blog post Rethinking Stormwater—From Waste to Treasure By Sarah Bardeen Jul 22, 2024 Unmanaged stormwater can be a flood hazard and a contaminant, but when it’s properly managed, it actually can benefit communities by creating green spaces and recharging aquifers. We spoke with CASQA’s Karen Cowan to learn more about this underappreciated resource.
blog post Video: California School Districts and the Emergency Connectivity Fund By Chansonette Buck Jul 18, 2024 PPIC researcher Joseph Hayes presents new findings on the role of federal pandemic funds in helping close California's digital divide and discusses prospects for sustaining momentum now that this funding has ended.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and the Environment By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Lauren Mora, Deja Thomas Jul 17, 2024 Key findings from the survey include: Californians name climate change, wildfires, and water supply as the top environmental issues. Nearly half of Californians are very concerned about home insurance costs rising due to climate risks. About two in three Californians are unprepared for a disaster. A majority of likely voters favor a $10 billion bond for climate resiliency projects.
blog post Video: How Community Colleges Spent Pandemic Relief Funds and What’s Next By Stephanie Barton Jul 15, 2024 The federal government provided significant funding—including almost $25 billion for community colleges—to help higher education institutions and students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers from the Community College Research Center and PPIC, along with an expert panel, discuss how community colleges used this support and how these institutions are adapting as these emergency funds expire.
blog post Does Managed Retreat Make Sense in Wildfire-Prone Lands? By Sarah Bardeen Jul 8, 2024 The concept of “managed retreat” originated in coastal areas that are dealing with sea level rise. Now, the term is increasingly used in discussions around wildfire—but does that make sense? We asked two researchers to tell us more.
Report California Prison Programs and Reentry Pathways By Heather Harris, Brandon Martin, Sean Cremin Jun 26, 2024 In recent years, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has expanded programs that support community reintegration. But participation has been low. A new report details the rehabilitative needs of people in prison, CDCR efforts to expand programs to meet those needs, and factors that may affect participation.
blog post The Cradle-to-Career System Continues to Develop, Adding Partner Agencies and Data By Iwunze Ugo Jun 14, 2024 California is making strides in building a system that links data across government agencies. The ultimate goal? Improving educational and career outcomes for all Californians.
blog post Remote Work Is Reshaping the California Labor Market By Sarah Bohn, Hans Johnson, Eric McGhee Jun 4, 2024 Remote and hybrid work arrangements are five times more common today than before the pandemic. We examine what this could mean for labor force participation, overall employment growth, and other key facets of California's economy.
blog post Extreme Heat Takes a Toll on Californians’ Health By Gokce Sencan May 20, 2024 As the summer season kicks off, Californians are feeling the heat—literally. As the state faces increasingly severe heat waves, what impact is this growing risk having on Californians’ health, and how can we prepare?
Report California’s Higher Education Funding Landscape By Kevin Cook, Jacob Jackson, Iwunze Ugo May 15, 2024 What is in store for higher education funding when pandemic supports end? A new report examines the potential near-term challenges due to a shrinking student base and massive state deficit. It also discusses how institutions are preparing for budget shortfalls, noting that higher tuition at four-year colleges could create difficulties for many students and their families.
