California Budget Simulation

ABSTRACT

The California Budget Challenge produced by Next10 provides a useful and intuitive tool for instructors to introduce students to public budgeting. Students will reason through a series of budgeting decisions using information provided on the fiscal and practical implications of their choices. The Challenge is updated with each budget cycle, so it provides an up-to-date simulation that incorporates the effects of current broader economic forces on state budgets. Therefore, the California Budget Challenge allows instructors to reinforce theoretical material on budgeting with an engaging “real life” application.

KEYWORDS:

• Public budgeting
• simulation
• web-based learning

Acknowledgment

California Budget Simulation, Online State Budgeting Simulation, was provided by Next 10, 300 Brannan Street, Suite 402, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA (https://www.budgetchallenge.org/).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Daniel J. Mallinson

Daniel J. Mallinson is an Assistant Professor of Public Policy and Administration at Penn State Harrisburg’s School of Public Affairs. His primary research focuses on state policy diffusion, but he also conducts pedagogical research in the areas of simulations and career development. He has conducted several simulations in the classroom and in stand-alone programs.