Investigations
Government data, FOIA, and public accountability
It Costs $640,000 to Build One Affordable Home in the Bay Area
The Bay Area Council Economic Institute found that average affordable housing construction costs reach $640,000 per unit in the Bay Area — nearly double the statewide average. San Francisco tops $737,000. New transit housing laws aim to help, but permitting and costs remain barriers.
Most Californians Expect Little Change to Their Finances Despite Economic Uncertainty
An overwhelming majority of Californians see bad financial times ahead and don’t think their income is keeping up with inflation. Still, most expect their own finances to hold steady—for now.
California’s Health Care Safety Net
Medi-Cal is a cornerstone of California’s health care safety net, insuring over 14 million low-income Californians, and is a key funding source for core safety net providers.
Public Health Insurance in California
Public health insurance covers about half of Californians, including low- to moderate-income, older, and disabled individuals, as well as military members and veterans.
New Salton Sea Research Suggests a Surprising Path Forward
Managing the Salton Sea remains a thorny issue for California. We spoke with Pacific Institute’s Michael Cohen and UC Riverside’s William Porter about recent research that might point toward cost-effective ways to protect public health in the region.
Sharing is Caring, Especially With the Electric Grid
A new working paper highlights the challenges of working together. This Friday is one of the most exciting days of the year. I am talking, of course, about the leadEnergy Institute’s annual POWER conference. Every year, POWER highlights the very best in energy economics research. This year there is
Chronic Absenteeism in California
Missing school for 18 days or more is linked to academic underachievement, and any student absences affect districts, as school funding is based on attendance. Statewide, chronic absenteeism has dropped from its peak but remains well above rates before the pandemic; furthermore, improvement has slow
How Are California’s Young Adults Faring Economically?
Unemployment is currently higher among California’s young adults than others. But rates of disconnection from both work and school are improving—with variation across the state.
Commentary: Why Civic Education Matters Now More than Ever
The second week of March is known as Civic Learning Week, an effort to promote the importance of understanding our governing system. In a time of deep political polarization, the need is urgent.
College Completion in California
Many California freshmen finish a bachelor’s degree within four years, but rates vary across institutions and student groups. Meeting the state’s goal of improving bachelor’s degree attainment will require expanding direct access to four-year institutions, streamlining transfer pathways, and boostin
This Public Power Movement is Raising a Billion Dollar Question
Who should pay to manage wildfire risk in California? As the climate gets warmer and weirder, it’s getting harder to safely move hundreds of gigawatts of electricity across millions of … Continue Reading This Public Power Movement is Raising a Billion Dollar Question
California's Infrastructure Earns a C-Minus — Roads and Drinking Water Are Failing
The American Society of Civil Engineers gave California a C- overall in its 2025 infrastructure report card. Roads scored a D. Drinking water dropped to D+. The state needs $11.5 billion in water system upgrades over five years — only $3.5 billion is planned.
It’s Anyone’s Race in the Governor’s Primary
No top candidates for governor have emerged in June’s primary race, as California’s likely voters are dividing their support across two Republicans and three Democrats. The top issue is clearer: Affordability.
How California Is Investing in School-Based Mental Health Services for Teens
Despite recent state investments in teen mental health, significant gaps still exist between the need for care and receipt of services. PPIC researchers discuss efforts to improve services, target funding, and meet teens where they are.
Who Turned Out to Vote on California’s Proposition 50?
Last fall, California voters approved Proposition 50, a congressional districting gerrymander designed to help Democrats gain more seats in the US House. Turnout differences across party registration are especially notable.
The Ground Is Sinking: California Aqueduct Could Lose 87% of Capacity Without $3.9 Billion in Repairs
California Leads “NO GIVEN NAME” Trucking Companies
Palisades New Year's Updates
A year after the Palisades Fire, the final numbers are in
27 Companies with the Same Address
Trucking Companies Based Out of a UPS Store
Mass chaos and confusion started with the Lachman Fire
California paid four technology companies over $450 million to build out its Next Generation 911 system
Corruption investigation of a high ranking LADWP official
