More Pension Math: Funded Status, Benefits, and Spending Trends Much attention, in both policy research and broader political circles, has been paid to California’s statewide pensions systems. In contrast, virtually no systematic analysis of the state’s independent pension plans has been performed, though they collectively hold more than $150 billion in assets. The purpose of this report is to explore the 24 largest independent pension systems in 20 California municipalities.

San Jose Pensions How will San Jose pension obligations impact the city's deficit?

California Pension Costs What is the funding status of California pension plans and what they will cost in the future?

Trigger Cuts How do budget trigger cuts impact California's services?

Sacramento: State spending shrouded in secrecy Have you ever tried to get access to government data? It can be quite the challenge; nonetheless, CACS continues to push forward in the quest for government transparency and accountability.

Assembly Spending Reporting Discrepancies The California Assembly releases both expenditure reports and lists of staff salaries. However, these documents present different pictures of Assembly staff spending. What is the significance and cause of these discrepancies?

Trial Court Model How do trial courts spend money and what are their relative efficiences? CACS researchers constructed a model that reveals comparative inefficiency in the trial court system giving a preliminary indication of how to best allocate budget cuts among county courts.

Trial Court Spending Comparisons How much do California's trial courts spend?

Stanford Group Works to Fix Government with Data California Common Sense has mapped the state government, visualized the state budget, found discrepancies in California correctional officer compensation, and is continuing to work to open government financial data to the public.

California Assembly Exemplifies Lack of Government Transparency See how CACS exposes inconsistencies in reported assembly spending.