California Universities Face a $17 Billion Growth Ponzi Scheme

As of the 2023-24 academic year, the University of California faces $9.1 billion in deferred maintenance, while California State University faces $8.3 billion. In today’s episode, Chuck and Abby explore how this problem arose, how it mirrors the challenges cities are facing, and what it'll take to manage this decline.

ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES

• “Inside a $17 billion maintenance backlog plaguing California’s universities” by Victoria Mejicanos, Matthew Reagan and Mercy Sosa, CalMatters (April 2025).

• Learn more about the Growth Ponzi Scheme and how to evaluate your own city’s financial position.

• Abby Newsham (X/Twitter).

• Chuck Marohn (Substack)

• Theme Music by Kemet the Phantom.