A person in a red blazer speaks at a podium bearing the California State Assembly seal, raising one hand for emphasis, while three others stand behind them between the U.S. and California flags beneath a backdrop of the State Capitol building.
Flanked by Democratic and Republican lawmakers, Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris addresses the media at the state Capitol in Sacramento about a series of bills that aim to reduce DUI fatalities and injuries in the state, on Feb. 2, 2026. The package of bills aim to crack down on dangerous drivers and address some of the roadway safety issues CalMatters uncovered as part of its ongoing License to Kill series. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters

At CalMatters, we know California can solve its challenges and create a brighter future. And we know that quality, high-impact journalism plays a vital role in creating that future.

With nearly 40 million people and the world’s fifth-largest economy, we have endless opportunities. We also have substantial problems to solve together. Explaining our government and how it works – or doesn’t – and holding elected officials accountable for their decisions creates a better informed and more engaged California, a more secure democracy, and a state where more people may build the lives of their dreams.

CalMatters is an award-winning, nonpartisan, nonprofit journalism venture that explains how California’s government works and why it matters. We’re based in Sacramento, with journalists across California, covering both the decision-making that happens in the Capitol and the effects of those policies in all corners of the state. We work to lift up the stories of those whose voices are rarely heard in government.

Because of the investments by our generous supporters, our work results in new legislation, investigations of lawmakers, regulation overhauls, and discussions across the state – from committee rooms to living rooms.

Impact from our first 10 years

In 2025, CalMatters celebrated our 10 year anniversary, and in our first decade, we documented how our journalism brought families back together, made federal, state and local government more accountable to Californians, inspired new legislation while holding lawmakers accountable, made companies and nonprofits more accountable to the people they serve and generated much more government transparency.

How our reporting makes an impact, every day

Every day, our journalism breaks through echo chambers. It brings Californians together. It holds all levels of government and lawmakers accountable. And it inspires new laws that work toward a better California.

Below is just a sample of our most recent impact. Read all of CalMatters’ impact stories here.

OUR LATEST IMPACT