Author Archives: Rose Institute
High Desert amongst lowest cost in CA, according to Kosmont-Rose Cost of Doing Business survey
On December 3rd, the Victorville Daily Press published an article titled “Survey finds High Desert inexpensive place to operate business”. The Kosmont-Rose Cost of Doing Business Survey ranked the High Desert among the least expensive cities in California.
Despite a high cost rating by Kosmont-Rose Cost of Doing Busines Survey, Santa Monica remains attractive to businesses
On December 3rd, the Santa Monica Daily Press published an article titled “Worth the cost.” After stating that the Kosmont-Rose Cost of Doing Business Survey rates Santa Monica as one of the most expensive cities in the nation in which to do business, the article explores the reasons why so many companies flock to the… Continue Reading
Rose releases 2011 Kosmont-Rose Institute Cost of Doing Business Survey
On Monday, November 28, the Rose Institute released the 17th annual Kosmont-Rose Institute Cost of Doing Business Survey. The Rose, in partnership with the Los Angeles-based Kosmont Companies, gathers business fees and a variety of tax rates from 421 selected cities across the United States. Rankings for each city are divided into one of five “Cost Ratings” groups: Very Low Cost ($), Low Cost ($), Average Cost ($$), High Cost ($$), and Very High Cost ($$$).
San Bernardino challenges findings of Kosmont-Rose Cost of Doing Business Survey
On November 29th, the San Bernardino & Inland Empire Sun published an article titled “Survey: San Bernardino taxes and fees mean city is one of California’s most expensive for business”. After stating that the Kosmont-Rose Cost of Doing Business Survey rates San Bernardino as among the state’s most costly cities to do business in, the article remarks that elected officials and business leaders in San Bernardino and “other cities” question the survey’s findings.
Continue ReadingCheapest O.C. cities for business, according to Kosmont-Rose Cost of Doing Business Survey
On November 29th, the Orange County Register ran an article titled “Cheapest O.C. cities for business”. The article discussing the low cost of conducting business in Orange County, relative to the high cost of other cities in CA, and the state as a whole; it uses the recently published Kosmont-Rose Cost of Doing Business Survey as its primary source. The article states, “The annual study helps companies that are contemplating a move or expansion to find the best location”
Continue ReadingRose's Johnson on hiring former city clerks for elections
On November 29th, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune ran an article titled “La Puente selects former city manager to run city’s election” regarding the debate over bringing back a controversial city figure to conduct La Puente’s first city-run election. The article cites fellow Doug Johnson, referring to him as a “local government expert”.
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Kosmont-Rose Cost of Doing Business Survey rates 421 cities
On November 30th, Rapaport ran an article titled “Cost of Doing Business Survey Rates 421 Cities” regarding the Rose Institute’s recently published, 17th annual Kosmont-Rose Cost of Doing Business Survey.
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California Pension Reform proposes two ballot initiatives
California can no longer afford its current retirement system. Estimates for unfunded pension liabilities range from 256 billion dollars to almost a trillion dollars. As a result, on October 27, 2011, Governor Jerry Brown introduced his 12-point plan to change pension and retiree health benefits for California’s state and local government workers. These changes mainly affect future employees by shifting more of the financial risk for pensions from public employers to the workers.
Is it time for a Constitutional Convention?
As Rose Institute Alumnus and recently published author, Patrick Atwater (Claremont McKenna College ’10), notes in his new book, A New California Dream, California is filled with contradictions. The state has the largest economic output ($1.9 trillion as of 2010) of the 50 states but ranks 7th for income inequality. It has the most stringent environmental laws but eight of the ten most polluted cities. Perhaps most importantly, observes Atwater, California has a highly-publicized democratic initiative process but arguably the most dysfunctional state government in the United States. The problem of ineffective government seems so systemic in California that calls for a state constitutional convention in recent years are gaining support.