Public Policy Institute of California

06/12/2026

: Rural counties have been losing population well before recent statewide population declines. The rate of population loss in primarily rural counties is twice that of urban counties.

Explore our fact sheet on rural California: https://bit.ly/4eaBGXa

06/12/2026

How did California's election reforms shape the June primary? Our new analysis examines voter turnout, candidate competition, and what the results can tell us about the state's evolving electoral system.

The recent California primary tested the top-two approach and the state’s Prop 50 redistricting plan, passed by voters last fall.

06/11/2026

What can California learn from its recent literacy initiatives? Our new policy brief explores what’s working, what isn’t, and where policymakers can focus next.

Reading plays a critical role in educational outcomes and long-term success, but many students lack the skills they need to thrive. Under new literacy policies, reading skills in California have greatly improved, suggesting that growth is possible when the state invests in professional development a...

06/11/2026

PPIC's Shalini Mustala testified before the Assembly Select Committee on Youth Mental Health Treatment and Accessibility on the state of teen mental health and the investments in school-based mental health services.

Teen mental health in California has improved significantly since the pandemic years. But the need for support is ongoing—and schools can help.

06/09/2026

Last month, PPIC Water Policy Center researchers analyzed the development and current status of Tribal water rights—and water use—in California. In today’s blog, our experts focus on one specific Tribal use of water: irrigated agriculture 👇

Last month, PPIC Water Policy Center researchers analyzed the development and current status of Tribal water rights—and water use—in California. In today’s blog, our experts focus on one specific Tribal use of water: irrigated agriculture.

06/05/2026

What's on the minds of voters? The latest covered the gubernatorial primary, congressional race, cost of living concerns, economic pessimism, and more.

Watch PPIC's Dean Bonner lay out the key takeaways from our May briefing ↓

A briefing on our May survey covered voter preferences in the gubernatorial primary, as well as Californians’ views of the economy, the Iran conflict, and a range of other issues.

06/04/2026

How is funding —and is it working? Our new fact sheet breaks down state spending across University of California, The California State University, and California Community Colleges, how tuition has shifted the funding balance, and what strategies could help California universities align future funding.

The share of state spending on higher education has fallen over four decades, and a greater portion of this spending has been directed to community colleges. Meanwhile, tuition increases at the UC and CSU systems have raised the costs to students and therefore raised the costs to fund financial aid.

06/04/2026

LIVE NOW: Join PPIC Water Policy Center for a virtual event on Tribal water rights in California. PPIC Water Policy Director Letitia Grenier will present key findings from a new report about the history and current status of Tribal water rights, and a panel of experts will discuss what’s next.

Water rights are essential to the well-being of California’s Tribes...

06/03/2026

What does really look like in right now? Our Economic Policy Center team takes a look at the numbers 👇

California’s unemployment rate has not risen, but periods of unemployment have lengthened, and some unemployed Californians are opting to leave the labor force.

06/03/2026

TOMORROW: Water rights are essential to the well-being of California’s Tribes—yet these rights are often poorly understood. As Tribes begin to play an increasingly significant role in regional water management in California, PPIC's Water Policy Center presents key findings from a new report about the history and current status of Tribal water rights and convenes a panel of experts to discuss what’s next.

Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/4tQeyDk