Paying for Infrastructure: California's Choices

Publication Date: January 2009

Publisher: Public Policy Institute of California

Author(s): Ellen Hanak

Research Area: Economics

Keywords: Local revenue; Water supply; Public-private partnerships; General obligation bond

Type: Report

Coverage: California

Abstract:

PPIC's At Issue series focuses on issues important for California now and in the future. Financing infrastructure has traditionally been difficult for the state, and current economic woes are likely to make it even more challenging. In this At Issue, PPIC research director Ellen Hanak analyzes the impediments to infrastructure financing and describes funding reforms such as loosening the supermajority rules for local infrastructure funding, financing investment through user fees, and expanding public-private partnerships. She outlines how these reforms could improve the state's ability to build for the future.