California Policy Lab February 2025 Newsletter

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Credit data shows increasing financial strain for California households

California households are struggling to make ends meet, as reflected in the latest update of the California Credit Dashboard. Credit card and auto loan delinquencies are higher than they have been at any point since the Great Recession. Consumers are also using a higher portion of their available credit card limits than at any point in the last decade. In an an interview with KTVU, Evan White discussed these trends and how they differ by region. CA Credit Dashboard

Most college students who participate in CalFresh receive more than $100 a month

In a given term, about 300,000 U.C. and community college students are eligible for food assistance (CalFresh), but don’t participate. One reason students cite for not enrolling is a belief that they would only receive the minimum benefit amount of $23 a month. However, our new study shows participating UC undergrads received $161 a month, on average, while community college students received $123 a month. Policy Brief

CPL and LA County named a Top 25 finalist for Ivory Prize for housing innovation

We’re thrilled to share the good news that CPL’s partnership with LA County to design, launch, and manage the Homelessness Prevention Unit (HPU) was nominated for the prestigious Ivory Prize. The HPU uses AI to identify LA households at high risk of homelessness. Once identified, experienced case managers proactively outreach to these individuals and families and provide them with wraparound services and flexible financial assistance to keep them housed. Press release

New job posting: Data analyst, homelessness research

The data analyst will have the opportunity to apply methodologies from econometrics, statistics, and data science to original research projects primarily focused on homelessness, mental health, and the social safety net. The analyst may embed with public agencies in Los Angeles to support collaborative research partnerships. Data analyst job opening

Prof. Michael Lens, CPL Faculty Affiliate, publishes new book on Black neighborhoods

Michael Lens, Professor of Urban Planning and Public Policy at UCLA, published a new book focused on the characteristics and trajectories of Black neighborhoods across the U.S. over the fifty years since the Fair Housing Act. Prof. Lens was interviewed about the book on UCLA’s Housing Voice Podcast. Where the Hood At?

CPL hosts conference focused on homelessness prevention models 

More than 200 people attended, including researchers, policymakers, funders, people with lived experience of homelessness, reporters, and nonprofit staff. Panelists shared insights from launching, running, and evaluating prevention programs in L.A., Chicago, New York, and the Bay Area. Speakers also presented on recent surveys and listening sessions with people experiencing homelessness in LA, philanthropy’s role in supporting innovation, and Illinois’ statewide plan to end homelessness. Presentation slides and event photos are on CPL’s website, and we extend our gratitude to our event sponsors: UCLA, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, David & Lucile Packard Foundation, and Destination: Home.

CPL co-hosting “Rebuilding after Disaster” panel discussion at UC Berkeley on March 12th 

Join us in person and hear from experts about the housing and equity implications of catastrophic events, disaster reconstruction, and community resilience. Panelists include Rémy De La Peza, Laurie Johnson, Jen Klose, Colette and Pichon Battle. This event is sponsored by the California Policy Lab, Othering & Belonging Institute, and the Terner Center for Housing Innovation. Register to reserve a space.

Navigating CalFresh: how this underutilized resource can combat food insecurity

This article cites CPL’s research showing that among UC undergraduate students who were eligible, only 22% participate in CalFresh.

New shoes, baby steps, and ‘too much to lose’ at Tenderloin community court 

This article cites CPL’s research on recidivism rates for pretrial diversion programs in San Francisco.

The community college creating a home base for transition-age foster students

This article cites CPL’s recent report focused on the approximately 1,000 youth who age out of Los Angeles’ foster care system each year and who are at higher risk of homelessness.

Support our work
Consider donating to support our work generating research insights for government impact. If you are interested in making a larger gift, please reach out to Evan White or Janey Rountree to discuss opportunities to support CPL.