CALIFORNIA AVERAGES VS. SIX CALIFORNIAS

The comparison states were identified through an initial screening based on similar population size (2010 population +/- 20%) along with more subjective factors such as similar economic structure. Each of the proposed Six California is shown with a “high growth” and a “low growth” comparison state, identified through the unemployment rates. Other measures shown for the selected comparison states can be use to assess the economic potential of each of the propose new states based on alternative policy models already applied elsewhere in the US.

Jefferson Vs West California

The comparison states Montana and South Dakota both are relatively low population states with economies largely based on resource industries similar to the counties within the proposed Jefferson. The “high growth” comparison state, South Dakota, has also pursued economic development strategies that has made it competitive for back-office operations serving many companies in the US. Counties: Butte, Colusa, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity. Largest Cities: Redding, Chico, Eureka, Paradise, Arcata.

Similar to proposed West California, the comparison states Illinois and Ohio are both manufacturing centers with a dominant urban area(s) and a relatively higher incidence of unionization. These two states provide a contrasting policy model between the higher tax/regulation Illinois and Ohio’s use of tax and regulatory reforms as an economic development strategy. Counties: Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura. Largest Cities: Los Angeles, Long Beach, Santa Clarita, Oxnard, Glendale.

Silicon Valley Vs Central California

The comparison states Washington and Massachusetts are both high-tech centers. With Massachusetts also containing a higher education institutional concentration comparable to the Bay Area’s. Massachusetts has a reputation as a higher tax state. Both Washington and Massachusetts are higher regulation states, but often adopting different approaches to those used in California. Counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Monterey, San Benito, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz. Largest Cities: San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Fremont, Salinas.

The comparison states Oklahoma and Kentucky are states with a significant agricultural component in their economy combine with other core industries that are present in the proposed Central California counties. Energy development in Oklahoma and manufacturing in Kentucky. Counties: Alpine, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne. Largest Cities: Fresno, Bakersfield, Stockton, Modesto, Visalia.

North California Vs South California

The comparison states Oregon and Iowa are both agricultural states with a significant manufacturing base. Including Oregon’s status as a manufacturing location for many Silicon Valley companies. Counties: Amador, El Dorado, Marin, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sierra, Solano, Sonoma, Sutter, Yolo, Yuba. Largest Cities: Sacramento, Santa Rosa, Elk Grove, Roseville, Vallejo.

The comparison states Georgia and North Carolina both generally rank high in most business climate rankings. Similar to the university centers in the proposed South California counties. North Carolina contains the Research Triangle that serves as a growth center for high tech portion of its economy. Counties: Imperial, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego. Largest Cities: San Diego, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Riverside, Chula Vista.

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