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.
