event Paying for Water in California Apr 10, 2014 About the Program California's latest drought highlights the need to improve how we manage and pay for our precious water resources. At this half-day event, participants will discuss where California's water finance system is failing, how we might fill the gaps, and whether significant reforms are needed to enable our water resources to support a healthy economy, society, and environment. This event follows the release of a new PPIC report, Paying for Water in California. This project is supported with funding from the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation and the California Water Foundation, an initiative of the Resources Legacy Fund. Questions? Contact Kelly Holt at events@ppic.org or (415) 291-4498.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and the Future By Mark Baldassare Aug 30, 2006 Some findings of the current survey: Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger holds a 13-point lead over Democratic challenger Phil Angelides in the November governor's race. Republicans are more satisfied with their choice of candidate (58%) than Democrats are with theirs (42%). The four infrastructure bonds placed on the ballot by the legislature for transportation, housing, schools and flood mitigation have support from at least half of likely voters. But even supporters of individual bond measures think the total amount, about $43 billion, is too much. Looking towards the future, 34 percent of Californians think that improving jobs and the economy is the highest priority for the state by 2025, followed by the rehabilitation of state infrastructure, protecting the environment, and the creation of a more equal society. Four percent identify closing the border and stopping illegal immigration as the state's highest priority. Both likely voters (43%) and all adults (36%) identify light rail systems as their top priority for publicly funded surface transportation projects to accommodate the state's expected population growth by 2025. This is the 70th PPIC Statewide Survey and the first in a four-part, pre- and post-election series, made possible with funding from The James Irvine Foundation.
blog post PPIC Board Welcomes Two New California Leaders By Tani Cantil-Sakauye Sep 21, 2023 Two distinguished Californians—John Chiang and Dave Puglia—joined PPIC’s board of directors yesterday. Together, they bring to our organization a wealth of leadership experience, a strong record of public service, and a rich knowledge of the forces shaping our state.
blog post In Memoriam: Dave Cogdill By Mark Baldassare, Ellen Hanak Jul 26, 2017 A tribute to Dave Cogdill--a valued friend and trusted advisor to PPIC and a respected member of the PPIC Water Policy Center’s advisory council.
blog post Water Marketing That Helps Nature By Ellen Hanak, Jelena Jezdimirovic Sep 13, 2016 Unleashing the potential of water trading could improve conditions California’s struggling rivers and wetlands.
Report California’s Future: In Your Hands By Mark Baldassare Oct 12, 2006 In November 2006, California voters passed one of the biggest spending packages in the state’s history. The bonds in that package represent a substantial down payment on repairing and building the infrastructure and increasing the public services required to preserve California’s quality of life. But these funds are just a down payment. More will be needed. Equally important, the state needs to undertake much more comprehensive and systematic planning for the future than it has in recent decades. The population growth and other challenges facing the state are huge—and we all have a stake in the outcome. This report highlights 10 critical questions you should be asking yourself—and your representatives in Sacramento—about building a livable future.
blog post Californians Like Voting on Environmental Issues By Mark Baldassare Jul 12, 2023 According to a new PPIC Statewide Survey, Californians value their ability to vote on environmental issues—and are so far unsupportive of a referendum on new oil wells that will appear on next year's ballot.
blog post Experts Weigh In on Drought Solutions By Ellen Hanak, Jay Lund Apr 27, 2015 The Los Angeles Times published nine bite-sized opinion pieces on solutions to help California better manage droughts. Ellen Hanak and Jay Lund focused on strategic investments in water storage and water accounting systems.
blog post The Environmental Benefits of the Water Storage Investment Program By Gokce Sencan, Jeffrey Mount Sep 26, 2022 The Water Storage Investment Program is the first attempt use public funds to incentivize new water storage for the environment. While the program has faced some challenges, it could prove to be a useful model for future efforts—with some improvements.
