California has long been a trendsetter…but not always for the right reasons. Known for its innovative spirit and sun-soaked coastline, the state grapples with a multitude of policy challenges, from housing costs to environmental regulations. California’s decisions often ripple across the nation, influencing policies from coast to coast. This episode features interviews with leaders from two influential think tanks—Pacific Research Institute and California Policy Center—about their efforts to counteract detrimental policies and promote free-market solutions in the Golden State. These organizations are not only tackling local issues but are also providing a blueprint for other states to avoid California’s pitfalls.
Sally Pipes is the longtime president of the Pacific Research Institute, a healthcare expert, and author of several books. Rowena Itchon serves as the Chief Operating Officer at the Pacific Research Institute. Will Swaim is the president of the California Policy Center.
Pacific Research Institute: Counteracting California’s Policy Pitfalls
The Pacific Research Institute, under the leadership of President Sally Pipes and COO Rowena Itchon, is dedicated to promoting free-market policies as a counterbalance to California’s often burdensome regulations. Founded by Sir Antony Fisher in 1979, PRI has long been a voice of reason in a state dominated by a liberal supermajority.
With California costs of living causing a middle-class exodus, PRI is particularly focused on housing. One key area for reform is the California Environmental Quality Act, which layers regulation upon regulation, stifling construction and halting even projects favored by those on the left. By educating other states on these issues, PRI aims to prevent California’s challenges from becoming national problems.
One recent PRI initiative is the Left Coast Survivor’s Guide, a tongue-in-cheek educational resource that outlines the detrimental policies implemented in the state over the years. “We want to put the gold back in the golden state,” says Pipes, emphasizing the importance of turning back the tide of adverse legislation.
Additionally, PRI’s Free Cities Project seeks to harness innovative free-market ideas to improve urban living conditions. This initiative is a direct response to what they see as a conservative movement’s failure to engage with urban governance. Through these efforts, PRI continues to be a crucial player in the fight for sensible, market-based reforms in California and beyond.
California Policy Center: Challenging Union Influence
The California Policy Center, led by President Will Swaim, is centered on diminishing the outsized influence of government unions in California. These unions, Swaim argues, have significant control over state politics, leading to decisions that often prioritize union interests over those of the general public. “We’ve helped reduce union membership by about 30% in California,” he says, highlighting the tangible impact of their work. This reduction translates to a significant cut in funding that unions typically use to exert political influence.
CPC’s approach to reform is multifaceted. Through the CLIO (California Local Elected Officials) project, CPC provides local officials with the resources and knowledge they need to make informed decisions, free from the pressure of union-backed staff. This initiative aims to create a bench of well-informed leaders who can rise through the ranks to implement much-needed reforms in the state.
In addition to its focus on unions, CPC is also addressing broader policy issues like the state’s response to Los Angeles’ recent wildfires. In a unique move, CPC raised funds to support non-government organizations in their relief efforts, emphasizing the role of private entities in disaster response. This initiative not only provided immediate aid but also highlighted alternatives to government-led disaster management, reinforcing CPC’s commitment to promoting individual liberty and fiscal responsibility.
