Political Reform

2017 Energy Transition Forum

Schwarzenegger visited the USC campus on October 5th to attend the 3rd meeting of the Energy Transition Forum, the multi-year collaboration between USC Price, The Hertie School and Tsinghua University

Schwarzenegger Calls on the Supreme Court to Say “Hasta La Vista” to Gerrymandering

Speaking on the steps of the Supreme Court Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger continued his campaign to end the partisan drawing of legislative and congressional districts.

Institute Partners with ASU and Independentvoting.org to Release Report on Independent Voters

The Schwarzenegger Institute teamed up and released a new briefing on the independent voter phenomenon and the impact that it is having on the American political landscape.

Global Director Bonnie Reiss Honored by the Independence Clubs of New York

Bonnie Reiss, Global Director of the USC Schwarzenegger Institute, was honored by the Independence Clubs of New York City at the 17th Annual Anti-Corruption Awards Ceremony for her lifelong leadership

Governor Schwarzenegger Urges the U.S. Supreme Court to End Gerrymandering

Earlier this week, Gov.Schwarzenegger joined a number of prominent Republicans in filing amicus briefs, explaining to the Court why they support common-sense redistricting reform.

SI Partners with NCEL to Launch First of Its Kind Digital Environmental Legislative Handbook

The SI in partnership with the NCEL launched the Digital Environmental Legislative Handbook, a first of its kind environmental policy resource, for state legislative leaders.

California’s End to Gerrymandering Celebrated in Our Nation’s Capitol

The CA Citizens Redistricting Commission extended the special invitation to Gov. Schwarzenegger to in honor of his longstanding support for nonpartisan redistricting in both CA and throughout the U.S

The Legal Effort to End Partisan Gerrymandering Heats Up

The Institute is working with a coalition of good government groups on ending partisan gerrymandering through both ballot initiatives and the legal process.

CA Bipartisan Bill Extends Cap-and-Trade Program to Reduce Carbon Emissions & Expand Economic Growth

Political, environmental and business leaders from across the State, came together on July 25, 2017 to celebrate the extension of California’s landmark cap-and-trade program.

Institute Fellows from the USC Price School Participate in the Think 20 Global Solutions Summit

Dean Jack Knott and Schwarzenegger Institute Faculty Fellow Adam Rose participated in the recent Think 20 Global Solutions Summit in Berlin, May 29 and 30, 2017.

Governor Schwarzenegger Meets with President Macron at the Elysee Palace

Schwarzenegger Institute met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris to discuss the future of the COP21 Paris Agreement and related environmental issues.

Gov. Schwarzenegger Welcomed as Special Guest by French President Macron at Global Climate Summit

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger spoke at the Global Pact For The Environment summit organized by President Laurent Fabius at the Sorbonne in Paris, France

Schwarzenegger and Garcetti Inspire Crowd With Confidence In Continued US Environmental Leadership

Schwarzenegger and Garcetti teamed up in Los Angeles to address a packed theater on the impacts that environmental and climate actions have at the city and state level.

Institute Joins R20 and World Leaders for 1st Austrian World Summit

Speaking to 700 international leaders, Arnold explained that a majority of Americans support the Paris Agreement and that together the US would remain committed to goals outlined in that agreement

Strengthening International Partnerships with the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles

The Schwarzenegger Institute team met with Carlos Garcia De Alba Z., the Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles to discuss bi-lateral cooperation between California and Mexico

Institute Hosts Rear Admiral Fritz Roegge, and Leaders From the Media and Entertainment Industries

The Institute hosted a meeting with Rear Admiral Fritz Roegge and leaders in entertainment to discuss the geopolitical situation in the Pacific region the portrayal of submariners in pop culture

USC Price, Annenberg Conversation Explores “America Divided”, Moderated by Bonnie Reiss

The USC Schools of Public Policy and Journalism partnered to screen the five-episode docuseries America Divided followed by a conversation with Norman Lear, policy makers, academics and producers.

Governor Schwarzenegger Receives France’s Highest Honor for His Environmental Work

On Friday, April 28th French President Francois Hollande presented Governor Schwarzenegger the highest honor in France- The Legion d’Honneur - for his environmental work.

Institute Partners with ESA, Hosts Senator Barbara Boxer

USC ESA partners with the Institute to host Senator Barbara Boxer, Terry Tamminen, Mary Nichols and Bonnie Reiss for a panel discussing on the passage of landmark environmental in California

Austrian Trade Delegation Visits the USC Schwarzenegger Institute

As part of the Institute’s continuing partnerships with global leaders and consul generals based in California the Institute hosted a delegation of Austrian journalists and business leaders

2017 National Afterschool Summit: Protecting Afterschool Programs for Over 10 Million Students

Prominent leaders from K-12 and higher education, government, media, military, sports, business and innovation gathered at the 2017 National After-School Summit

Fed Up With Gerrymandering: Action on Redistricting

Gov. Schwarzenegger is fed up with redistricting and is devoted to fixing the problem. The Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy set up this page so that you can be active in the fight

Addressing the World’s Leading Cause of Death - Pollution

The Leaders of the Global Commission on Pollution and Health shared highlights of a soon to be released report on pollution’s severe and underreported contribution to the global burden of disease.

Conservative Republican Group Calls for Carbon Tax

Institute Advisor and former Secretary of State George Shultz recently launched the Climate Leadership Council, and and have publicly advocated for a carbon tax.

Schwarzenegger and David Cameron Reunite at USC

David Cameron, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, spoke to the USC community at President Nikias’ Distinguished Lecture Series and following the event met with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger

Designing an Emissions Trading System to Achieve the COP 21 Goals

USC faculty is leading a clean energy research collaboration with the Hertie School in Berlin and Tsinghua University in Beijing that focuses on policies & economics of transitioning to clean energy

The Passing of a California Legend - In Memoriam: Kevin Starr (1940 - 2017)

On Saturday, January 14, 2017 Kevin Starr died of a heart attack, and our state, nation and world lost a great man. For Arnold, me and our Institute we lost a dear friend and mentor. Read more.

Institute Continues Support for After-School Programs

To highlight the importance of afterschool education the Institute participated in a documentary that examines the history of after-school programs and their value to kids, families and communities

Institute Collaboration with the University of Miami

Dr. Julio Frenk, the new president of the University of Miami, met with Gov. Schwarzenegger and Institute Director Bonnie Reiss to discuss a multi-year collaboration between U of M and the Institute

Professor Schwarzenegger Speaks to the Environmental Student Assembly

Gov Schwarzenegger kicked off the new semester by meeting with members of the USC Environmental Student Assembly to discuss the best strategies for continuing the momentum of environmental progress

Institute Hosts David Daley, Author of Ratf**ked

David Daley, best-selling author joined Gov. Schwarzenegger and more to talk about his new book Ratf**ked: The True Story Behind the Secret Plan to Steal America's Democracy

Energy Policy Forum 2016

Price, Tsinghua School of Policy (Beijing), and Hertie School of Governance (Berlin) met for the 2nd year to share research and discuss energy and climate change policies in the US China, and Germany

USC Schwarzenegger Institute Observes U.S. Marine Corps Energy Capability Exercise

Institute observes the exercises to see first-hand the ways Marines are improving energy efficiency and using alternative energy to become a more effective fighting force.

Institute Examines California’s Historic U.S. Senate Race and the Impact of the Top-Two Primaries

Institute hosts forum at USC that examined both data and politics behind the recent U.S. Senate race that included a conversation with David Siders. Sean Clegg and Bill Carrick

Institute Partners with ASU; Looks at Political Reform and Empowering the Independent Voter

The Schwarzenegger Institute is proud to partner with the Morrison Institute of Public Policy at Arizona State University on political reform issues that make our system more accountable to the voters

Conyers Davis Keynotes USC’s Town and Gown Pre-Election Luncheon

The women of Town and Gown invited the Institute’s Director of Strategic Initiatives, Conyers Davis, to speak at their pre-election lucheon event

Institute Hosts European Union Delegation

The Institute hosted a European Liberal Forum (ELF) delegation that traveled to the U.S. to gain insights into what effect the outcome will have on international trade negotiations

Collaboration with Arizona State University on Climate, Energy and Political Reform

SI team visits ASU President Michael Crow to explore collaborations on policy areas of mutual interest, including climate change, energy, political reform and on-line education.

Center for Public Integrity Launches “Carbon Wars”

The Institute hosted prominent California environmental leaders to USC to learn about the Center for Public Integrity's newest project “Carbon Wars”.

Schwarzenegger Institute Participated in the Clinton Global Institute Annual Meeting

Institute Director Bonnie Reiss participated in the 12th and final year of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Annual Meeting with leaders from around the world.

10th Anniversary of California’s Landmark Global Warming Solutions Act

Institute hosted leaders across the state for a celebration in Sacramento to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the passage of the landmark bill AB32, the Global Warming Solutions Act.

Schwarzenegger & National Geographic Host Premiere for 2nd Season of “Years of Living Dangerously”

Years of Living Dangerously, the Emmy-winning climate change series, returns for a second season and Gov Schwarzenegger & National Geographic hosted a star studded premiere.

Schwarzenegger Institute Participated in “After Fossil Fuels –The New Economy” Conference at Oberlin

The Institute was proud to collaborate with Oberlin College for their three day conference "After Fossil Fuels - The New Economy."

Silicon Valley Leadership Group Energy and Sustainability Summit 2016

The SVLG hosted their 4th Annual Energy and Sustainability Summit at Oracle and featured thought leaders from academia, government, and business, including Global Director Bonnie Reiss

Schwarzenegger Teams Up with Leonardo DiCaprio to Focus on Climate Change

The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation hosted its 3rd annual fundraising gala in St. Tropez and raised over $45 million. Gov. Schwarzenegger joined DiCaprio and auctioned off a few rare pieces.

Celebration of California’s Leadership on “Clean Cars”

The Institute joined political, business and environmental leaders in Sacramento for an event celebrating CA’s continued leadership on protecting air quality and reducing our dependence on foreign oil

Focusing on Education and Public Schools

Institute in Action: Supporting high performance charter schools, the Chime Institute’s Schwarzenegger Community School and Vergara case update

Schwarzenegger Institute and Field Research Release Poll

A survey of Californians likely to vote in the state's upcoming June 7 presidential primary examines the issues voters in CA consider most important when deciding whom to support for president.

Schwarzenegger Institute Continues Focus on Climate Change

Institute director invited as special guest at European Union Consul Generals’ strategy meeting for a discussion regarding climate change issues.

USC Schwarzenegger Institute Releases Two Research Reports on Political Polarization

Institute releases two research reports showing that political reforms like those passed by voters in CA can reduce political polarization and prompt candidates to engage voters across party lines

LA County’s top three leaders – all of whom are women – convene at The Price School of Public Policy

For the first time since Los Angeles County was established in 1850, three women hold its top positions of leadership. The USC Price School of Public Policy’s Athenian Society hosted those women.

Institute Focuses on Infrastructure Investment

This month the USC Schwarzenegger Institute continued its focus on the need for increased infrastructure investment in both California and the United States

Institute Focuses on Carbon Emission Markets

This month the USC Schwarzenegger Institute continued its focus on climate change - with a particular focus on carbon emissions trading

Off to a Strong Start in 2016 - COP21 Follow Up & Supporting Great USC Students

Read more about the Institute's meeting with the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network's Financing Sustainable Development Program Leader, and about this semester's Spotlight Award Winner

Live From Paris COP 21: Final Days of Negotiations to Reach Global Accord

Read this update from COP 21 climate negotiations in Paris!

LIVE FROM PARIS:  Institute Partners with Sciences Po University and Addresses UN Assembly

LIVE FROM PARIS: Institute Partners with Sciences Po University - Governor Schwarzenegger speaks to students and addresses UN General Assembly

Live From Paris: Institute and R20 Release Research Reports at UN COP 21

Institute issues two research reports on most significant topics being focused on at COP 21: the power of climate action at the sub-national level, and accelerating investments in green technologies

LIVE WEBCAST of Climate Leadership Discussion with Arnold Schwarzenegger In Paris During COP21

WATCH THE LIVE WEBCAST of the climate leadership discussion during COP 21 with Arnold Schwarzenegger at Sciences Po University in Paris, on December 7, 2015 at 10:30am!

Institute Forms International Research Collaborative Focused on Climate Change

The Institute has developed an international energy transition collaborative devoted to identifying the best research, policy, and practices to advance energy transitions evolving in three countries

On the Road to Paris: Institute Continues Its Focus on Global Warming

Institute hosts Dr. Per Espen Stoknes, economist and organizational psychologist and Gary Gero, President of the Climate Action Reserve. Also, Bonnie Reiss participates in UC Carbon Neutrality conf.

Schwarzenegger Institute hosts New Zealand Parliamentary member Gareth Hughes

the Schwarzenegger Institute hosted New Zealand Parliamentary member Gareth Hughes for a visit. He visited USC as part of a 2-week US Study Tour that included visits with other top universities

Educating the Next Generation of Women Leaders

This years’ “Dean Speaker Series” focused on “Great American Cities” and in the final session of the semester looked at the role women leaders play in this success.

On the Road to UN Climate Conference in Paris: Institute Hosts Austrian Minister of Environment

As the Schwarzenegger Institute prepares to participate at the UN’s COP 21 in Paris in December we are continuing our collaborations with other leaders throughout the world to advance policy solutions

Institute and PPIC Join With State Leaders to Find Solutions to Water Crisis

With Gov. Jerry Brown ordering mandatory water restrictions for the first time in the state’s history an all-star group of state leaders gathered at USC for a timely discussion

Watch Live WEBCAST of Water Forum - “The New Reality: Addressing California’s Water Challenge”

Watch Live WEBCAST of Water Forum - "The New Reality: Addressing California's Water Challenge" April 27th 3pm - 6pm Click here to Watch

Schwarzenegger and National Leaders Urge Congress to Keep After-School Funding

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger led a National After-School Summit to call for a unified voice telling Congress not to terminate federal funding for after-school programs.

Watch WEBCAST of The National After-School Summit - March 24th

Watch WEBCAST of The National After-School Summit - March 24th

Interactive Map by USC Student Sarah McMinimy - After-School Summit March 24th

USC student Sarah Mcminimy created an interactive map with data visualization showing the distribution of after-school programs that receive support through the 21st Century Community Grants.

USC Environmental Student Assembly Hosts Governator

It was standing room only at USC’s Bovard Auditorium as more than 500 students and university guests packed the house to hear Governor Schwarzenegger discuss environment

US-China Green Innovators Forum at USC

The Institute partnered with the R20 to host dozens of China’s CEO's and business leaders focused on growing their business while addressing climate change and environmental protection.

Schwarzenegger Institute Fellow, Rhett Paranay’s take on the US-China Green Innovators Forum

The Institute is proud to have student fellows doing significant research on important policy areas, one of whom is Rhett Paranay, and the following is his perspective on the Green Innovators Forum

Decarbonizing California 2020-2050 - Institute Partners with Climate Resolve

Hundreds of leaders from the Los Angeles community gathered at USC to explore California’s path towards meeting the ambitious GHG reduction goals by 2050

Election Day Forum at USC

Global Director Bonnie Reiss was the keynote speaker for the Town and Gown “Election Day Special” luncheon

Links to Research Articles - September 8th Climate Symposium

California has and will continue to prioritize the issue of climate change for many reasons, read these studies to see why

September 8th Climate Symposium-Global Climate Negotiations:Lessons From California

In our unwavering battle against global climate change, we are fortunate to claim some of today’s most innovative and pioneering leaders as fighting on our team.

Watch WEBCAST of September 8th Climate Symposium - Global Climate Negotiations: Lessons From CA

Leaders of California gathered at an important symposium to review the various policies that have placed California at the forefront of addressing climate change.

POLICY IN ACTION: PRESIDENT ACTS ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Arnold Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on President Obama’s Plan to Use the Clean Air Act to Cut Carbon Pollution from Existing Power Plants

UC Berkeley Event - California’s Top Two Primary: Will It Make a Difference?

Christian Grose presented findings on the role of California’s top-two primary in moderation by state legislators at UC Berkeley Event

“Years of Living Dangerously”, a Showtime Documentary Series

Arnold Teams with James Cameron and Jerry Weintraub as Executive Producers of "Years of Living Dangerously", a Showtime documentary series.

Schwarzenegger Institute Global Director Bonnie Reiss joins Ed Begley Jr. on BiteSize TV

Respected celebrity environmentalist Ed Begley Jr. hosted an informative Earth Day segment with Bonnie Reiss on BiteSize TV inspiring people about all they can do to address climate change

S.I. Global Director Bonnie Reiss Leads Education Policy Discussion for Select Group of USC Students

Schwarzenegger Institute Convenes Symposium on Political Gridlock

When asked what young people can do to fix their government in the face of crippling gridlock, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger urged the crowd to look no further than the work of USC’s own students.

New Study Shows California Legislature Less Polarized Following Reforms

The USC Schwarzenegger Institute Report uses empirical data to show the impact of Open Primary and Redistricting in CA-two reforms of which the hope was they would create less political gridlock

WATCH: Panel Discussion at Government and Leadership—People Over Politics Symposium

Watch:The Political Reform Movement in America panel that took place at the Government and Leadership--People Over Politics Symposium

Schwarzenegger Institute Sponsors USC’s Local Government Case Challenge

The Schwarzenegger Institute sponsored USC’s 2nd Local Government Case Challenge that took place February 5th – 8th.

Terror: On the Screen /On the Ground

Schwarzenegger Institute Global Director Bonnie Reiss moderated a provocative discussion Terror:On the Screen/On the Ground that was presented by The USC CREATE Center and the School of Cinematic Arts

The Institute hosts Chris Matthews Discussion about D.C. Politics

The USC Schwarzenegger Institute hosted a conversation between Governor and USC Downey Professor Arnold Schwarzenegger and political commentator and host of MSNBC’s Hardball, Chris Matthews.

Policy in Action: Schwarzenegger Institute in the Capitol

On October 30th the USC Schwarzenegger Institute held a series of meetings in Washington D.C. with our nation's leaders to advocate continued support of comprehensive after-school programs.

Students Talk Back - Author of Days of Fire on Bush and Cheney

On Wednesday November 6th the Schwarzenegger Institute, in partnership with the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics, co-hosted the 10th Students Talk Back lunch panel discussion.

California Takes the Partisanship out of Politics

A lot can change in ten years. This time a decade ago, California had just emerged from a recall election less than a year into then-Governor Grey...

Governor Schwarzenegger Named Honorary Forest Ranger By Chief Tidwel

On October 30th Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was made an honorary forest ranger at a ceremony hosted by U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington DC.

Gen Petreaus Joins Veterans and Filmmakers for Screening Series Launch

Gen Petreaus with event participants and guests

Schwarzenegger Institute Brings New Film Series to USC

Schwarzenegger Institute Brings New Film Series to USC By Nathaniel Haas...

Gov. Schwarzenegger’s Education Legacy

Gov. Schwarzenegger’s Education Legacy: Guest commentaryBy Bonnie Reiss Ten years ago Californians rocked the nation by using a direct democracy tool and recalled a sitting...

Students Talk Back: A Weekly Politics and Public Policy Forum

On Wednesday October 2nd the Schwarzenegger Institute hosted a Students Talk Back panel on the Affordable Care Act where the panelists took a hard look at the Affordable Care Act.

Students Talk Back forum - k-12 Education Reform

Wednesday September 25th marked the third installment of the Students Talk Back series, a weekly politics and public policy forum, which is co-hosted by the Schwarzenegger...

Students Talk Back - California Legislators address Partisanship

On Wednesday September 11th the Schwarzenegger Institute, in partnership with the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics, co-hosted the first Students Talk Back lunch of...

Senator Reid Hosts National Clean Energy Summit

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid invited Governor Schwarzenegger to speak at Tuesday's 6th annual National Clean Energy Summit in Las Vegas.

Schwarzenegger Signs Agreement with Prime Minister of Algeria

Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger met with Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal and other Algerian leaders to sign a three year agreement establishing an R20 office.

Schwarzenegger Delivers Keynote at Annual Covenant of Mayors Ceremony

Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger delivered the keynote speech at the 4th Annual Covenant of Mayors Ceremony which kicked off EU Sustainable Energy Week.