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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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 -
Update
Where Do Things Stand with the 2026-27 State Budget?
Last week, the Legislature passed 16 bills that adjust the spending and policies in the 2026-27 budget package, which Governor Newsom signed into law earlier this summer. The new budget-related legislation passed last week includes: These bills next go to Governor Newsom’s desk. The governor is expected to sign them all — the final budget-related …Budget Academy -
Issue Brief
Proposition 39 Explained: What Voter ID Would Mean for California
Proposition 39 on the November ballot would impose unnecessary, harmful, and costly new identification (ID) requirements on millions of California voters. It would harm US citizens by making it harder for them to vote, exposing them to identity theft, and putting them at risk of being erroneously removed from voter rolls. Prop. 39 …Ballot PropositionsCalifornia Budget -
Report
School Funding and California’s State Budget Process
Every year, California’s governor and Legislature adopt a state budget that provides a framework and funding for vital public services and systems — from child care and health care to housing and the safety net to colleges and TK-12 schools (transitional kindergarten through 12th grade). But the state budget is about more than dollars …Budget Academy -
Issue Brief
Should Voters Approve Proposition 2? How California’s Rainy Day Fund Would Be Updated
Proposition 2 on the November 2026 ballot would change the rules for California’s rainy day fund to build a larger reserve and better protect core public services during budget emergencies, such as an economic downturn. Prop. 2 also would expand the types of state debt that could be repaid with General Fund revenues …Ballot PropositionsCalifornia Budget
