Report California Cities and the Local Sales Tax By Paul Lewis, Elisa Barbour Jul 1, 1999 In California, local sales tax revenues accrue to the jurisdiction in which the sale occurs. This gives cities an incentive to promote the location of retail businesses within their boundaries. Although sales taxes account for only a modest portion of total city revenues, cities regard them highly because they represent a major share of their discretionary income. This study focuses on two crucial questions related to cities' pursuit of these revenues. First, how does the sales tax affect land-use decisions? If cities are systematically favoring retail development over other types of growth, this may negatively affect overall economic development in the state. Second, which types of communities are doing better or worse in the quest for these revenues?
Explainer Making Sense of California’s Economy By Sarah Bohn, Marisol Cuellar Mejia, Julien Lafortune, Vicki Hsieh Jan 16, 2024 We take a look at where California's economy has been, where it might be headed, and how we can better insulate Californians against future upheavals.
blog post Maximizing Benefits of Solar Development in the San Joaquin Valley By Annabelle Rosser, Mitchelle De Leon May 9, 2022 Solar development offers one promising way to soften the economic blow as more irrigated farmland comes out of production in the San Joaquin Valley. We met with a diverse range of stakeholders to discuss how to maximize benefits—and mitigate potential harm.
blog post Video: Improving Career Education Pathways into California’s Workforce By Stephanie Barton Sep 7, 2021 PPIC research fellow Shannon McConville and an expert panel discuss how training programs could be designed to help more students complete credentials and advance in their careers.
blog post Groundhog Day for the California Economy? By Sarah Bohn, Marisol Cuellar Mejia, Julien Lafortune Dec 6, 2021 A close look at the state’s recent job growth sheds light on whether California will see a repeat of last winter’s economic slowdown.
blog post The Sacramento Area Economy Runs on Government By Sarah Bohn, Marisol Cuellar Mejia, Julien Lafortune Apr 27, 2021 Public-sector employment, which has declined less in the Sacramento metro area than in other parts of California, may have shielded the capital region from heavy employment losses during the pandemic.
Report Improving California’s Water Market By Andrew Ayres, Ellen Hanak, Brian Gray, Gokce Sencan ... Sep 14, 2021 Water trading and banking will prove important tools to help California bring its groundwater basins into balance under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). A broad range of policy changes could help improve and expand California’s water market while protecting communities from harm.
blog post Signs of Increased New Business Growth since the Pandemic By Jane Sawerengera, Shannon McConville, Sarah Bohn Jun 13, 2023 New businesses are critical to the economy, partly due to their role in spurring job creation. We look at how California has fared in business creation over the course of the pandemic and the economic recovery.
