State Parks Launches Digital Passport App
If you are a frequent visitor of state parks in the Golden State, California has a new passport app for you aimed at improving access and engagement across 280 parks. “Spending time outside has many proven benefits almost as numerous as we have parks in this state, improving mental and physical health, inspiring creativity and connection, and helping visitors discover their world,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero in a press release. “Plus, it’s fun! This new Passport Program adds a layer of play that’ll help entice new visitors - especially digital natives and folks more accustomed to screens [...]
CPUC Overhauls Rooftop Solar Proposal
The California Public Utilities Commission has released a long-awaited overhaul of its proposal to regulate rooftop solar installations, removing an unpopular new fee but reducing how much utilities would pay homeowners for supplying power to the grid.
Bailey-Crimmins Appointed State CIO and CDT Director
Her 34-year career with the state began with an internship and has spanned eight different departments, including prior information technology roles with California Correctional Health Care Services.
What is Challenge-Based Procurement?
What is a challenge-based procurement? Former San Francisco Chief Innovation Officer and City Innovate Co-CEO Jay Nath talks with Christina about new approaches to technology procurement. Watch the 10-minute interview here.
What happens if California does not repay federal unemployment funds?
Christina Gagnier talks with Tom Sheehy, Principal at the Sheehy Strategy Group and former California Department of Finance executive, about efforts to pay back federal funding that kept the claims system running. They also discuss a potential tax increase on employers if federal funding is not repaid.
Smart Health Cards, Open-Source Technology and What’s Next for California’s Chief Technology Innovation Officer
Last fall, California successfully launched a digital vaccine card and shared the code with other states -- it's a success story on rapid deployment and open-source technology. Rick Klau, the state's chief technology innovation officer gives GovReport Host Christina Gagnier the backstory and talks about what's next for the California Department of Technology. Watch the 14-minute interview here.
What will motivate the next generation of public servants?
Public and private sector leaders from across California met on Feb. 22 in Sacramento to share ideas and network at Government Innovation California, a one-day event put on by Public Sector Network.
Photos: Government Innovation California – Feb. 22, 2022
The Government Innovation California conference was held on February 22, 2022, in Sacramento. More than 175 attendees registered for the day-long conference that featured speakers from state and local governments and technology companies. Based in Toronto, Canada, Public Sector Network hosted the event, the organization's first in California.
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.
Gov. Newsom Appoints Amy Tong as GovOps Secretary
Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Amy Tong as the new Secretary of the Government Operations Agency (GovOps), according to a Monday press release.
CDT’s Statewide IT Annual Report 2021 Highlights IT Trends, Vaccine Support and More
On Jan. 31, 2022, the California Department of Technology (CDT) released its Statewide IT Annual Report for 2021, announcing the report's release and focal points via Twitter.
M Corp CEO Alex Castro Discusses Book on Strategic Initiatives with Christina Gagnier
The GovReport Host Christina Gagnier talks with Alex Castro, CEO of Sacramento-based M Corp, about his book Measure, Execute, Win! Avoiding Strategic Initiative Debacles and Knowing What Your Business Can and Can't Do. Watch the 10-minute interview.
California DMV Digital eXperience Platform Aims for ‘World Class Self-Service Channels’ for Customers
In 2021, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) launched solicitations for its Digital eXperience Platform (DXP) project — and at the start of 2022, DXP Phase 1 is in the build stage and an RFP for DXP Phase 2 is accepting applications.
Former State CIO Carlos Ramos Talks About User-Centered Services, Broadband Adoption and Silver Linings from the Pandemic
Former State Chief Information Officer Carlos Ramos talks with Christina Gagnier about his recent appointment to the Board of the California Emerging Technology Fund. They also discuss his views on public service, customer-centric digital services, challenges to broadband adoption, some silver linings from the pandemic, and the overall use of technology to serve the people of California. Watch the short interview here.
From possibility to performance: California’s CDO explains how to design data science projects that can make a difference
With citizen demands rising, America’s urbanization and growth continue to upend the traditional flow of government, a fact leaving officials disoriented but determined to uncover modern tools to expand and diversify services.
Implementing artificial intelligence in your government program? Here’s where you should start.
When it comes to implementing and utilizing artificial intelligence in government programs, what should be top of mind for officials? According to Jennifer Watkins, managing principal at strategy firm Anewd.ai, program executives should “begin with the end in mind.” The GovReport Host Christina Gagnier talks with Watkins about various challenges and how to achieve success in the public sector. Watch the 10-minute interview here.
Improvements to CDT’s Project Approval Lifecycle Coming in 2022
Better planning results in better project outcomes. That's the impetus behind the California Department of Technology's (CDT's) Project Approval Lifecycle (PAL), a framework that's been in place for a number of years "to improve the quality, value and likelihood of success for IT projects undertaken by the state of California," according to the CDT's Statewide Information Management Manual. And in recent years, officials noticed that the framework process needs to be more adaptive, agile and nimble.
Amy Tong Appointed Director at Office of Digital Innovation
State CIO and California Department of Technology Director Amy Tong has been appointed to a new post, to serve as director of the Office of Digital Innovation, according to an announcement from the Governor's Office. Starting Jan. 1, 2022, Tong will move to the new position, formerly occupied by Udaya Patnaik, who was appointed to the position in May 2020. Deputy CIO Russ Nichols will assume the role of acting CIO.
Q&A: California’s CIO and CISO reveal next steps for the state’s new cybersecurity strategy
Since Gov. Gavin Newsom announced California’s first state-wide cybersecurity strategy last month, IT officials have been promoting the plan as something that will do more than increase security, streamline operations, or even cut costs. Officials said the strategy, known as Cal-Secure, lays the foundation for the future of California’s cybersecurity defense.
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.