Milken Institute

History

The institute was founded in 1991 by Michael Milken, a former Drexel Burnham Lambert banker who achieved financial success as a pioneer of "junk bonds," but attracted notoriety due to his subsequent felony conviction and prison sentence for U.S. securities law violations. Milken formalized his philanthropic giving by founding the institute, with a mission to “increase global prosperity by advancing collaborative solutions that widen access to capital, create jobs, and improve health."

Research and events

The institute has published studies relating to human capital, access to capital, financial structures and innovations, regional economics, healthcare economics, and medical research. It hosts a series of conferences, including two annual conferences, financial innovation labs, forums, and private events. The Milken Institute Global Conference, first held in 1998, is an annual forum focused on economic and social issues. Speakers include figures from business, finance, government, education, and sports. The institute also hosts an annual State of the State Conference, which examines major issues facing the state of California with Milken joining elected officials in the state as a host speaker.

Tax policy

The institute has held several events regarding opportunity zones created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. In May 2018, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin instructed his staff to accept a non-low-income tract in Storey County, Nevada as an Opportunity Zone shortly after attending an Institute event in Beverly Hills with Michael Milken. Milken was already an investor in the Nevada tract. In August 2018, Mnuchin attended an Institute conference on opportunity zones in the Hamptons with Milken and later accepted a flight to Los Angeles with Milken on his private jet. Treasury later issued a regulatory guidance at the institute's request that allows prior investors to benefit from newly designated opportunity zones.

2024 Global Conference

In May 2024, the Milken Institute held its 27th Global Conference in Los Angeles, focusing on topics such as geopolitical tensions, climate change, and artificial intelligence. Notable speakers included Javier Milei, President of Argentina; Queen Rania of Jordan; former U.S. President Bill Clinton; Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund; and former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Theresa May. Asha Jadeja, founder of the Motwani Jadeja Foundation, was also a speaker, addressing themes related to India's economic emergence (the foundation was among the sponsors of the event).

Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream

In September 2025, Milken opened the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (MCAAD) in Washington, D.C., combining five buildings on 15th Street next to the White House. An interactive museum, MCAAD's exhibits and galleries feature artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators in health and education, among others. The museum also highlights the U.S. financial system.

References

References

1. "The Milken Institute".
2. "Milken Institute".
3. "Milken Institute".
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8. (2019-04-27). "Milken conference celebrates capitalism amid a rising tide of inequality".
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10. Read, 3 Min. (2012-05-23). "Fulfilling the Promise of Bioscience: Report From Milken Institute Outlines Steps for Overcoming Barriers to Innovation in Medical Research".
11. (2023-05-09). "Nationhood Lab director speaks on “Healing America” at Milken Institute Global Conference {{!}} Salve Regina University".
12. (2025-02-08). "Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Remarks before the Milken Institute Global Conference".
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16. (27 October 2019). "Symbol of '80s Greed Stands to Profit From Trump Tax Break for Poor Areas". [[The New York Times]].
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18. "Business Leaders and Industry Experts Join Top Policymakers to Address Pivotal Issues in Health Globally at the Milken Institute 2024 Future of Health Summit".
19. "At Milken Global Conference, Bradway Calls for Protecting U.S. Policy Ecosystem That Fosters Innovation".
20. (2024-05-03). "Milken Institute Global Conference 2024 Live Blog".
21. "Asha Jadeja to Headline at 2024 Milken Institute Global Conference". Newswire.
22. "Wall Street Heads West to Milken Confab Looking for Deals Revival". Bloomberg.com.
23. Dil, Cuneyt. (2025-09-19). "A museum about the American Dream is opening next to the White House".
24. (2020-11-06). "The Notorious 'Junk Bond King' Michael Milken Is Opening a Museum Dedicated to the American Dream in Washington, DC".
25. Coates, Charlotte. "NeoPangea {{!}} immersive exhibits American Dream Experience {{!}} blooloop".
26. (2025-09-27). "On Pennsylvania Ave., Michael Milken’s Curious Temple to the American Dream".