Our Issues

California Forward is currently pursuing reforms related to the state budget process and redistricting. Click on each of our governance reform goals listed on the right for more information.

Why Governance Reform?

California is failing to prepare our communities to flourish and excel in a rapidly changing and globalizing economy. Our state is struggling to address serious failures in education, health and human services, transit and infrastructure development, and environmental protection. We believe the obstacles to progress are rooted in outmoded systems of governance. Political stalemates, chronic fiscal problems and management failures all validate the need for "systemic" or "structural" reforms.

We also believe that together we can change. Together, we can unify around our common hopes for the future of California, and revitalize the political, fiscal and civic infrastructure of our state, so that government can develop the sound policies and deliver the high quality services needed for California to achieve its greatest potential in the coming decades.

Our Approach

For more than 25 years, thoughtful Californians have attempted to change how the state is governed. California Forward is fortunate to build on the lessons learned through those efforts, and is grateful for the continued interest in this goal by many of those who have contributed to earlier efforts. Our reform agenda will grow from sound policy analysis and public consultation.

Our Leadership Council - a public-interest oriented and bipartisan group of statewide leaders - will steer our priorities, but specific reform proposals will come from inclusive and creative discussions with the public and policy and political professionals statewide. And we will seek implementation of the best ideas through legislation, ballot initiatives or administrative action.

Did You Know...

California's economy has grown by 6 percent annually over the past 10 years. State spending has also grown by roughly 6 percent each year. Despite this phenomenal growth, policymakers have not put in place fiscal reforms to put California on more solid financial footing.

Progress Indicators

Our Goals

California Forward is pursuing a range of complementary reforms that together can produce better governance, across the board. Our work is grouped by the following four goals:


	About About Us Contact Us Employment Issues Our Issues Progress Indicators News Join Us Contribute Our Issues California Forward is currently pursuing reforms related to the state budget process and redistricting. Click on each of our governance reform goals listed on the right for more information. Why Governance Reform? California is failing to prepare our communities to flourish and excel in a rapidly changing and globalizing economy. Our state is struggling to address serious failures in education, health and human services, transit and infrastructure development, and environmental protection. We believe the obstacles to progress are rooted in outmoded systems of governance. Political stalemates, chronic fiscal problems and management failures all validate the need for "systemic" or "structural" reforms. We also believe that together we can change. Together, we can unify around our common hopes for the future of California, and revitalize the political, fiscal and civic infrastructure of our state, so that government can develop the sound policies and deliver the high quality services needed for California to achieve its greatest potential in the coming decades. Our Approach For more than 25 years, thoughtful Californians have attempted to change how the state is governed. California Forward is fortunate to build on the lessons learned through those efforts, and is grateful for the continued interest in this goal by many of those who have contributed to earlier efforts. Our reform agenda will grow from sound policy analysis and public consultation. Our Leadership Council - a public-interest oriented and bipartisan group of statewide leaders - will steer our priorities, but specific reform proposals will come from inclusive and creative discussions with the public and policy and political professionals statewide. And we will seek implementation of the best ideas through legislation, ballot initiatives or administrative action. Did You Know... California's economy has grown by 6 percent annually over the past 10 years. State spending has also grown by roughly 6 percent each year. Despite this phenomenal growth, policymakers have not put in place fiscal reforms to put California on more solid financial footing. Progress Indicators Our Goals California Forward is pursuing a range of complementary reforms that together can produce better governance, across the board. Our work is grouped by the following four goals: Smart Revenue and Budget Systems High Quality Public Services Publicly Responsive Elected Officials An Informed and Engaged Public
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