&D Director – Electrification & Customer Solutions, EPRI

Alexander Summe is the R&D Director of Customer Energy Strategy at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), where he leads initiatives at the intersection of electrification, grid reliability, and customer-focused energy solutions. With over a decade at EPRI and earlier experience at GE Nuclear Energy, he brings deep technical expertise in power systems, electrification, and emerging grid technologies. His work focuses on balancing the “energy trifecta” of affordability, reliability, and decarbonization, while advancing strategies for demand flexibility and customer-driven grid participation. Summe is an active thought leader in the energy transition, regularly speaking on topics such as load growth, distributed energy resources, and the evolving role of customers in modern grid systems.

Anastacia Wyatt, Housing Manager, City of Monterey

Anastacia Wyatt is a Housing Manager for the City of Monterey with over two decades of experience in community development, housing policy, and federal program administration. She has led and managed key HUD-funded programs including CDBG, HOME, and ESG, with a strong focus on serving low- to moderate-income communities. Her work spans housing development, homelessness initiatives, environmental review, and compliance across local and regional agencies. Anastacia is an active leader in the National Community Development Association, contributing to policy discussions and advancing best practices in housing and community resilience.

Angelo Onevelo, Principal Manager, Grid Integration, EVgo

Angelo Onevelo is Principal Manager of Grid Integration at EVgo, where he leads utility coordination and engineering for large-scale EV fast-charging infrastructure projects across the United States. With a background in power systems engineering, he specializes in utility interconnections, grid integration, and the deployment of charging infrastructure supporting transportation electrification. Onevelo previously worked at Intel managing electrical infrastructure for data centers and fabrication facilities, and at Central Hudson Gas & Electric focused on distribution reliability and grid modernization. He holds degrees in electrical engineering and engineering management from Clarkson University.

Anthony Rainey, Port Commissioner, Ventura Port District

Anthony Rainey is a public sector finance and administration leader serving as a Port Commissioner for the Ventura Port District, where he helps oversee governance, budgeting, and long-term economic development for Ventura Harbor. With more than two decades of experience across federal, municipal, and special district organizations, he specializes in integrating financial strategy, enterprise risk management, and technology planning to strengthen public sector operations. Rainey previously served as Finance Director for the City of Sierra Madre, overseeing a $42 million operating and capital budget and leading long-term fiscal planning initiatives. He also teaches information systems and business continuity courses as an adjunct faculty member at University of Maryland Global Campus.

Arianna Barrios, Councilmember, District 1, City of Orange, California

Arianna Barrios is CEO of Communications LAB and a Councilmember representing District 1 for the City of Orange. She is a communications and public affairs leader with extensive experience advising public agencies on community engagement, crisis communications, and strategic messaging. Barrios has served her community in several elected roles, including a decade as a Trustee for the Rancho Santiago Community College District, helping shape educational policy and regional workforce development. She also holds a Public Leadership Credential from Harvard Kennedy School and a B.A. in Communications from California State University, Fullerton.

Bessie Marie Scott, City Manager, City of Antioch

Bessie Marie Scott serves as City Manager for the City of Antioch, where she leads municipal operations across infrastructure, public safety, economic development, and community investment initiatives. She brings a strong background in public policy, financial management, and organizational leadership, with a focus on driving efficient, data-informed government and building cross-sector partnerships. Prior to Antioch, she held senior roles in Seattle across public safety oversight, housing, and policy strategy, shaping programs at the intersection of equity, governance, and community development. Scott holds an Executive Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington and is recognized for her leadership in advancing inclusive, community-centered local government.

Bhaskar Ray, VP & Head of Transmission, Interconnection & Performance Engineering, Hanwha Renewables

Bhaskar Ray is Vice President and Head of Transmission, Interconnection & Performance Engineering at Hanwha Renewables, where he leads grid interconnection and transmission planning for large-scale solar and energy storage projects across North America. With more than three decades of experience in electric utilities and renewable development, he specializes in transmission system planning, grid integration, and power procurement strategy. Ray has previously held senior roles at Qcells USA Corp., BayWa r.e., and Burns & McDonnell, advising developers and utilities on complex grid interconnection and infrastructure planning. Earlier in his career he worked with Southern California Edison on transmission planning and renewable procurement initiatives. He holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Iowa State University with a focus on power systems dynamics.

Bill Wells, Mayor, El Cajon

Bill Wells is the Mayor of El Cajon, California, where he has led efforts focused on economic development, public safety, and fiscal management within a growing San Diego County community. He brings a hands-on leadership approach to city governance, overseeing infrastructure priorities, budgeting decisions, and community services. Under his leadership, El Cajon has advanced initiatives to strengthen local business activity and improve quality of life for residents. Mayor Wells is known for his direct engagement with constituents and pragmatic approach to municipal leadership.

Brian Chen, Vice President, Project & Field Engineering, Southern California Edison

Brian Chen is Vice President of Project & Field Engineering at Southern California Edison, where he leads engineering and field execution for grid upgrades, expansion, and customer interconnections across one of the largest utility systems in the U.S. With a background spanning asset management, corporate strategy, and grid resiliency, he has played a key role in advancing wildfire mitigation programs and modernizing critical infrastructure across California. He has overseen multi-billion-dollar capital planning efforts, implemented data-driven investment strategies, and driven enterprise-wide performance improvements within a highly regulated energy environment. Known for bridging engineering, policy, and finance, Brian brings a strategic, execution-focused perspective to building a more resilient and reliable electric grid.

Brian D'Amour, Public Works Director, City of Santa Barbara

Brian D'Amour is the Public Works Director for the City of Santa Barbara, overseeing the planning, delivery, and maintenance of the city’s transportation, water, airport, and public infrastructure systems. With nearly two decades of experience at the city, he has progressed through engineering and leadership roles including City Engineer, Acting Public Works Director, and Interim Airport Director. His work focuses on capital project delivery, infrastructure resilience, and maintaining critical municipal services in a coastal environment facing climate and growth pressures. D'Amour began his career in environmental engineering with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Penn State University.

Calley Bilgram, Program Lead, Los Angeles Wildfire Recovery Program, Global Emergency Relief, Recovery and Reconstruction (GER3)

Calley Bilgram is Program Lead for the Los Angeles Wildfire Recovery Program at GER3, where she oversees recovery, resilience, and reconstruction efforts for communities impacted by major wildfire events. She brings over a decade of experience in international development, disaster response, and resilience programming, with a focus on community-based recovery and capacity building. Her work spans global emergency response initiatives, including leadership roles at Team Rubicon and large-scale resilience programs across multiple regions. Calley is focused on advancing practical, on-the-ground solutions that strengthen long-term infrastructure resilience and support vulnerable communities.

Celina Jimenez, Director of Economic Development, City of Coachella

Celina Jimenez is the Director of Economic Development for the City of Coachella, where she leads initiatives focused on business attraction, community investment, and long-term economic growth. She brings over eight years of experience with the City, previously serving as Grants Manager and helping secure funding for critical public projects. Her work centers on advancing economic opportunity in the Coachella Valley through public-private partnerships and strategic development. Celina holds a degree in Political Science from UC Irvine and is committed to fostering inclusive, sustainable growth in rapidly evolving communities.

Chandra Sekhar Chilmakuri, Assistant General Manager for Water Policy, State Water Contractors

Chandra Sekhar Chilmakuri, Ph.D., P.E. is Assistant General Manager for Water Policy at State Water Contractors, where he leads statewide strategy on water supply reliability, infrastructure, and policy development. He brings deep expertise in the State Water Project and its critical role in delivering imported water to Southern California and supporting long-term system resilience. Prior to this role, he served as a Principal Engineer at Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and spent over a decade at CH2M leading major water resources and infrastructure projects. His background spans hydrology, infrastructure planning, and large-scale water system delivery across California.

Chris Brown, Chief Harbor Engineer, Port of Los Angeles

Chris Brown is Chief Harbor Engineer at the Port of Los Angeles, the lead position overseeing the Port’s Engineering Division. Appointed in 2023, Brown leads the planning, development and design of infrastructure and facilities that support the diverse operations of the nation’s busiest seaport, including wharves, terminals, rail, roadways and public space.

Brown most recently served as the Assistant Chief Harbor Engineer responsible for division sections handling structural, specifications, architectural and electrical elements of Port infrastructure projects. Prior to that, he served as the Harbor Engineer in charge of division sections on structural, specifications, right of way, technology and CADD. From 2000-2015, he held various roles—including section head, program manager and designer—on a number of projects, most notably as project manager for the Wilmington Waterfront Park, which won Engineering News Record’s “Best of the Best Award” in 2012.

Brown started his career as a student engineer at the Port of Los Angeles in 1993. Following a four-year stint at Holmes & Narver (now AECOM), he returned to the Port and progressively built his career. He received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Southern California, and his master’s degree in structural engineering from the University of Maryland.

In addition to being a registered civil engineer in California, Brown is a certified construction documents technologist as designated by the Construction Specification Institute, where he serves as a board member. Brown is also a senior certified professional with the Society for Human Resource Management.

Chris Chen, FF AI-Robotics Project Owner & Co-CEO, Faraday Future

Chris Chen is Co-CEO of FF AI-Robotics and Head of Global User Ecosystem at Faraday Future, where he leads the development and commercialization of embodied AI robotics and next-generation intelligent systems. He plays a key role in shaping global partnerships and scaling robotics applications across sectors including hospitality, automotive, and smart environments. With over a decade at Faraday Future, Chen has helped drive innovation at the intersection of AI, mobility, and user experience. He holds an MBA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and brings a global perspective to building and deploying advanced technology platforms.

Christian Artizada, Shelter Coordinator, Long Beach Health and Human Services Department

Christian Artizada is a Shelter Coordinator with the Long Beach Health and Human Services Department, where he oversees shelter operations and services supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. His work focuses on coordinating housing resources, managing day-to-day shelter programs, and connecting vulnerable populations to critical health and social services. He collaborates closely with city agencies, nonprofit partners, and community organizations to improve service delivery and outcomes. Christian brings a frontline perspective on housing stability, emergency response, and the infrastructure needed to support at-risk populations.

Christian Lofton, Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst-Contractor, Technology & Innovation | Bureau, City of Long Beach

Christian Lofton is a Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst supporting the Technology & Innovation Bureau at the City of Long Beach, where he focuses on identifying and analyzing emerging cyber threats impacting municipal systems and critical infrastructure. His work spans security operations, threat hunting, incident response, and intelligence analysis aimed at strengthening the city’s cyber defense posture. Christian previously worked in cybersecurity roles across the private sector, including incident response and threat detection environments supporting large-scale enterprise networks. He is also the founder of Xpoose Cyber Sec, where he provides consulting on digital security, operational security, and cyber threat awareness.

Christian Mora, Agronomy Specialist - Irrigation Lead, Corteva Agriscience

Christian Mora is an agronomy specialist with nearly a decade of experience at the intersection of crop science, irrigation engineering, and field operations. He currently serves as an Agronomy Irrigation Lead at Corteva Agriscience, where he manages complex irrigation and fertigation systems, supports research trials, and drives data-informed crop performance improvements. His background spans large-scale agricultural operations, crew leadership, and the development of SOPs to improve efficiency, safety, and system reliability. Mora combines a scientific foundation in biological sciences with hands-on engineering and operational expertise to advance more sustainable, technology-driven agricultural systems.

Christian Samlaska, Global Aviation Vertical Program Leader, North America, Convergint (Commissioner, Palm Springs International Airport)

Christian Samlaska, C.M., is an Aviation Vertical Program Principal at Convergint, where he leads complex aviation security and infrastructure programs across major airports. With over three decades in aviation, including senior leadership roles at the Port of Seattle and JetBlue Airways, he brings deep expertise in airport operations, regulatory compliance, and large-scale program delivery. Christian specializes in integrating security systems, managing risk, and aligning stakeholders across public and private sectors to ensure safe and efficient airport environments. He also serves as a Commissioner for Palm Springs International Airport, contributing to the strategic direction of one of Southern California’s key aviation hubs.

Christy Hunt, Product Marketing Manager, Contruent

Christy Hunt is a go-to-market and marketing leader at Contruent, specializing in AECO, public sector, and SaaS technology. She brings over 15 years of experience driving growth through brand strategy, strategic partnerships, and integrated marketing programs that align product, sales, and customer outcomes. Her background spans leadership roles at Contruent, Avicado, DigEplan, and Trimble, where she helped scale markets, launch new solutions, and build high-performing teams. Hunt is known for translating complex infrastructure and capital program challenges into clear, compelling positioning that drives pipeline, adoption, and long-term growth.

Dan Bronfman, Managing Director | Affordable Housing & Community Development Lending, Banc of California

Dan Bronfman is a Managing Director at Banc of California, specializing in affordable housing and community development lending. He focuses on structuring tax-exempt and taxable financing solutions to support capital projects for developers, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations. With over three decades of experience, he has facilitated more than $1 billion in financing through his work at Banc of California and as founder of Growth Capital Associates. He brings deep expertise in housing finance, public-private partnerships, and capital structuring to advance impactful development projects.

Daniel Lucero, Executive Director of Security Services, Asst. General Manager, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power

Daniel Lucero is the Executive Director of Security at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, where he leads a 400-person team responsible for protecting critical infrastructure, personnel, and operations across the largest public utility in the United States. A U.S. Army veteran and former Major, he brings over 17 years of experience in security operations, emergency response, and stakeholder coordination across complex, high-risk environments. His background spans leading large-scale military police operations, coordinating with federal and local agencies, and managing security for major public-sector systems and events. Lucero holds dual master’s degrees, including a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California, and focuses on the intersection of infrastructure security, public policy, and resilience.

Interested in becoming a partner or exhibitor? Please contact ken@infraday.com

Official Partners – 2026

Aurigo

Aurigo builds software that helps build the world. Aurigo provides modern, cloud-based solutions for capital infrastructure and private owners to help them plan with confidence, build with quality, and maintain their assets efficiently. With more than $300b of capital programs under management, Aurigo’s solutions are trusted by over 300 customers in transportation, water and utilities, healthcare, higher education, and the government on over 40,000 projects across North America. Aurigo helps capital program executives make better decisions based on proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning technology. Aurigo is a privately held US corporation headquartered in Austin, Texas, with global offices in Canada and India. Learn more at www.aurigo.com.

Contruent

Contruent is the lifecycle cost management solution that empowers Owners and Engineering & Construction firms to deliver complex capital programs and mega projects with precision and speed.

Contruent is faster to deliver across the project lifecycle because it integrates cost and scheduling and comes project-ready out-of-the box with 25 years of best practices built in. The result is higher accuracy, speed, and cost efficiency.

Founded in 1994 as ARES PRISM and renamed with the launch of an innovative SaaS platform, Contruent operates in 26 countries and is now headquartered in Naperville, IL.

Fenagh Engineering & Testing

Fenagh Engineering & Testing was established to address the structural integrity of construction projects. Fenagh has provided special inspections, geotechnical engineering, and other materials testing services for a wide array of private and public sector developments. Our team competitively bids projects and provides the highest level of service including project management and budget control services. Our mission is to provide our clients with consistent customer service, knowledgeable engineers, and qualified inspectors. We strive to be the leading special inspection and material testing company in the industry and look forward to being part of your construction team.

Kahua

Kahua helps you manage processes, documents and cost on your construction programs and projects from inception to closeout. Purpose-built solutions for owners, program managers, general contractors and subcontractors help you minimize time-to-value and enhance user adoption. Kahua enables collaboration between all project participants to streamline communication and improve efficiency. Eliminate waste and rework by keeping everyone on the same page with the latest design and scope information. And with Kahua’s comprehensive dashboards and reporting, you get the visibility and control you need to minimize risk.

Kahua is a lifecycle solution, with applications for capital planning, sources of funds, design review, bid management, document management & control, cost management and asset handover. Kahua is available on all mobile devices to easily connect field to office.

Kahua apps are built on kBuilder, an Enterprise Low-Code Application Platform which enables Kahua partners and customers to rapidly build new apps or customize existing apps to extend or enhance Kahua solutions. This gives you the agility you need to adapt as your business needs evolve. To date, over 600 private and public apps have been developed on kBuilder, and public apps are available to the Kahua community on the kStore app marketplace.

Oracle Construction and Engineering

Asset owners and project leaders rely on Oracle Construction and Engineering software for the visibility and control, connected supply chain, and data security needed to drive performance and mitigate risk across their processes, projects, and organization. Feel confident in your digital transformation with modern cloud solutions that grow and scale with you at every step of your journey. Enable efficiency, collaboration, and change control for your teams that plan, build, and operate critical assets.

Procore

Procore is a cloud-based construction management platform that streamlines project workflows. It connects all project stakeholders—from owners and contractors to subcontractors—on a single, collaborative platform. For public sector projects, this means improved transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Procore facilitates real-time communication, document control, bid management, and cost tracking, helping ensure projects stay on time and within budget. It enhances collaboration, reduces risk, and provides valuable data insights for better decision-making throughout the project lifecycle, ultimately benefiting taxpayers.

Salto Wecosystem

Salto Wecosystem is focused on enabling access to more… more doors, more opportunities, more data.

Salto Wecosystem delivers secure, scalable, keyless access purpose-built for utilities and critical infrastructure, where assets are remote, outdoor, and mission critical. Through IP-rated, wire free locks, electronic padlocks, and centralized digital management, utilities gain real-time control, auditability, and compliance across thousands of access points. The Salto Wecosystem also expertise in identity management, workforce safety, and asset protection for high-risk environments. Together, they help utility operators reduce risk, eliminate mechanical keys, improve operational efficiency, and ensure continuity across distributed, critical assets worldwide.

Trusted worldwide SALTO WECOSYSTEM supports more than 40,000 installations and over 40 million daily users, with operations in 40 countries and a global partner network delivering scalable, integrated smart access solutions at any scale.

The Port of Long Beach

The Port of Long Beach is one of America’s premier seaports and a trailblazer in goods movement and environmental stewardship.

Trade valued annually at more than $180 billion moves through Long Beach each year. More than 7.5 million container units were imported and exported in 2017 through the Port, making it the second-busiest seaport in the United States. Everything from clothing and shoes to toys, furniture and consumer electronics arrives at the Port before making its way to store shelves throughout the country. Specialized terminals also move petroleum, automobiles, cement, lumber, steel and other products.

A major economic force, the Port supports more than 30,000 jobs in Long Beach, 316,000 jobs throughout Southern California and 1.4 million jobs throughout the United States. It generates about $16 billion in annual trade-related wages statewide.

With the Green Port Policy guiding efforts to minimize or eliminate negative environmental impacts, the Port also is a catalyst for innovative environmental programs. Serving as a model for ports around the world, the Port of Long Beach pioneered such programs as the Green Flag Vessel Speed Reduction Program, Green Leases with environmental covenants and the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan. With these bold initiatives, the Port is dedicated to improving air quality more quickly and aggressively than has ever been attempted by any seaport, anywhere in the world.

For these reasons and more, the Port is recognized internationally as one of the world’s best seaports and locally as a partner dedicated to helping the community thrive.

Trimble

Trimble is a global technology company that connects the physical and digital worlds, transforming the ways work gets done. With relentless innovation in precise positioning, modeling and data analytics, Trimble enables essential industries including construction, geospatial and transportation. Whether it's helping customers build and maintain infrastructure, design and construct buildings, optimize global supply chains or map the world, Trimble is at the forefront, driving productivity and progress. For more information about Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB), visit: www.trimble.com.

ZTERS

ZTERS is a nationwide site services company that gives construction teams, property managers, event planners, and industrial facilities one partner for every job site need. From portable restrooms and roll-off dumpsters to temporary fencing, storage containers, jobsite security, field technicians, and more, ZTERS delivers a full suite of services through a single point of contact and consolidated billing. With coverage across all 50 states, ZTERS eliminates the complexity of managing multiple vendors so clients can focus on the work that matters most.

2026 Venue​

April 22 Evening Reception (6:00-8:30 PM)​​