The Matsui Center engages Cal students in public life through internships, public events, and the presence of distinguished campus visitors. In this way, the Center serves as a fitting legacy to Congressman Robert T. Matsui and his belief that public service is a noble profession that should be open to all, a commitment that made him one of California's most important and respected political figures for more than three decades. The Center is strictly nonpartisan.

In addition to sponsoring its own events, the Center helps to publicize and support political happenings sponsored by other campus groups and academic departments. The Center works regularly with such organizations as the Cal Berkeley Democrats, the Berkeley College Republicans, the Goldman School of Public Policy, the Graduate School of Journalism, and BerkeleyLaw.

The Center is a component of the Institute of Governmental Studies, California’s oldest public policy research institute.