California begins race to build a statewide, 10,000-mile broadband network
The state promotes high-speed internet as a critical element for economic growth since it enables work-from-home careers, which can save them money on transportation costs.
Can blockchain technology help prevent unemployment fraud?
Can blockchain technology help fight fraud at the Employment Development Department? If pending legislation is approved this year, a study by the Office of Digital Innovation (ODI) will aim to answer that question. Assembly Bill 2781 by Assemblymember Jordan Cunningham (R-San Luis Obispo) last week unanimously passed the Senate Governmental Organization Committee advancing closer to final approval. The measure calls for the ODI to study how blockchain technology might help prevent fraud.
Cradle-to-Career Data System Inches Forward
At the first Cradle-to-Career (C2C) Governing Board meeting for 2022, held last month, the board walked away with one primary action item and two follow-up items to keep the C2C system moving forward.
Are procurement policies keeping up with ever-evolving technology in government?
The GovReport host Christina Gagnier interviews Assembly Member Lloyd Levine (Ret.) about technology procurement processes in government, digital literacy, and improving broadband access for underserved communities, among other important topics. Watch the 12-minute interview here.
How Can California Prepare Itself for the Inevitability of AI?
When the Little Hoover Commission authored its 2018 report Artificial Intelligence: A Roadmap for California, they captured a state that was ill-prepared to face the inevitable changes that AI will bring to the economy and work landscape in the near future.
California Makes $495 Million Investment in Transportation Infrastructure
On Friday, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) allotted more than $495 million for projects aimed at repairing and enhancing transportation infrastructure throughout the state.
Governor Announces 18 Middle-Mile Broadband Infrastructure Projects
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday announced the first round of 18 broadband infrastructure projects that are part of this year’s historic $6 billion plan to bridge the digital divide. The middle-mile initiative includes a range of projects across the state to increase internet access for unserved and underserved communities.
Commentary: California’s Water Shortage Was Created by a Lack of Leadership, Not Mother Nature
Our state’s system of reservoirs and canals was at one time designed to provide a reliable water supply for California homes, businesses, and farms for three or more dry years. Just two years ago, following a slightly above average wet winter, that system was at full capacity. Now, almost every single reservoir is currently below 50% capacity, with several in the 10%-26% percent level, and even the experts are alarmed.
‘Dig Once’ Legislation Aims to Accelerate Broadband Deployment, Awaits Action by Governor
Legislation intended to accelerate the deployment of broadband infrastructure by calling for a “Dig Once” policy has passed the Legislature and currently awaits final action by Gov. Newsom. Assembly Bill (AB) 41 by Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Santa Rosa) proposes to follow practices used in other states to minimize the number of excavations when installing telecommunications infrastructure.
California Selects Nonprofit as Broadband Partner
As part of a massive effort to improve broadband infrastructure, the state today announced it is partnering with a third-party administrator (TPA) to oversee California's middle-mile broadband initiative. CENIC California Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative, LLC will serve as the TPA to manage the development and construction of broadband networks as part of this year's state budget allocation aimed at closing the digital divide.
State Broadband Infrastructure to Get $5.25B Expansion
Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders have agreed to a budget trailer bill on Monday that will increase state broadband infrastructure spending by $5.25 billion, according to a press release from the Governor’s Office.
Nonprofit creates open-source digital infrastructure for agriculture industry
A nonprofit organization is aiming to help modernize the global agriculture industry by launching an open-source technology project to serve as a platform and tool suite to help feed the world and reduce agricultural waste.
New report calls for government innovation to solve digital inequities
The COVID-19 pandemic has unironically highlighted the digital divide, especially considering how many Americans attend school and work meetings—or even shop—from the comfort of their homes. But, there’s no surprise that many Californians do not have broadband connectivity in their homes.
Broadband access hits record high, digital divide remains for disadvantaged
A new report out this week says that while Californians are connected to the Internet at a record percentage in 2021, nearly 2 million households remain digitally-disadvantaged. The Digital Divide has grown more acute for low-income and Latino households, seniors, and people with disabilities, according to a survey by the California Emerging Technology Fund and USC.
New report confronts shift in workplace amid economic crisis
Governor Newsom's Future of Work Commission published its findings after 18 months of meetings across the state and staff work that identifies challenges faced by businesses and government. While started before COVID-19, the study says 2020 accelerated conditions and pushed leaders to form a "New Social Compact" for workers.
PPIC report measures California’s digital divide
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, a record-high 84 percent of Californians are using high-speed internet at home—up 10 percent from 2017. The pandemic has shifted many, if not most, activities to online; Californians are using the internet for activities like accessing financial services, telecommuting, job hunting, distanced academic learning, or virtual job training.
Digital future envisioned in governor’s budget
In his 2013 book “Citizenville: How to Take the Town Square Digital and Reinvent Government,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom, laid out a bold vision for transformation of the state’s aging – and often failing – technology infrastructure. The goal was to improve how state services function and are delivered to better meet the needs of state government and of Californians.
What’s the future of blockchain in California?
For better or worse, this year’s pandemic will have a permanent impact on government operations, including the promise of a more efficient, environmentally-friendly telecommuting workforce, and a stress-tested digital infrastructure to support staff and serve Californians. Will this spirit of resilience and innovation translate to other areas in the Golden State?
Report: 2.3 Million Californians Lack High-Speed Internet
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed internet access into a must for workers and students across the state, the Little Hoover Commission has found in their issue brief that 2.3 million Californians lack access to high-speed internet.
California Partners with Chan Zuckerburg Initiative to find COVID-19 Cures
California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) and the Chan Zuckerburg Initiative (CZI) are collaborating to advance scientific efforts in developing treatments and cures for the COVID-19 virus.