SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Diya TV) — California’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities have grown more than 25% over the past decade, surpassing 7.3 million residents and making AANHPIs one of the fastest-growing racial groups in the state. A new fact sheet released by the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA) and AAPI Data aims to ensure this growth is matched by smarter, data-driven policymaking.

The 2025 Fact Sheet: AANHPIs in California offers a comprehensive snapshot of California’s diverse AANHPI populations using AAPI Data’s Community Data Explorer tool. The fact sheet provides granular data by ethnic group and county, detailing metrics such as voting eligibility, language access, education levels, and poverty rates.

According to CAPIAA Executive Director Khydeeja Alam, the fact sheet serves as a critical resource for leaders across government, education, and community organizations. “To create meaningful systems change, we must see ourselves reflected in data,” Alam said. “Disaggregated data is integral to serving the diverse AANHPI communities in our state and creating more equitable policies and access to resources.”

Dr. Karthick Ramakrishnan, Executive Director and Founder of AAPI Data, echoed the importance of the resource. “Given the fast growth and dynamism of AANHPIs in California, it is essential to have a timely and accurate understanding of our community,” Ramakrishnan said. “Having this disaggregated data is an important step towards ensuring that our fast-growing communities are accurately represented.”

The release of the fact sheet also coincided with a timely public policy discussion held on May 19 titled 2026 Governor’s Race & the Asian Pacific Islander Community. The event was co-hosted by CAPIAA and the UC Student & Policy Center and featured state and civic leaders, including California Assemblymember Mike Fong and Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) President and Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye. The panel emphasized the growing political influence of AANHPI communities and the need for sustained civic engagement.

Cantil-Sakauye highlighted the importance of evidence-based policymaking, particularly as the state heads into a pivotal 2026 gubernatorial election cycle. “An informed electorate is key to a functioning democracy, and resources like this fact sheet help ensure communities often left out of the data conversation are included in the policy process,” she said during the panel.

The fact sheet builds on CAPIAA and AAPI Data’s shared commitment to uplifting community stories, expanding access to accurate information, and influencing inclusive policies at every level of government. The report is part of a broader push to elevate the needs and contributions of AANHPIs in California, particularly those from underrepresented ethnic subgroups.

“Aggregated data too often masks the unique challenges faced by smaller AANHPI communities,” said Alam. “Our goal is to ensure policymakers can target resources more effectively and equitably.”

CAPIAA is a state agency established to advise the Governor, Legislature, and state departments on issues affecting AANHPI communities. AAPI Data is a national policy and research organization based at the Asian American Research Center at the University of California, Berkeley. Both organizations stress that better data is essential for stronger communities.

As California continues to diversify, leaders say public systems must evolve in step. “If we want public services, schools, and civic institutions to meet the needs of all Californians,” said Ramakrishnan, “we have to start with understanding who we’re serving.”