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Welcome to ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú's Office of Economic Research (OER)

The ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú Office of Economic Research (OER) conducts high impact applied economic research that supports the university’s mission by addressing critical economic issues and by providing data-driven solutions that have a meaningful impact on the residents, businesses, and industries of Long Beach and Southern California. The OER produces economic forecasts, economic and workforce development projects and reports, and studies that document the composition, resilience, and inclusiveness of the area economy.

Through strategic partnerships with local cities and public agencies, the OER bridges the gap between academic research and practical economic policymaking, ensuring that our work influences real-world outcomes. The OER also engages in sponsored research projects on behalf of private, nonprofit, and government entities. 

A core component of our efforts is student involvement. The OER provides students with hands-on research opportunities that not only contribute to impactful projects but also equip them with the skills necessary for future careers in economics and public policy.

By integrating faculty expertise with student engagement and community partnerships, the OER enhances the university’s reputation as a leader in applied economic research, while contributing to broader social and economic progress.

Meet the Team 

Robert Kleinhenz, Ph.D. ,Director

Dr. Robert Kleinhenz is the Director of the ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú Office of Economic Research (OER). He has been a member of the OER team since 2020 and has over 30 years of experience specializing in regional economics. He has worked in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors in addition to his academic roles, producing economic forecasts, conducting economic impact studies, and engaging in a wide array of applied economic analyses and studies. He is the founder and Principal Economist of Kleinhenz Economics, which specializes in regional economics. He is a frequent public speaker and contributor to the national, state, and local media coverage on the economy. 

Megan Anaya, M.A. 

Ms. Megan Anaya is the Associate Director of the ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú Office of Economic Research (OER). She has been a member of the OER team for over 6 years, with experience in regional economics and quantitative analysis. She holds a B.A. and M.A. in Economics, both from ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú. She has produced or contributed to several economic studies, forecasts, and impact analyses since joining the OER. Ms. Anaya is also a member of the Economics faculty, teaching courses in Urban and Regional Economics, Econometrics, and Macroeconomics, and is on the staff of CentroCHA in Long Beach.

Herman Singh, M.A. 

Mr. Herman Singh is the Assistant Director of the ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú Office of Economic Research (OER). He has been a member of the OER team since 2023 with experience in regional economics and quantitative analysis. He holds a B.A. and M.A. in Economics, both from ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú. Mr. Singh is also a member of the Economics faculty, specializing in Economic Statistics, and is a full-time professor at Golden West College. 

Seiji Steimetz, Ph.D., Executive Director

Dr. Seiji Steimetz is the Executive Director of the ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú Office of Economic Research (OER). Dr. Steimetz is a Professor of Economics with the ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú Economics Department and currently serves as the Associate Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Success in the College of Liberal Arts. He has led the OER for a decade, during which he conducted numerous economic forecasts, economic impact studies, and other projects. He is also a frequent public speaker. 

For more information about OER, please email the Economics Department. 

Expertise, Recent Research, and Presentations