The mission of the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission is to lower earthquake risk to life and property of Californians. The Commission works with federal, state, and local agencies as well as the private sector on a variety of activities that guide and stimulate earthquake risk reduction and management. There are 20 appointed Commissioners who provide policy guidance, topical expertise, and perspectives from the private sector, academia, and local government. The Commission is responsible for: (1) advising the Governor, Legislature, school districts, and the citizens of California on seismic safety policies and issues, (2) maintaining and encouraging the implementation of the five-year California Earthquake Loss Reduction Plan, including the Earthquake Risk Reduction Research and Projects Program, (3) reviewing the adequacy of earthquake and tsunami safety policies and programs and providing recommendations for improvement, (4) using existing knowledge and conducting studies where necessary to develop and publish information to improve the performance of structures in California, (5) preparing and disseminating guides to the public identifying earthquake weaknesses and other issues related to residential and commercial buildings, and (6) fostering the development and use of new and emerging technologies.

Chapter 532, Statutes of 2006 (SB 1278) placed the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission under the purview of the State and Consumer Services Agency, effective January 1, 2007.