The Golden State’s economy has lost some of its shine, as evidenced by the downshift
in both population and job growth in recent decades. The loss of a US House of Representatives’
seat following the 2020 Census marked the first time in history that the state’s Congressional
representation declined. These worrisome trends are happening even as California’s
politics become more extreme, too often limiting policy debates to rigid, pre-accepted
narratives. Seeking answers in this challenging environment requires high-quality
data, a willingness to ask different questions, and a general readiness to look beyond
standard arguments in order to find the important nuances that drive effective policy
choices.
The School of Public Policy (SPP), known for its commitment to “viewpoint diversity”,
in partnership with the respected California-based economic research firm, Beacon
Economics, is launching a series of white papers called Alternative Viewpoints on
California Policy. Through this collaboration, Beacon Economics’ team and our own
SPP academic researchers and graduate students will explore vital California policy
issues and debates from a different perspective in the hopes of driving balanced debates.
The ultimate goal of this research is to try and steer our common policy narratives
towards more data-based understandings, in turn shining light on the kinds of public
policies needed to return our state and its many regions to its longstanding position
as the nation’s “growth engine.”
Latest Research
City of Los Angeles Economic Activity Index - Second Quarter 2026
The Pepperdine School of Public Policy and Beacon Economics have developed an Economic
Activity Index to provide the most up-to-date and accurate measure of economic activity
in the City of Los Angeles. The index draws on a variety of local economic indicators
that capture the labor market, consumer spending, tourism, trade, construction, commercial
real estate, and the entertainment industry.
Christopher Thornberg, PhD | Founding Partner, Beacon Economics; Research Fellow,
Pepperdine School of Public Policy
Justin Niakamal | Research Manager, Beacon Economics
Fast Food Worker Survey: Los Angeles Worker Perspectives on Proposed City-Mandated
Workplace Training Requirements
Fast Food Worker Survey: Los Angeles Worker Perspectives on Proposed City-Mandated
Workplace Training Requirements
Christopher Thornberg, PhD | Founding Partner, Beacon Economics; Research Fellow,
Pepperdine School of Public Policy
Stafford Nichols, MBA, MPP, PhD(c) | Research Manager, Beacon Economics
Christopher Carr | Research Associate, Beacon Economics
This study was supported by the California Alliance of Family Owned Businesses and
the McDonalds’s Corporation. Beacon Economics independently designed and administered
the survey methodology and analysis.
Press Release
Understanding the Impacts of Mansion Taxes in Southern California - With a Focus on
City of LA's Measure ULA
Understanding the Impacts of Mansion Taxes in Southern California - With a Focus on
City of LA's Measure ULA
Christopher Thornberg, PhD | Research Fellow, Pepperdine School of Public Policy
Niree Kodaverdian, PhD | Research Manager, Beacon Economics
Emil Alexander Saban | Senior Research Associate, Beacon Economics
Dharaneeshwar Prakash | Research Intern, Beacon Economics
July 2026
This research was supported by the Greater Los Angeles Association of Realtors and
the Arthur N. Rupe Foundation. The research design, analysis, and conclusions were
determined independently by the authors.
The Cost of Claims: What It Means for California's Communities
The Cost of Claims: What It Means for California's Communities
Christopher Thornberg, PhD | Founding Partner, Beacon Economics; Research Fellow,
Pepperdine School of Public Policy
Niree Kodaverdian, PhD | Research Manager, Beacon Economics
Christopher Carr | Research Associate, Beacon Economics
Dharaneeshwar Prakash | Research Intern, Beacon Economics
June 2026
This research was supported by the Arthur N. Rupe Foundation and the California Association
of Joint Powers Authorities (CAJPA). The research design, analysis, and conclusions
were determined independently by the authors.
The Industrial Ecosystem’s Economic Contributions to Southern California
The Industrial Ecosystem’s Economic Contributions to Southern California
Christopher Thornberg, PhD | Founding Partner, Beacon Economics; Research Fellow,
Pepperdine School of Public Policy
Miriam Valdés Ibarra, PhD | Research Manager, Beacon Economics
Justin Niakamal | Research Manager, Beacon Economics
Bryan S. Castro, PhD | Lead Research Associate, Beacon Economics
June 2026
This research was supported by NAIOP Southern California, the Supply Chain Federation,
the County of San Bernardino, and NAIOP Inland Empire. The research design, analysis,
and conclusions were determined independently by the authors.
Burned, Sold, and Rebuilt? The Long Road to Recovery After California Wildfires
Burned, Sold, and Rebuilt? The Long Road to Recovery After California Wildfires
Christopher Thornberg, PhD | Research Fellow, Pepperdine School of Public Policy
Justin Niakamal, | Research Manager, Beacon Economics
January 2026
The State of Renters in New York
The State of Renters in New York
Christopher Thornberg, PhD | Founding Partner, Beacon Economics; Research Fellow,
Pepperdine School of Public Policy
Niree Kodaverdian, PhD | Research Manager, Beacon Economics
Justin Niakamal | Research Manager, Beacon Economics
Emil Alexander Sabaìn | Senior Research Associate, Beacon Economics
December 2025
The State of Renters in California
The State of Renters in California
Christopher Thornberg, PhD | Founding Partner, Beacon Economics; Research Fellow,
Pepperdine School of Public Policy
Niree Kodaverdian, PhD | Research Manager, Beacon Economics
Justin Niakamal | Research Manager, Beacon Economics
Sponsored by The California Apartment Association
May 2025
Assessing the Ongoing Impact of the 2025 Los Angeles Fires on Malibu Business
Assessing the Ongoing Impact of the 2025 Los Angeles Fires on Malibu Business
Christopher Thornberg, PhD | Research Fellow, Pepperdine School of Public Policy
April 2025
Jumping the Gun on the Fast Act
Jumping the Gun on the Fast Act
Annual employment revisions reveal the impact of a $20 minimum wage on employment
in California’s fast-food industry.
Christopher Thornberg, PhD | Research Fellow, Pepperdine School of Public Policy
March 2025
