Report Policy Priorities for Managing Drought By Ellen Hanak, Jay Lund, Jeffrey Mount, Peter Moyle ... Mar 16, 2015 State, federal, and local water managers have worked diligently to reduce the economic, social, and environmental harm from the current drought. But as the drought continues, the challenges will grow more acute. California can learn from experiences to date—and from Australia’s response to its Millennium Drought—to better prepare both for the year ahead and for future droughts. State leaders should address weaknesses in four areas of drought preparation and response, by: 1) improving water use information, 2) setting clear goals and priorities for public health and the environment, 3) promoting water conservation and more resilient water supplies, and 4) strengthening environmental management.
Report California’s Future: Housing By Hans Johnson, Marisol Cuellar Mejia, Julien Lafortune Jan 2, 2020 The high cost of housing has emerged as a threat to California’s future. There are no quick fixes, and state efforts to improve affordability and address homelessness must interact with local policies.
blog post Video: Water Priorities for California’s Next Governor By Lori Pottinger Nov 16, 2018 California’s water challenges are complex, with many possible solutions and even more opinions about best approaches. How can a new governor move forward in this critical area?
blog post A Better Way to Promote Urban Water Conservation By David Mitchell, Ellen Hanak Nov 28, 2023 Californians have been making great strides in water conservation in recent years. Now the State Water Board is considering new urban water use regulations whose statewide costs would far exceed their benefits—and significantly impact affordability. Are there better approaches? We take a look.
Report Groundwater and Urban Growth in the San Joaquin Valley By Andrew Ayres, Ellen Hanak, Henry McCann, David Mitchell ... Sep 15, 2021 As the San Joaquin Valley addresses groundwater overdraft under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), its urban utilities face unique challenges. Learn how to ensure a smooth transition for the region’s residents.
blog post Dangers Lurk in the San Joaquin Valley’s Dust By Sarah Bardeen Jan 10, 2022 In the San Joaquin Valley, concerns about airborne dust—and its health impacts—are growing. We speak with two experts who say people are right to be concerned.
Report Regulating Marijuana in California By Patrick Murphy, John Carnevale Apr 6, 2016 If California legalizes recreational marijuana, the state should develop a single highly regulated marijuana market—for medical and recreational uses. Key policy goals will also need to be addressed—including limiting the illegal market, protecting public health and safety, and raising revenue for the state
blog post New Laws Strengthen State’s Water Safety Net By Ellen Hanak, Henry McCann Oct 5, 2016 Several new laws will help communities lacking reliable access to safe and affordable drinking water.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Special Survey on Californians and Their Housing By Mark Baldassare Nov 18, 2004 Some findings of the current survey 84% of Californians say that home values in their region have increased a lot in recent years. 55% consider the availability of housing a big problem. 77% say they are at least somewhat concerned that the cost of housing will prevent the younger generation in their family from buying a home in their region of the state. Homeownership represents a profound dividing line between the “haves” and “have nots”: Majorities of whites (71%) and Asians (59%) own their homes; majorities of Latinos (55%) and blacks (51%) are renters. The likelihood of owning a home increases sharply with age, income, and education. Homeowners are far more likely than renters to say they are very satisfied with their housing (75% to 34%) and community (65% to 41%). Although 86% of renters in California hold onto the hope of being homeowners someday, only 18% believe it is very likely and 49% somewhat likely that they will find a home they can afford. This is the 52nd PPIC Statewide Survey and the last in a current series of eight surveys examining public perceptions, policy preferences, and political choices relating to population growth, land use, and the environment.
