In November 2022, the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), with Irvine’s support, released the PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Economic Well-Being. It is PPIC’s third annual Statewide Survey focused on the topic of economic inequality and mobility. Key findings from the survey include:  

• A majority of Californians (71%) believe that the gap between rich and poor is getting larger, and 67% believe children growing up in California today will be financially worse off than their parents. 
• More than four in 10 Californians – including half of lower-income residents – worry every day about the cost of gasoline and other transportation, and about one-third cut back on food to save money. 
• Most Californians support government policies to make housing more accessible and affordable, including 76% who support policies to increase the amount of affordable rental housing and 73% who support policies to increase housing production. 
• Nearly one-quarter (24%) of Californians believe that the lack of well-paying jobs in their region is a big problem.  
• A majority (82%) of Californians agree that it is important for workers to organize to protect themselves. 

The PPIC Statewide Survey delivers nonpartisan, objective, advocacy-free information on the perceptions, opinions, and public policy preferences of California residents. The survey is conducted regularly throughout the year in the key areas of government, the environment, K–12 education, and higher education.