US
U.S. Government Accountability Office
The GAO performs audits and evaluations of Government programs and activities.
• GAO Reports & Testimony
U.S. Congressional Budget Office
Provides Congress nonpartisan analyses needed for economic and budget decisions and with the information and estimates required for the Congressional budget process.
Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports: CRS provides nonpartisan analytical research for Congress.
Links to collections of open access CRS reports
• You can also search Google for CRS "congressional research" <keywords>, e.g.: CRS "congressional research" "foster care"
California
California Research Bureau (CRB) Reports
The CRB provides nonpartisan research to the Governor's office, members of the Legislature, and other state constitutional officers.
• Studies in the News
A weekly compilation of policy-related items significant to the Legislature and Governor's Office.
• California Homeless Youth Project
Information and policy resources focusing on California's unaccompanied homeless youth.
California Legislative Analyst's Office
A nonpartisan office which provides fiscal and policy analysis to the California Legislature.
• LAO Publications
Little Hoover Commission
"Created in 1962, the Little Hoover Commission (Milton Marks "Little Hoover" Commission on California State Government Organization and Economy) is a bipartisan, independent body whose function is to promote efficiency, effectiveness and economy in state programs."
• Reports
California Senate Office of Research
"This bipartisan office of public-policy specialists develops public policy initiatives for the California Senate. It conducts strategic policy planning and evaluates policy initiatives from sources both inside and outside government."
Public Policy Institute of California
A private, nonprofit organization dedicated to independent, objective, nonpartisan research on California's economic, social, and political issues. Their publications are available online.
National Conference of State Legislatures
"A bipartisan organization dedicated to serving the lawmakers and staffs of the nation's 50 states, its commonwealths and territories. The Conference is a source for research, publications, consulting services, meetings and seminars."