Chuck Cantrell

Economist and content creator

 

Black Voices Columnist

Columns contributed third Thursday of every month

Chuck Cantrell is an economist, San Jose planning commissioner, and creator of “Dying to Stay Here,” a groundbreaking video and podcast series that explores the entrenched economic and social barriers facing Black communities in Silicon Valley.

Blending decades of research with lived experience, Chuck leverages public data and personal narratives to shed light on challenges like employment disparities, housing insecurity, homelessness, and premature mortality among Black residents. Through his work, Chuck urges audiences to confront and dismantle the systemic inequities undermining the survival and vitality of Black communities in one of America’s most affluent regions. His advocacy centers on using truth and data to empower meaningful change.

Outside his public service, Chuck is the principal consultant at CAA Consultants, where he brings deep expertise in organizational strategy and community development to guide nonprofits, agencies, and civic leaders. Renowned for his equity-driven approach, Chuck leads transformative initiatives, facilitates stakeholder engagement, and helps design programs that deliver lasting impact across the Bay Area.

Columns
An aerial view of trees and houses in San Jose
September 18, 2025September 23, 2025by

Cantrell: Housing discrimination against Black residents is systemic

San Jose’s housing crisis isn’t just a headline; it’s a daily reality — particularly for Black families and other marginalized communities. As someone deeply committed to the well-being of the Black community in Silicon Valley, I have spent years working alongside Black residents, leaders and advocates to expose and confront the structural barriers that contribute...