Report Entrepreneurship among California’s Low-Skilled Workers By Magnus Lofstrom Apr 1, 2010 The number of self-employed in California has grown considerably over the last three decades. Those with a high-school diploma or less—the low-skilled—make up a significant portion of this growth. Is business ownership a stable and financially rewarding option for them? This report explores this group of entrepreneurs and finds most low-skilled business owners have lower annual earnings than do low-skilled wage-earners—despite working more hours per week.
California Counts, Report California’s Newest Homeowners: Affording the Unaffordable By Amanda Bailey, Hans Johnson Aug 18, 2005 Examines the latest trends in home-ownership, the characteristics of homebuyers, and how Californians are able to afford such high prices. Finds that many recent homeowners are financially overextended, that nonconventional financing has also played a role, and that many residents have moved to inland areas of the state where housing is more affordable.
Report Racial Disparities in Law Enforcement Stops By Magnus Lofstrom, Joseph Hayes, Brandon Martin, Deepak Premkumar Oct 13, 2021 Recent debate over police reforms has centered on how law enforcement engages with people of color, prompted by continuing concerns over racial inequities in criminal justice. In our analysis of data for nearly 4 million stops, we examine how interactions—ranging from search to use of force—differ for Black and white people, while considering factors such as stop context and law enforcement agency.
Report Distance Learning Strategies in California Schools By Niu Gao, Laura Hill, Julien Lafortune Apr 14, 2021 Learning gaps are a growing concern after a year of online instruction. During the pandemic, uneven distribution of resources may have widened gaps and led to learning loss for some students. Our survey outlines how California school districts addressed remote learning and their strategies to improve instruction in the 2020–21 school year.
Report Implementing Automated Voter Registration in California By Eric McGhee, Radhika Mehlotra, Mindy Romero Mar 30, 2020 The California New Motor Voter Act (CNMV) has dramatically increased the number of voters registered through the Department of Motor Vehicles. Though it did not increase overall registration during in the 2018 election cycle, there are signs of a steady impact since then. It is not yet clear whether CNMV has improved registration among underrepresented groups.
Report Equitable State Funding for School Facilities By Julien Lafortune, Niu Gao Mar 14, 2022 Most funding for California’s K–12 facilities comes from local tax revenues, which depend on property wealth. State funding could potentially address wealth disparities, but it has disproportionately benefited more-affluent districts. Policymakers should prioritize equity in facility funding so that all students have access to safe and effective learning environments.
California Counts, Report Recent Trends in Income and Poverty By Deborah Reed Feb 13, 2004 Examines recent trends in the distribution of family income in California, including comparisons to trends in earlier decades. Looks specifically at how changing economic conditions have affected levels of poverty, affluence, and income inequality. Also documents sources of family income, describes variations in family income by demographic group and by region, and discusses the demographic and economic determinants of income trends in California.
Report Educating California: Choices for the Future By Hans Johnson Jun 2, 2009 The bad news is that California is facing a "skills gap” - a shortage of college graduates - that threatens its economic future. But the good news is that modest improvements in college enrollment, community college transfers, and the college completion rate, particularly in the California State University system, could help to narrow that gap substantially. These improvements will not only help California’s young adults succeed in an increasingly high-skill economy but will also benefit the state by increasing tax revenues and allowing for greater economic growth.
Report Improving Health Care Data in California By Shannon McConville, Paulette Cha, Caroline Danielson, Daniel Tan Feb 26, 2020 California policymakers are moving to create a health care payment database (HPD) for examining health care use, costs, and outcomes. A state HPD would be a crucial resource to inform state policy around homelessness and improving children’s well-being. This report highlights research that could be advanced by an HPD.
