A new chapter is taking shape for the Center for Inclusive Democracy.

As of July 1, the Center for Inclusive Democracy (CID) will transition to an independent national organization, building on the strong foundation we developed with previous affiliations at UC Davis and, most recently, at USC.

This moment is about stepping up for democracy. As the broader landscape shifts and institutions of all kinds, including academia, are being constrained, it’s become increasingly important to ensure that our nonpartisan work continues to grow with the focus, integrity, and stability that this moment for our democracy demands. 

The Center's independence will allow us to protect the mission and vision that have guided us from our beginning 16 years ago: advancing inclusive democracy through rigorous research, trusted data and meaningful engagement.

We will continue collaborating with our many partners within academia, as well as a growing state and national network of community partners who are committed to the critical, timely and urgent work of democracy. Our research, data and educational tools will continue to be used across the country in highly impactful ways by policy makers, election officials and community advocates. Our transition will further strengthen and expand this work.

Our conviction is strong, and we are ready to meet the moment. This new chapter empowers us to secure the best of both worlds: deep collaboration and academic rigor, paired with the independence needed to move decisively in a time when democracy itself requires vigilance and the ability to act quickly. In a period when so much is uncertain, one thing is not—our responsibility to protect and strengthen democratic participation and representation. This transition ensures we can meet that responsibility, fully and without compromise.

Below, learn about our partnership with Sierra Health Foundation, read statements of congratulations from leaders in the democracy field, and get a sneak peek at CID's plans for its new era ...

In partnership, 

Mindy Romero, Ph.D.,

CID Founder and Director

Sierra Health Foundation—a private philanthropy focused on promoting health, racial equity and racial justice with communities and organizations—will partner with and invest in CID in its new capacity, with its Center at Sierra Health Foundation serving as CID's new fiscal sponsor. 

"We are honored that the Center for Inclusive Democracy (CID) will be partnering with The Center at Sierra Health Foundation as CID steps forward as an independent national organization. At Sierra Health Foundation, our mission is rooted in advancing equity, dignity and the health of all Californians—work that is inseparable from a truly inclusive democracy. Hosting CID at the Center at Sierra Health Foundation enables them to continue the rigorous, nonpartisan research and trusted data work for which they are nationally known, at a moment when our democracy requires vigilance, clarity and a renewed sense of purpose. We are excited to collaborate more closely and to support this critical work as, together, we strengthen democratic participation, representation and the wellbeing of communities across California and the nation."

- Chet P. Hewitt, President and CEO, Sierra Health Foundation

We are thankful for the many statements of support and congratulations from our esteemed colleagues in the pro-democracy field…

"Mindy has been a steady force in advancing the data, analysis, and insight needed to protect and expand voting rights. During my time as California Secretary of State, she was a frequent and valued thought partner—someone I relied on for clear-eyed perspective and rigor. That partnership has continued in my work in the United States Senate, where her leadership remains both trusted and impactful. I’m proud to see her step into this next chapter and confident that she and CID will continue to drive meaningful progress for voters in California and across the country."

- Alex Padilla, United States Senator

"Mindy Romero is the gold standard of research, data and analysis of engaging voters in our democracy. Her work and establishment of the Center for Inclusive Democracy has provided unique insight into what is working in our society, our systems and our democracy - along with what is not. In a world where data is too often partisan and used for misinformation efforts we are fortunate to have a North Star to look to and I’m grateful her work will be looked to for years to come."

- Mike Madrid, Political Analyst, Founder of the "Latino Working Class Project"

"Mindy Romero and the Center for Inclusive Democracy have built one of the most important research programs on election access and voter participation in the country. Their work on who participates in American democracy and who doesn't — and why — has shaped how election officials, policymakers, and scholars understand the gaps between democratic ideals and democratic practice. At a moment when public confidence in elections is fragile and the infrastructure of participation needs strengthening, that work matters more than ever. I look forward to continuing to work with Mindy and the CID on elections, voting, and strengthening democracy’s foundations in the years ahead."

- Archon Fung, Ph.D., Director, Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University

“Now, more than ever, the Center for Inclusive Democracy and their trusted and impactful work are needed, at the state and national level. I look forward to their continued excellence and leadership voice in their new status as an independent institution.”

     -Tani Cantil-Sakauye, President and CEO

Public Policy Institute of California, Chief Justice of CA (retired)

"The Center for Inclusive Democracy has long been a trusted partner in the fight for a democracy that truly includes all of us. This transition to independence is not just a milestone — it's a declaration. At a time when institutions are retreating and the pressure to compromise is real, CID is stepping forward with clarity and courage. That's exactly the kind of partner we need. We celebrate this new chapter and remain committed to building alongside CID."

- James Woodson, CEO, California Black Power Network

"The Center for Inclusive Democracy has been essential to the election community in the U.S. An independent CID will mean that it can expand its reach and impact, further serving our democracy and the needs of election officials around the country.”

- Judd Choate, Director, Division of Elections, Colorado Department of State

“The League of Women Voters of California is excited to celebrate the Center for Inclusive Democracy’s launch as a freestanding institute. For 16 years, Mindy Romero and her team have produced the rigorous, nonpartisan research and trusted data that LWVC relies on to expand voter access, reach underrepresented communities, and strengthen representation across the state. We live in perilous times when academia is under threat and truth itself is in the firing line. CID’s decision to protect the integrity of its work is essential to building democracy on the precious bedrock of science. We are energized by this bold step forward and eager to deepen our partnership in the vital work ahead.”

- Jenny Farrell, Executive Director, League of Women Voters of California

"The Center for Inclusive Democracy has been a valued leader in our shared efforts to strengthen our democracy. Year after year, they have provided timely, high-quality data on elections, voting behavior, and civic participation that has informed and advanced the field. We are excited to continue to partner with the Center as it embarks on this new chapter as an independent institution."

- Raúl Macías, Democracy Program Director, Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund.

Click here to read more statements of support and congratulations from our colleagues.

The Center for Inclusive Democracy’s mission to improve the social and economic quality of life and advance a more engaged, responsive, and representative democracy through research and outreach remains unchanged.

As a newly independent organization, we will continue producing nonpartisan, data-driven research that informs policy and on-the-ground community organizing through education and outreach, just as we have since 2010.

As a go-to source for electoral and civic engagement leaders and researchers, we will continue to play a leading role in improving the quality and quantity of publicly available research on civic and political engagement, and identifying emerging trends

Learn more about CID’s Impactful work over the past decade and a half.

We believe that the current electoral landscape demands new and unique strategies, as well as user-friendly community data tools that can empower individuals to participate in civic discourse.

That’s why a key component of our work moving forward will be expanding community education and partnerships. We plan to further the reach and impact of our research with dedicated educational outreach and communication programs, complemented by direct data support.

In addition to our existing nonpartisan research, we aim to:

1.      Identify and explore emerging trends in the democracy field, and help our partners anticipate what’s next.

2.      Launch new educational outreach programs to get information into the hands of the public and communities across the country.

3.      Engage and empower community members directly by providing customized data and tools that they need to take action.

Stay Tuned. More exciting details and partnerships announced on July 1!