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
School Funding and California’s State Budget Process
Introduction 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
key takeaway 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 -
Report
California’s Rainy Day Fund and Other Budget Reserves Overview
key takeaway California’s state budget reserves, including the “rainy day fund” and other reserve accounts, serve as a financial safety net for services like education, health care, and child care during economic downturns. The rules for depositing and withdrawing funds are complex, and policymakers should consider reforms, such as excluding reserve deposits from the Gann …Budget AcademyCalifornia Budget -
Report
5 Key Questions About California’s State Budget Reserves
How much money is in California's state budget reserves? When can the funds be withdrawn? How can the funds be used by the state?Budget AcademyCalifornia Budget -
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
