Cypress Joins USC Price School of Public Policy Sunstone Challenge to Drive Economic Growth

The City of Cypress is thrilled to announce its participation in the 3rd annual USC Price School of Public Policy Sunstone Challenge. This esteemed program pairs USC student teams with local governments to design innovative strategies to spur economic growth and support workforce development.

Through this challenge, the student team assigned to Cypress will focus on revitalizing commercial properties, with a particular emphasis on aging shopping centers and emerging industries. They will explore Cypress' business landscape through field assessments, surveys, interviews, and focus groups. They will also analyze existing economic data to uncover insights into the factors driving business growth.

Mayor Scott Minikus shared his enthusiasm for the project: "We are thrilled to join forces with USC's talented students on this transformative challenge. Together, I am confident that we'll leverage the creativity and expertise of these bright students and uncover innovative solutions that will propel Cypress forward. I am eager to see the ideas that emerge." 

The Sunstone Economic Development Challenge offers a $5,000 prize through the Sunstone Community Fund to the team with the most impactful proposal. The challenge, involving multiple cities, will run through April 2025, culminating in presentations of the students' recommendations.

Supported by the USC City/County Management Fellowship and the Sunstone Community Fund, this initiative aims to advance public benefit programs and foster vibrant, inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems