California's population growth has stalled due to falling birth rates and immigration, leading to political and economic challenges. - Fertility rate dropped from 2.21 to 1.48 children per woman between 2007 and 2023.
- The state lost a congressional seat after the 2020 census and may lose more. - A smaller population could ease housing and infrastructure pressures but may cause labor shortages.
- Political policies have not adapted to these demographic changes. The state's infrastructure, built during the post-war boom, now requires maintenance and expansion, but political will has lagged.