Program Description

This is a timely and informative program featuring Little Hoover Commission Executive Director Ethan Rarick, who provides an inside look at one of California’s most important independent oversight bodies.

The Little Hoover Commission—officially known as the Milton Marks “Little Hoover” Commission on California State Government Organization and Economy—serves as an independent state oversight agency that evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of California government. Through in-depth research and analysis, the Commission identifies problems, investigates state programs and agencies, and makes recommendations aimed at improving the performance and accountability of state government.

Mr. Rarick discusses the mission, structure, and work of the Commission and explain how its role compares with—and differs from—the work performed by local civil grand juries. While both examine government performance, the Little Hoover Commission operates at the statewide level and focuses on systemic reforms affecting state agencies, programs, and policies.

During the presentation, Mr. Rarick highlights several of the Commission’s recent reports, describes its current studies, and explains how the Commission works with policymakers, legislators, and state officials after reports are released to help ensure that recommendations lead to meaningful change.This program offers a unique opportunity to learn how independent oversight helps improve government operations and public policy in California.

Speaker Bio(s)

Ethan Rarick is Executive Director of the Little Hoover Commission, California’s independent citizens commission that makes recommendations to the Governor and Legislature about how to improve state government. In this role, Rarick leads the Commission’s staff and oversees the production of in-depth studies, the publication of the Commission’s findings, and the Commission’s efforts to support implementation of its recommendations.

Before joining the Little Hoover Commission in June of 2019, Rarick spent many years at the University of California, Berkeley, where he was Director of the Robert T. Matsui Center for Politics and Public Service and Associate Director of the Institute of Governmental Studies. He also served as a Lecturer in the Department of Political Science and as Managing Editor of the California Journal of Politics and Policy. Before joining Berkeley, Rarick was a journalist who covered politics in both California and Oregon.He has written or edited six books on California history, public policy, and politics, including California Rising: The Life and Times of Pat Brown, and Governing California: Politics, Government and Public Policy in the Golden State