Even before the economic disruptions caused by COVID-19, far too many Californians were living in poverty. Despite solid economic growth, pockets of vast wealth, and a robust social safety net, California still had the nation’s highest poverty rate, while millions more Californians lived on the edge. Now, that dire situation can only be expected to grow worse.
Project on Poverty and Inequality in California
UPCOMING EVENT • April 20, 2021
After COVID-19: Building an Inclusive Economy for California
COVID-19 and its fallout have been devastating for California’s economy at every level. But low‐income and traditionally marginalized communities have been among the hardest hit. This conference brings together a diverse group of political, business, and academic leaders to discuss regulatory and other barriers to rebuilding economic opportunity in poor and minority communities ravaged by COVID-19.
More About the Project
The Cato Project on Poverty and Inequality in California was launched in 2019 to study the root causes of poverty in California and recommend practical solutions designed to help all Californians prosper and rise as far as their individual talents and abilities will take them.
The project draws on decades of Cato’s expertise across a variety of issues, as well as close collaboration with Californians on the front lines of fighting poverty, whether business leaders, elected officials, or local activists. We have found that too often state and local government policies have trapped people in poverty and blocked their participation in the state’s economy. Over the year to come, we will be continuing to look at issues such as:
- Housing and homelessness
- Criminal justice reform
- Educational opportunity
- Welfare reform
- Financial inclusion
- Regressive barriers to economic participation
In the coming months we expect to hold a variety of forums and conferences and to release a number of publications addressing these and other issues. Without shying away from controversy or difficult choices, our hope is to identify reforms that can draw support from across California’s political and ideological spectrum.
We look forward to your continued involvement, ideas, and support. Together, we can make a better future for all Californians. Feel free to share your experience and recommendations with us by email or on Twitter.
Project Director
Featured Content
After COVID-19: Building an Inclusive Economy for California
Growth will not be enough unless all Californians are fully able to participate. Therefore, particular attention needs to be paid to the impact of the state’s policies on low‐income communities. Join us on April 20, 2021.
Chris Edwards participates in the event, “California’s Economic Recovery,” hosted by Pacific Research Institute
Crisis: Housing and Homelessness in California
The Inclusive Economy: How to Bring Wealth to America’s Poor
Watch a special discussion of Michael Tanner’s book, The Inclusive Economy: How to Bring Wealth to America’s Poor. In it, Tanner sets aside the traditional conservative and liberal responses to poverty and explores a fresh approach to this persistent problem. The result is a compelling blend of social justice and limited government.
‘Defund the Police’ Is a Bad Slogan, but Some Aspects Are Worth Considering
When people talk about defunding the police, they are suggesting that not every domestic disturbance, traffic mishap or truant youth needs to be confronted by someone resembling RoboCop.
Featured Book
The Inclusive Economy: How to Bring Wealth to America’s Poor
The Inclusive Economy energetically challenges the conventional wisdom of both the right and the left that underlies much of the contemporary debate over poverty and welfare policy. Author and national public policy expert Michael Tanner takes to task conservative critiques of a “culture of poverty” for their failure to account for the structural circumstances in which the poor live.
