Pat Brown’s legacy is that of a transformative leader who reshaped the landscape of California and its future. As Governor from 1959 to 1967, he championed bold initiatives that expanded the state’s infrastructure, ensuring that California could sustain its rapid growth.
Forward-Looking Leadership
California Governor Edmund G. “Pat” Brown (1959–1967) was a visionary leader who transformed the Golden State during a period of unprecedented growth. With a deep commitment to opportunity, equity, and progress, Pat Brown reshaped the state's landscape through bold initiatives that laid the foundation for California’s modern success.
As Governor, he spearheaded the California Water Project, a groundbreaking system that secured the state’s water supply for future generations, and championed the Master Plan for Higher Education, creating an accessible, world-class public university system.
His leadership in passing the Fair Housing Act and Fair Employment Act reflected his dedication to civil rights and social justice. He believed doing the right thing was worth the political cost and understood the power of government to uplift communities. He invested in infrastructure, education, and public services to support California’s diverse population. His forward-thinking policies set a standard for leadership focused on the long-term well-being of the state and its people. Today, his legacy lives on as a testament to the enduring power of public service and his vision of California as a land of opportunity for all.
The California Aqueduct, a cornerstone of Pat Brown’s Water Project, ensured access to vital water resources and supported the state’s growth. Today, the challenge of water scarcity presents an opportunity to follow his example of bold, forward-thinking solutions by uniting communities and policymakers to secure a sustainable water future.
Pat Brown’s Master Plan for Higher Education positioned California as a global leader in accessible, high-quality public education. As the state grapples with rising costs and widening equity gaps, the key to preserving and expanding educational access for all Californians lies in fostering civic engagement and developing innovative policies.
The Fair Housing Act, championed by Pat Brown, broke barriers to equal housing opportunities. Addressing today’s housing affordability crisis requires collaborative solutions that echo his vision—uniting diverse stakeholders and empowering communities to shape policies that promote equity and inclusivity.
Pat Brown’s Fair Employment Act set a standard for workplace equity and fairness. Today, addressing wage disparities and workplace barriers presents opportunities to engage workers, advocate for inclusive policies, and create pathways to prosperity for all Californians.
WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY
Told from his granddaughter's perspective, a dynamic American dream story unfolds in this unique portrait of Governor Edmund G. "Pat" Brown — "the Godfather of Modern California." Award-winning filmmaker Sascha Brown Rice creates an intimate, inside look at a California icon, the father of Governor Jerry Brown — and the making of a political dynasty. In the turbulent 1960s, an ordinary man rose to face extraordinary challenges and powerfully shaped the future of modern California.