The Milton Marks "Little Hoover" Commission on California State Government Organization and Economy is the state's only independent and citizen-based oversight mechanism. It conducts four to five comprehensive reviews of executive branch programs, departments, and agencies each year and recommends ways to improve performance by increasing efficiency and effectiveness with existing resources. The Commission is statutorily responsible for analyzing and making recommendations to the Legislature on all Governor reorganization plans.

The Commission is composed of two members of the Senate, two members of the Assembly, and nine unpaid citizen members - five appointed by the Governor and four appointed by the Legislature.

Because of the Commission's independence, the Legislature charged it with oversight of the California State Auditor, including contracting with an independent auditor for annually examining the State Audit Fund.