California's Legislative Analyst's Office and the Value of Independence

Nov 15, 2024 - But since macroeconomic dynamics are multifaceted and context dependent, successfully predicting the scenario that will play out is virtually impossible. Consider as evidence that in just the last several years —during and after the COVID-19 pandemic —consensus macroeconomic forecasts have been wildly off from actual outcomes.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4938

Despite Fiscal Forecasting Uncertainties, Multiyear Budget Planning Essential

May 27, 2021 - The value of doing multiyear budget estimates is evident when considering the role they can play in budget development. When developing our main forecasts, both our office and DOF make their best estimate, aiming for the median scenario.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4443

Why Aren't Revenue Estimates More Accurate? [Publication Details]

Nov 1, 1984 - Format: PDF Description: Revenue estimates play a crucial role in the state's budget process. The Legislature relies heavily on these estimates in deciding at what levels to fund state programs, how much money should be 11 put aside in reserves, and whether taxes should be raised or lowered.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/3146

Why Aren't Revenue Esitmates More Accurate? [Publication Details]

Nov 1, 1984 - Format: PDF Description: Revenue estimates play a crucial role in the state's budget process. The Legislature relies heavily on these estimates in deciding at what levels to fund state programs, how much money should be "put aside" in reserves, and whether taxes should be raised or lowered.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/3099

The 2025-26 Budget: Multiyear Budget Outlook

May 24, 2025 - The 2025-26 Budget: Multiyear Budget Outlook Translate Our Website This Google ™ translation feature provided on the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) website is for informational purposes only. The LAO is unable to guarantee the accuracy of this translation and is therefore not liable for any inaccurate information resulting from the translation application tool.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5052/1

The 2025-26 Budget: Multiyear Budget Outlook [Publication Details]

May 24, 2025 - The 2025-26 Budget: Multiyear Budget Outlook [Publication Details] Translate Our Website This Google ™ translation feature provided on the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) website is for informational purposes only.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5052

The 2025-26 Budget: Initial Comments on the Governor's May Revision [Publication Details]

May 17, 2025 - The 2025-26 Budget: Initial Comments on the Governor's May Revision [Publication Details] Translate Our Website This Google ™ translation feature provided on the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) website is for informational purposes only.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5044

Rethinking California’s Reserve Policy (Panel 2) [Publication Details]

May 7, 2025 - Rethinking California’s Reserve Policy (Panel 2) [Publication Details] Translate Our Website This Google ™ translation feature provided on the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) website is for informational purposes only.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5041

Reserves, Proposition 2, and the Budget Stabilization Account (Panel 1) [Publication Details]

May 7, 2025 - Reserves, Proposition 2, and the Budget Stabilization Account (Panel 1) [Publication Details] Translate Our Website This Google ™ translation feature provided on the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) website is for informational purposes only.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5040

The 2025-26 Budget: Undertaking Fiscal Oversight [Publication Details]

Feb 24, 2025 - The 2025-26 Budget: Undertaking Fiscal Oversight [Publication Details] Translate Our Website This Google ™ translation feature provided on the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) website is for informational purposes only.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/4983