Public Matters

You are part of something bigger. A neighborhood, a community, a county, a state, a country.
All of these places are made stronger when we engage with each other in conversation and participate in local decision-making.
But where and how to start? Introducing Public Matters.

Who we are
Latest stories
Politics, Democracy and Elections News
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FAQ

Why It Matters: How the supervisors race will impact how much housing is built

'Democracies can disappear fast.’ Expert warns of backsliding after San Diego protests

How effective are protests as a form of political dissent in 2025?

Why It Matters: A status update on the Midway homeless shelter

Dolores Huerta: 'Rights are being trampled'

After 32 years, San Diego meteorologist leaves National Weather Service over restrictions

Why It Matters: What happens now that the trash fee is passed

Why It Matters: San Diego Unified quietly watered down its graduation requirements

Public Matters: Trust in the news remains divided

Public Matters: A strong mayor budget showdown like never before

The silhouettes of Vice President Kamala Harris and President-elect Donald Trump face each other over a background of blue and red squares that have images of homes in them.

San Diego is now less blue

Fewer voters in San Diego and Imperial counties voted for the Democratic presidential candidate in 2024 than in the two elections before that. As part of the Public Matters partnership, our journalists spoke to people who live in the places that shifted the most to hear what influenced their voting decisions.

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Documenters

The San Diego Documenters, an independently funded program of the nonprofit newsroom inewsource, is putting the "public" back in public meetings. The program trains and pays San Diegans to document community meetings and keep watch over local government.

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Talking Sense

TALKING SENSE aims to help people have hard political conversations, better. Here you can find quick and easy tips to guide conversations and develop better communication skills. Understanding the way people view and communicate about polarizing issues is a first step in bridging political divides in our families and communities.

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Everyday Heroes

KPBS is telling stories of local volunteers who are giving their time in unusual and unexpected ways.

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Local

San Diego Budget Challenge

Balancing the city of San Diego’s budget isn’t easy. In KPBS' Budget Challenge you make the tough calls. Choose new expenses, cut costs and raise revenues.

Play the game

Share your thoughts

The 2024 presidential election was one for the history books, though less dramatic and contentious than some anticipated. Former President Donald Trump staged a dramatic comeback, winning the electoral college and the popular vote, while Republicans took control of the House and Senate.

Although the race wasn't as close as predicted, it was divisive and likely will shape the future of the country for decades. Voters faced key decisions on economic policy, immigration and reproductive rights, and their election of Trump will dramatically reshape the country.

Now that the dust has settled, we want to hear from you about how you're feeling about the election, and what questions you have about what happens next.

Citizens vote in Los Angeles County on Nov. 6, 2012.

Who We Are

Public Matters is an initiative of KPBS, inewsource and Voice of San Diego.

These three independent, non-profit journalism organizations are sharing content, conversation, and events that ensure all San Diegans understand their opportunity to participate in the democratic process and that it means more than voting in an election.

At its core, it is about reminding us that we have a shared humanity, and together we are empowered to make positive change.

Public Matters will lead up to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.

Public Matters is generously funded by Irwin and Joan Jacobs.