Scott Graves (he/him/his)
Budget Director
Scott Graves, Budget Director, is a leading expert on the California state budget. Scott has dedicated his career to demystifying budget processes at the state and local levels, making them more accessible so that Californians can have a stronger role in shaping policies that affect their communities.
Scott also has deep expertise in health and justice system policies, contributing to the Budget Center’s work in these areas. In addition, Scott has covered safety net programs, housing, and early care and education. He is a frequent speaker on panels, in the media, and in other forums, where he shares his expertise, insights, and sharp analysis.
Before joining the Budget Center in 2002, Scott was a researcher for the Tomás Rivera Policy Institute, Consumers Union, and the University of Texas at Austin’s Public Policy Clinic. He also worked as a newspaper reporter; was a California Executive Fellow and a Pulliam Journalism Fellow; and received the 1999 Lowi Prize for best article published in Policy Studies Journal.
Scott holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor’s degree in government and journalism from California State University, Sacramento. His undergraduate work included a year at the University of Bristol in England, focused on politics and international relations.
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Scott enjoys listening to Mexican music, browsing in bookstores, and planning trips to the Eastern Sierra.
meet the expert: Scott graves
Read more about Scott's story and the work he's doing at the Budget Center in our Q&A.
Recent posts by Scott Graves
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Presentation
Dollars & Democracy: An Introduction to California’s State Budget Process
Dollars & Democracy: An Introduction to California’s State Budget Process is an introductory training slide deck that breaks down how California’s state budget works. Designed to be clear, engaging, and accessible, this slide deck explains the fundamentals of the state budget, the rules that shape the process, the key decision-makers involved, and the advocacy opportunities …Budget Academy -
Report
Guía: Proceso de presupuesto estatal de California
Este informe ofrece información sobre el presupuesto estatal y su proceso, con el objetivo de brindar al público las herramientas necesarias para interactuar eficazmente con líderes estatales y abogar por decisiones presupuestarias justas y equitativas.Budget AcademyCalifornia Budget -
Fact Sheet
State Budget Process and Legislative Process: Key Activities and Deadlines
The most common way for Californians to shape state funding decisions and policy priorities is through the state budget process and the legislative (or policy bill) process. The deadlines for the state budget process are established in California’s Constitution or in state law and rarely change. In contrast, most of the deadlines for the legislative …Budget AcademyCalifornia Budget -
Report
Guide to the California State Budget Process
A comprehensive guide to the California state budget process: we provide an overview of the year-round state budget cycle, detail the roles of the key players, and lay out the timeline for state budgeting as well as opportunities for input. Our hope is that this guide makes the state budget process more accessible for policy staff, advocates, and the media, as well as to broaden participation in the budget debate.Budget AcademyCalifornia Budget -
Press Release
Statement on the Legislative Analyst’s Office 2026-27 Fiscal Outlook
SACRAMENTO, CA — In response to the Legislative Analyst’s Office’s (LAO) 2026-27 Fiscal Outlook, the California Budget & Policy Center (Budget Center), a nonpartisan research and analysis nonprofit, issued the following statement from its budget director, Scott Graves: “Despite higher income tax collections, the LAO’s 2026–27 Fiscal Outlook estimates that California still faces an $18 …California Budget
