Budget Trends and Highlights (2022-2025)

Position Growth

• Overall Growth: 31.2% increase in positions from 2022-23 (142.0) to 2024-25 (186.3)
• Recent Expansion: 4 new positions added in 2024-25 for Exposition Park capacity building
• Major Staffing Areas:
  • California Science Center: 122.0 positions
  • Exposition Park Management: 45.0 positions
  • California African American Museum: 19.3 positions

Budget Fluctuations

• Total Budget: Decreasing from $54.9 million in 2022-23 to $45.7 million in 2024-25
• General Fund Support: Declining from $40.4 million to $28.3 million over three years
• Self-Generated Revenue: Approximately $14.2 million from Exposition Park Improvement Fund

Major Projects and Initiatives

California Science Center

1. Air and Space Center Development

   • Construction began March 2022
   • Expected completion in spring 2025
   • Will serve as permanent home for Space Shuttle Endeavour

2. Educational Programs

   • Professional development for teachers through Center for Science Learning
   • Operation of Science Center School (K-5 charter school)
   • Focus on science, math, technology, and conservation education

3. Visitor Engagement

   • Over 2 million annual visitors
   • 3D IMAX theater operations
   • Hands-on educational exhibits

Exposition Park Management

1. Park Operations

   • Public safety operations
   • Parking services management
   • Park beautification and maintenance

2. Event Management

   • Park-wide event coordination
   • Facility development oversight
   • Infrastructure improvements

California African American Museum

1. Cultural Preservation
   • Research and collection of African American history
   • Art and cultural preservation
   • Focus on California and western United States

Administrative Structure

1. California Science Center

   • Governed by nine-member Board of Directors appointed by Governor
   • Partnership with California Science Center Foundation
   • Educational and exhibit development teams

2. Office of Exposition Park Management

   • Park operations management
   • Event coordination staff
   • Maintenance and security personnel

3. California African American Museum

   • Curatorial team
   • Research staff
   • Public engagement personnel

Funding Allocation Process

1. Primary Funding Sources

   • General Fund ($28.3 million in 2024-25)
   • Exposition Park Improvement Fund ($14.2 million)
   • Reimbursements ($3.1 million)

2. Revenue Generation

   • Parking services
   • Facility rentals
   • Event fees
   • Foundation support for Science Center

3. Budget Priorities

   • Facility operations and maintenance
   • Educational program delivery
   • Public safety and security
   • Cultural preservation and exhibition

Sources