Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank. We are dedicated to informing and improving public policy in California through independent, objective, nonpartisan research.

 

PPIC is independent, with no government, university, or charitable affiliations.

 

PPIC is objective. We approach our research without any specific results in mind. And we publish our results even when they may be unpopular or controversial.

 

PPIC is nonpartisan. We do not propose legislation or take positions on legislation, candidates, or ballot measures.

 

We are guided by a set of core values, beliefs, and principles that inform our organization’s choices and staff actions.

PPIC is committed to providing essential information and framing policy debates to shape a better future for California.

Our central audiences are California’s elected officials in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.—as well as public servants in local governments, on school boards, and with public agencies. Organizations interested in public policy, the media, and the general public are also important audiences for our work.

We provide high-quality, relevant, and timely research. Our projects span a wide array of policy areas.

Our publications range from one-page fact sheets to comprehensive, in-depth reports. The PPIC Statewide Survey appears regularly throughout the year.

Our outreach efforts connect with a variety of policy-minded groups. Our researchers contribute to the public debate in numerous ways, from writing commentaries to providing expert testimony to lawmakers.

Our multidisciplinary research staff includes experts in economics, demography, political science, sociology, and environmental resources. The institute expands its research capacity with visiting fellows, dissertation fellows, and a summer intern program.

PPIC is a private operating foundation founded in 1994 with an endowment from William R. Hewlett. With co-founders Roger W. Heyns and Arjay Miller, Hewlett aspired to help California’s leaders better understand policy issues—and make informed decisions—by providing objective policy research.

In the past, PPIC’s endowment supported many of our activities. Today, we increasingly receive generous assistance from many foundations and from private individuals and philanthropies. Our donor circles program provides unrestricted support for important institutional initiatives.

PPIC is based in San Francisco. The PPIC Sacramento Center is located across the street from the state capitol.

Mark Baldassare is President and Chief Executive Officer of PPIC. Walter B. Hewlett is Chair of the Board of Directors.