Researchers at the Stanford Digital Economy Lab and SIEPR examined where California has been, where it’s at, and where it’s headed when it comes to possible scenarios and policy alternatives for the future.
California’s economy once benefited from strong population growth, but that growth has been on the decline.
Despite robust job growth over the past half-century, the average Californian has not benefited from the state’s thriving economy.
Economic shifts in California are deeply tied to the state’s geographic and demographic diversity and history.
California’s local economies have unifying features in their histories.
Various trends will determine whether California remains on its trajectory of increasing polarization and inequality or instead shift towards a more equitable economy.
The future we arrive at will be greatly influenced by new technological trends and the policies we enact to guide their development towards preferred futures.
