While the third week in March may be National Sunshine Week, transparency is an everyday occasion at CalPERS — and is built into our Core Values.
“Open, accurate and timely communication has been the cornerstone of the work we do with our members, employers, stakeholders and the public,” said Communications & Stakeholder Relations Deputy Brad Pacheco. “To this end, we make every effort to provide easy-to-access online articles, resources and webcasts, while diligently responding to public information requests. Shining light on the work we do to serve those who serve California is at the heart of CalPERS.”
As the nation’s largest public pension fund, we serve more than 2.2 million members (represented by nearly 3,000 employers) and we’re committed to providing promised pension and health care benefits. Here are seven ways we support your right to know more about us.
1. Fulfilling Public Records Act Requests
The California Public Records Act, passed by the California Legislature in 1968, requires that government agency records be disclosed to the public, upon request, unless there are privacy and/or public safety exemptions which would prevent doing so.
In 2024, our Public Records Act (PRA) team received 428 PRA requests and closed out 415.
2. Creating Clear Communication
Information is as much a currency as it’s ever been, and as the Information Age progresses and expands, so does the proliferation of opinions and misinformation. One of our Guiding Principles is providing meaningful information and education to all CalPERS constituents in a timely manner. We do this in several ways:
- PERSpective — Our virtual newsletter hosts an array of articles for active members (those still working) and retirees. We strive to publish original content to better inform and empower you every week.
- YouTube — We all learn in different ways, and our video channel is another way to digest information on CalPERS issues, including retirement, pensions, and health care, as well as training and educational events.
- Social Media — You can find us posting information that impacts members, employers, and stakeholders on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.
3. Broadcasting Board Meetings
When it comes to attending our monthly CalPERS Board of Administration meetings, in–person isn’t the only option. Tune in to our live webcasts, and review archives of past board meetings on our YouTube channel. Be sure to check out YouTube’s “chapters” system as well, which helps you more easily pinpoint sessions from our board meetings, including subcommittees.
4. Reporting on Finances
Our Transparency Report (PDF) provides an overview of our financial status and underscores our commitment to transparency and accountability to those we serve. We’re proud to share that, in 2024, our overall CEM Pension Transparency score ranked third globally, as well as the highest U.S. fund measured.
5. Sharing Vital Details
Did you know most CalPERS retirees live in California, that our overall CEM Pension Transparency score ranked third globally and was the highest U.S. fund measured, or that our Contact Center fielded more than 1.6 million phone calls and emails in fiscal year 2023–24?
Check out our latest facts, compiled annually:
- Finances (PDF)
- Funding (PDF)
- Investments (PDF)
- Retirement Plan Members (PDF)
- Health Benefits Program (PDF)
- CalPERS Organization (PDF)
- State Legislation
6. Monitoring Legislation
We monitor legislation to protect the best interests of our members and employers. Check out the state and federal legislation we’re currently monitoring.
7. Ensuring Board and Team Member Accountability
To ensure our business is conducted in an open, transparent, and impartial way, we provide information related to economic interests, travel, and education for board members and key executive team members on our website.