Report Water and the California Economy By Ellen Hanak, Jay Lund, Richard Howitt, Brian Gray ... May 30, 2012 California’s economy can grow and prosper despite droughts and water shortages caused by a changing climate—but only if threats to the water system are addressed now. So far, innovative water management has supported the needs of a growing population but serious concerns remain, including water supply reliability and declining groundwater basins. This research was supported with funding from the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation.
Report Preparing for California’s Next Recession By Patrick Murphy, Jennifer Paluch, Radhika Mehlotra May 29, 2019 California is enjoying one of the longest growth periods in history and appears well-prepared to endure a mild economic downturn. But a more severe crisis would exhaust current reserves, decrease school funding, and open a significant budget gap for several years. What steps can the state be taking to prepare for and minimize these outcomes?
Report Rethinking the California Business Climate By Michael Dardia, Sherman Luk Aug 1, 1999 The recession of the early 1990s was one of the severest in California's history. Employment dropped sharply and did not return to pre-recession levels for nearly five years. California's slow recovery prompted many critics to claim that the state had a bad business climate and that we would continue to lose jobs to neighboring state's more friendly to business. In this study, the authors argue that California is simply too large and diverse to have a single, statewide business climate and that analysts and policymakers would be better served to focus on problems at the industry and regional level.
Occasional Paper, Report Congressional Testimony on Minimum Wage By Joanne Spetz Oct 19, 1999 Transcript of testimony presented before the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Work Force, October 1999.
Report Silicon Valley’s New Immigrant Entrepreneurs By AnnaLee Saxenian Jun 1, 1999 Immigration has always been an important policy issue for California, However, researchers and policymakers have focused most of their attention on low-skilled immigrants. This study focuses, instead, on the highly skilled immigrant entrepreneurs who are managing high-tech firms in Silicon Valley. Chinese and Indian computer scientists and engineers were running one-quarter of the region's high-tech firms in 1998. In that year alone, these firms accounted for nearly $17 billion in sales and over 58,000 jobs.
Report Economic Development: The Local Perspective By Max Neiman, Daniel Krimm May 28, 2009 Since Proposition 13 in 1978 restricted property tax income, California’s local governments have increased their economic development activities, especially in the areas of land development and retail sales. Such measures have provoked criticism, but local officials say they have few alternatives. This paper presents a detailed survey of local economic development policies and activities. It includes assessments of their successes and failures by local officials. The results show that significant barriers to local economic activity exist, among them an inadequate state transportation infrastructure, high energy costs, and lack of an appropriately trained workforce.
Fact Sheet The California Economy: Employment Update By Sarah Bohn, Marisol Cuellar Mejia Apr 5, 2017
Report Labor Force Participation in California By Julien Lafortune, Sarah Bohn, Marisol Cuellar Mejia, Jenny Duan ... Feb 14, 2024 California’s labor force participation is shrinking, mainly because of an aging population. But significant gaps across demographic groups are also a concern. How can California remove barriers to work, boost participation, and build a strong workforce for years to come?
Policy Brief Policy Brief: California’s Care Workforce By Shannon McConville, Daniel Payares-Montoya, Sarah Bohn, Mary Severance Apr 3, 2024 Demand for caregiving services is growing as California’s population ages and as the state invests in early childhood care and learning. There are many workforce challenges—including low pay and limited opportunities for advancement. Efforts in several key areas could improve prospects for care workers and help California meet its caregiving needs.
