About Our California Efforts

California is undergoing unprecedented change, driven by rapid population growth, increasing ethnic diversity, and new patterns of economic activity. Since 1960, the state has more than doubled in size and, in the next 20 years, it will grow by the population of Illinois. These changes have put enormous pressure on California's schools, hospitals, and roads, as well as on its home prices and state budget. But many problems have festered because California's governance system is dysfunctional and badly in need of reform. The purpose of New America's California Program is to advance ground-breaking policy solutions to these and other state problems, while enriching the quality of public debate in our nation's leading laboratory of democracy.

Irvine Fellows Program

Thanks to a generous grant form the James Irvine Foundation, the California Program appoints seven outstanding Fellows each year to pursue solutions-oriented research and writing agendas on issues of utmost importance to the future of California. A rigorous application process is used to determine which candidates combine powerful ideas for moving California's public thinking into new terrain with a proven ability to communicate in ways that gain broad traction. In the process, the Program seeks to help launch the careers of a new generation of California-based public intellectuals.

Innovative Policies for California

With its independent and entrepreneurial population, California is a powerful incubator for policy ideas and political movements that serve as a model for the rest of the country. Through its Fellowships and other program activities, New America's California Program puts forth innovative solutions to many of California's most daunting problems. Primary areas of concern include:

Effective Governance. California's legislature lacks accountability, is unrepresentative of the state's many voices, and is increasingly unable to enact policies that recognize the growing political center. New America proposals include proportional voting systems, instant runoff voting, smaller legislative districts, and new technologies to encourage voter participation.

Health Care. With spiraling health care costs and a growing number of uninsured residents, health care reform is a top priority in California. New America has adapted its national proposal for mandatory, citizen-based health insurance to the unique conditions in California. State leaders across the political spectrum are seriously considering it.

Education. California's education system has gone from one of the nation's best to one of the worst. New America is advancing new solutions to school financing, teacher quality, and early education.

Economic Opportunity. To increase economic opportunity across the state and give more Californians the means to get ahead, New America advances a range of proposals to broaden asset ownership.

Immigration. Immigration divides Californians between accommodation and tougher law enforcement. California needs to find a way to regularize the status of illegal immigrants and ensure the continued integration of immigrants into the mainstream.

Business Climate. California's economy has unique opportunities in the global market, but also faces unique challenges related to the high cost of doing business in the state. New America proposes a range of remedies, including policies to promote the workforce skills needed to compete in the 21st century.

Budget. California's tax system is a patchwork of reforms. It needs to be broadened and made less susceptible to economic cycles. The state budget process also needs to be streamlined, while adequate attention should be paid to infrastructure investment.

Regional inequities. California is increasingly divided-economically and demographically-making it difficult to construct coherent statewide policies. Many of New America's proposals mentioned above seek to level the playing field across the state.

Publications and Impact

In its first 14 months, New America's California-based staff and Fellows have published more than 100 articles in all of California's leading newspapers and many key national publications. They have also exerted significant influence on critical public policies by participating on state task forces and by briefing the governor, cabinet, and key legislative staff members on topics ranging from retirement accounts, election systems, jobs and the economy, immigration, health care, and housing. New America has also encouraged statewide public discussion by hosting several major policy events with prominent speakers, including the state's legislative leaders and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.