California ordered to study AI use in state government
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order aimed at preparing California for the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in state government. The executive order calls for the state to study the risks and benefits of using AI, focusing on ethics, transparency, and trust while maintaining California's position as a global AI leader.
Legislature Adopts Resolution on AI Principles
The California Legislature has adopted a major policy stance on the use of artificial intelligence with the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 17, authored by Senator Dodd (D-Napa). The resolution commits the state to the principles articulated in President Biden's "Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights," unveiled by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy last fall.
California to develop hydrogen market strategy
The all-encompassing approach aims to build a renewable hydrogen market akin to the Zero-Emission Vehicle Market Development Strategy to help the state progress toward zero emissions. The move is vital for achieving California's climate objectives, including a clean electric grid and net-zero carbon emissions.
California Gets Significant Boost for Battery Storage on Electric Grid
California has a significant boost in the state's clean electric grid, with 5,600 MW of battery storage capacity now integrated, up from 500 MW in 2020, according to the CalISO. This is enough power for around 4.2 million homes for up to four hours.
Major Infrastructure Projects Approved in Budget
Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a series of budget and infrastructure bills aimed at accelerating major projects across California, with a particular emphasis on the state's climate and clean energy goals. The laws aim to speed up construction timelines on key projects by streamlining permitting, cutting red tape, and introducing new project delivery methods.
Joy Bonaguro Leaves State, Reflects on Time as Chief Data Officer of California
After nearly three and a half years as Chief Data Officer (CDO) for the state of California, Joy Bonaguro has left her role, according to her post on Medium.
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.