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Golden State Promise and California Business Roundtable Announce Strategic Partnership for 2026 Election Cycle

Coordinated, complementary, and comprehensive effort to protect California’s economy and address cost-of-living challenges...
SACRAMENTO, CA — California Business Roundtable President Rob Lapsley issued the following response to Governor Newsom's announcement today on retail theft this holiday season: 
SACRAMENTO, CA — The California Center for Jobs and the Economy today released this special report which uses recently released US EPA data to conduct a thorough fact-check of California's climate initiatives. The findings reveal that not only has California failed to significantly outpace other states in reducing climate emissions, but it has also directly escalated costs, such as electricity, resulting in California having some of the highest national energy costs in its pursuit of climate change objectives.
SACRAMENTO—The united business community today issued the following response to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned affirmative action practices for college and university admissions:
SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Business Roundtable extends sincere appreciation to Assemblymember Irwin, Chair of Assembly Revenue and Taxation, and the committee members for their prudent decision to hold Assembly Bill 259, the wealth tax proposal. We thank Assemblymember Irwin for her leadership and the committee's commitment to maintaining fiscal stability.

Latest News from the Center for Jobs

Latest on what is driving California’s economy, job growth, and other key indicators. Get updates straight to your inbox at [email protected]

Special Report: California Becomes 4th Largest Economy as Japan’s Economy Slowed in 2024

In the latest data from International Monetary Fund (IMF), California—if it was treated as a separate economy—moved from 5th largest in the world to 4th largest as Japan’s economy contracted. However, Japan is projected to resume growth at 4% in 2025, while India is projected to continue moving up the ranks with 7% growth....
The trade statistics in May once again reflect more shifts in policy around tariffs rather than economic fundamentals.
In the latest data from International Monetary Fund (IMF), California—if it was treated as a separate economy—moved from 5th largest in the world to 4th largest as Japan’s economy contracted. However, Japan is projected to resume growth at 4% in 2025, while India is projected to continue moving up the ranks with 7% growth.
In July, California average residential electricity jumped to 10th highest among the contiguous states, compared to 9th lowest in 2010. Electricity rates across all three primary end users as well as the cost of fuels remained the highest in the contiguous states.
The August trade data again showed strong results for California and its ports as shippers continued to surge activity ahead of pending tariffs and the then-threatened East/Gulf labor actions. Origin exports rose 9.9% in nominal terms compared to prior year. Total trade activity through the state’s ports was up 13.6%, with the strongest gains in imports.
California’s Real GDP grew by 2.8% in the second quarter (annualized change from the previous quarter), just below the 3.0% growth for the US overall and 27th highest among the states.
The August numbers were positive but at relatively modest levels. Although revisions to the July numbers show stronger growth that month, nonfarm wage and salary jobs grew by only 6,800 in August, the 8th highest level among the states. Employment gains were 8,700.