In a significant advance towards harnessing Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) for public service enhancement, the State of California has initiated a formal procurement process aimed at integrating these innovative technologies into various governmental operations. This announcement follows a productive large-scale GenAI Innovator Showcase held in September, which featured over 30 technology companies, including industry giants such as Esri, Microsoft, OpenAI, Google, and My Town AI, all presenting their capabilities to tackle critical state challenges.
Amy Tong, Secretary of Government Operations, articulated the state’s commitment to leveraging technological innovations, stating, “Our hard work is paying off after months of thorough research and engaging with the innovator community to determine whether GenAI is the answer to some of the challenges the state is currently facing.” Governor Gavin Newsom is reportedly prioritising technology and innovation, emphasizing the state’s objective to provide a government that effectively serves all Californians while securing California's position as a leader in advanced technology.
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is among the agencies seeking to utilize GenAI solutions. HCD aims to enhance the tracking and implementation of housing programmes statewide. This initiative is designed to improve transparency and accuracy, ensuring equitable housing services for California residents. Tomiquia Moss, Secretary of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, remarked, “We need to utilize all the tools at our disposal to improve the lives of all Californians.” The goal of this initiative is to effectively address barriers to housing development and promote affordable housing in key neighbourhoods.
Additionally, the Employment Development Department (EDD) is collaborating with the State Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) to investigate GenAI applications that could reinforce workforce planning and policy formulation. This involves the enhancement of statistical models to refine recession forecasting and better align economic predictions with emerging job market trends. Stewart Knox, Secretary of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, expressed his support for this initiative, saying, “I applaud Governor Newsom’s foresight in pursuing the responsible use of AI to enhance our ability to serve Californians.”
The Department of Finance (DOF) is also examining the potential of GenAI to streamline legislative bill analysis, a complex process critical to the state’s budgetary considerations. Director of Finance Joe Stephenshaw stated his anticipation of AI applications that could improve workflows and decision-making while ensuring responsible financial resource allocation.
Looking ahead, the innovator community has six weeks to respond to the state’s call for innovative concepts, after which a procurement process will commence to evaluate and potentially award vendor contracts. The state’s innovative procurement process will enable participants to test their solutions in a secure sandbox environment for a nominal fee of $1, fostering a collaborative learning opportunity between the state and technology innovators.
California is recognized as a global leader in the field of AI, home to 32 of the world’s top 50 GenAI firms and a significant portion of the technology’s patents and academic contributions. Efforts are underway to maximise the benefits of GenAI while formulating policies designed to protect stakeholders from potential risks. Governor Newsom has previously outlined a framework for responsible AI usage, focusing on ethical deployment and the safeguarding of individual rights. Moreover, the state has implemented legislative measures to combat misuse of AI technologies, including deepfake content and digital likeness protections.
To provide transparency and resources concerning its GenAI initiatives, California has launched a dedicated website. This platform aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for state staff, the innovator community, and others interested in California’s progress in the responsible integration of GenAI solutions.
Source: Noah Wire Services