Chris Hoene (he/him/his)

Chris Hoene, Executive Director, has led the California Budget & Policy Center since 2012. Under his leadership, the organization has grown significantly, shaped policies like the California Earned Income Tax Credit, and strengthened partnerships to make the budget process more accessible for Californians. He has over 20 years of experience in state and local fiscal policy. 

As executive director, Chris leads the organization's strategic direction, acts as the primary spokesperson, and ensures its effectiveness in advancing policy solutions. He strives to build relationships and a collective vision with a range of partners and people, including the Budget Center team and Board of Directors, policymakers, advocates, organizers, and philanthropy, to improve the lives of Californians, particularly those who have been blocked from sharing in California’s wealth. 

Chris previously served as the director of the Center for Research and Innovation at the National League of Cities in Washington, D.C., as an analyst at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington, D.C., and as a fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California in San Francisco. Chris holds a Ph.D. in political science from Claremont Graduate University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the College of Idaho. In 2011, Chris was elected as a fellow into the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) in recognition of his service to the state and local community. He is an Advisory Board member of End Poverty In California (EPIC) and the Equity Research Institute (ERI) at USC.  

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Chris resides in Sacramento and enjoys traveling and spending time across the state. In his free time, he is an avid tennis player, hiker, oenophile, and traveler.