Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zip Code Economies?
Zip Code Economies is a podcast from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Hosted by Mary C. Daly, the series uncovers stories of hope in unlikely places, and puts a human face on micro-economies within the nine Western states of the Federal Reserve’s Twelfth District.
Who is Mary C. Daly?
Mary C. Daly is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. As a member of the Federal Open Market Committee, she helps set American monetary policy. Dr. Daly is an accomplished labor economist with a Ph.D. from Syracuse University. She previously hosted Twice Around, another podcast from the San Francisco Fed. Originally from Ballwin, Missouri (63011), she now resides in Oakland, California (94610) with her wife, Shelly.
Why did the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco make this podcast?
The San Francisco Fed is responsible for the largest and most diverse district within the Federal Reserve System. Making sure the economy works for everyone who lives here is a top priority, and the most effective way to do that is by directly engaging with the people we serve. Zip Code Economies provides a forum for people to share their own stories. And at a time when society seems more divided than ever, it offers valuable insight into how individuals and institutions can still build bridges at the community level.
What does this have to do with economics?
Economics is ultimately the study of people, and how they choose to live and work as a community. By elevating what’s working at the micro-level, Zip Code Economies invites listeners to consider how these lessons learned could be applied at the macro-level.
What did listeners experience in Season 1?
Across ten episodes, Season 1 of Zip Code Economies visited five communities within the Federal Reserve’s diverse Twelfth District:
- Firebaugh, California
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- East Palo Alto, California
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- San Diego, California
In each episode, we heard from people facing issues we hear about every day, while striving to raise families, have careers, and make contributions. These stories are ultimately stories of people, their economies, and most vividly, their communities— which are then, by definition, stories of hope.
What can listeners expect from Season 1.5?
Across five episodes, Zip Code Economies Season 1.5 revisits some of the most memorable people featured in Season 1. The conversations center on how they’re processing the COVID-19 pandemic and recent social and racial injustices.
- Paul Bains, East Palo Alto, California – Launching March 1, 2021
- Will Unga, Salt Lake City, Utah – Launching March 8, 2021
- Lahela Williams, Honolulu, Hawaii – Launching March 15, 2021
- Luis Sanchez, Firebaugh, California – Launching March 22, 2021
- Nefiso and Najmo Abdi, San Diego, California – Launching March 29, 2021
Will there be a full second season?
Yes! After spending its first season in California, Hawaii, and Utah, Season 2 of Zip Code Economies will travel to the remaining six states in the Twelfth District: Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.
Where can I learn more about how the San Francisco Fed is working with communities like the ones featured in Zip Code Economies?
Visit frbsf.org to stay up to date on the latest news, research, and community development efforts from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.