Scott Graves (he/him/his)

Scott Graves, Budget Director, analyzes health and justice system policies and leads the organization’s work on state and local budget processes. On health policy, Scott’s work aims to ensure that Californians have equitable access to quality, affordable care. His justice system work highlights ongoing racial disparities and the human and fiscal costs of California’s overreliance on incarceration. Scott’s work on budget processes aims to give Californians the tools they need to effectively engage decision makers and advocate for fair and just policy choices. Previously, Scott covered safety net programs, housing, and early care and education for the Budget Center.

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 was a newspaper reporter in California, a Pulliam journalism fellow, and a California executive fellow. Scott holds a Ph.D. in political science from UT 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 is an advocate for educational equity in his daughter’s school district. Outside of the office, you can find him listening to Mexican music and planning his next trip to the Eastern Sierra.