Christopher Thornberg is an expert in the study of regional economies, real estate dynamics, labor markets and business forecasting. In 2006 he co-founded Beacon Economics, an economic research and consulting firm that specializes in real estate markets, local economic development, and public and private policy issues. 

Dr. Thornberg has established a reputation as one of the state’s leading economic forecasters. In December 2007, he was appointed to California State Controller John Chiang’s Council of Economic Advisors – the body that advises the state’s chief fiscal officer about critical economic issues facing California.

Widely quoted in the media, he has appeared on NBC’s The Today Show, ABC’s Nightline, CNN, FOX News Channel, MSNBC, NPR, and is regularly quoted in major national and California dailies including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Chicago Tribune.

Dr. Thornberg also serves on the advisory board of Paulson & Co. Inc., one of Wall Street’s most successful hedge funds. He has been involved in a number of special studies measuring the effect of important events on the economy. These include the NAFTA treaty, the California electricity crisis, port security, California’s water transfer programs, and the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. 

Prior to launching Beacon, he was an economist with UCLA’s Anderson Forecast where he regularly authored economic outlooks for California, Los Angeles, and the East Bay. He also developed a number of specialized forecasts for various regions and industries. Previously he has taught in the MBA program at UC San Diego’s Rady School of Business, at Thammasat University in Bangkok, Thailand, and has held a faculty position in the economics department at Clemson University.

Dr. Thornberg holds a Ph.D in Business Economics from The Anderson School at UCLA, and a B.S. in Business Administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo. 

About Beacon Economics

Beacon Economics is home to some of California's leading economic researchers and consultants.  Our internationally recognized forecasters were among the first and most accurate predictors of the US mortgage meltdown - and among a relative handful to correctly calculate the depth of the financial and economic crisis that has followed.

Founded in 2006 by two PhD economists, Beacon is committed to empirical, fact-based research.  We provide objective, cutting-edge economic studies and analytics, long and short-term economic forecasts, public policy analysis, and balanced counsel to those making financial, business, and economic decisions.  Our clients range from the State of California's chief fiscal officer to one of Wall Street's most successful hedge fund.

Oue experts spans national, state, and regional forecasting; real estate and business market analysis; local and state economic development strategies; and the economics of international trade.  We apply this expertise to research projects, expert testimony, and cubic speaking.

Areas of Expertise

- Economic Forecasting
- Economic Development
- Industry and Market Analysis
- Real Estate Markets
- Ports & Infrastructure
- Land Use & Planning
- Labor & Employment
- International Trade