CA State Government Technology Strategy
1. What is Envision 2026?
Envision 2026 is California's new state government technology strategy plan to guide the modernization and transformation of the state's technology infrastructure and services through 2026.
2. What are the plan’s main goals?
The statewide technology strategy plan focuses on Advancing an Inclusive Digital Experience for All, Securing California’s Technology Investments, Strengthening California’s Public Sector Technology Workforce for Today and Tomorrow, Aligning Strategy Execution Across the State, and Continually Future-Proofing the Business of Government.
3. Who developed Envision 2026?
Envision 2026 was developed collaboratively by the California Department of Technology (CDT), the State Technology Council (STC) and several public and private sector partners. The plan was informed by more than 1,700 touch points with stakeholders including state, local and federal government agencies, private sector vendors, and technology experts.
4. How does Envision 2026 differ from California’s previous statewide IT strategic plan, Vision 2023?
Envision 2026 (E26) is sponsored by the STC membership which includes the State CIO, Deputy State CIO and State CTO, and Agency CIOs. Envision 2026 represents a strategic step forward in state government technology strategy management. It is a multi-year strategic plan that sponsors a roadmap of strategic change for each year. The goals of the plan are focused by outcomes, which are focused by Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). Progress will be monitored and reported on a quarterly dashboard, which will then feed into our annual reporting of strategic achievements. We encourage state government technology leaders to align their technology strategic plans to move the needles on the state OKRs, Outcomes, and Goals.
5. How will Envision 2026 impact California residents?
Envision 2026 reflects our belief in the transformative power of technology and a dedication to positive change. The plan’s aim is to provide strategic guidance on how technology can effectively meet the diverse needs of Californians in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Envision 2026 will guide simplifying and streamlining the delivery of digital government services to all residents, making the delivery of those services more equitable, accessible, efficient, and secure. It also prioritizes the enhancement of data privacy and security measures to protect residents' information.
6. How will the plan’s effectiveness be measured?
To facilitate successful implementation, the STC is in the process of establishing success targets and measurable objectives and key results, influenced by advisory committees and department CIOs, to ensure measured milestones are being met. Annual roadmaps for 2025 and 2026 will guide execution, with progress monitored through quarterly dashboards and annual reports.
7. How can stakeholders provide input or feedback on Envision 2026?
Feeback can be provided through public forums, consultations with state agencies, and other mechanisms established by CDT. Regular updates on the progress of the plan will also be provided to keep stakeholders informed.
8. What is the plan’s timeline?
This is a phased, 3-year plan commencing in January 2024 and ending in December 2026. The STC has been working toward the Envision 2026 goals over the past year, while the plan was being developed. A 2024 Retrospective will be published highlighting those accomplishments. Specific timelines for initiatives and milestones in 2025 and 2026 will be outlined in future roadmaps with progress tracked on quarterly dashboards and documented in annual reports published by CDT.
9. How does Envision 2026 align with broader state government plans and priorities?
Envision 2026 aligns with California's broader goals of promoting sustainability, economic growth, and social equity through the strategic leveraging of technology and data-driven governance. During the plan’s development, STC members interviewed agency Secretaries and Undersecretaries and department Directors and Deputy Directors to ensure Envision 2026 was built with both technical and business outcomes in mind. All agency and department technology strategic plans will align to Envision 2026, where appropriate.
10. How will agencies and departments benefit from Envision 2026?
Envision 2026 was developed with input from more than 1,700 touch points with stakeholders including state, local and federal government agencies, private sector vendors, and technology experts. AIOs and CIOs can reference alignment of their technology strategic plans with the state government technology strategic plan when justifying priorities and requesting approval for resources.
11. How will Envision 2026 help California’s Department CIOs?
By aligning a state department’s technology strategy to Envision 2026, department CIOs will have a framework that will shape the intent for the strategic use of technology. This framework will accelerate technology-driven progress by helping to justify technology investments, and aiding technology in delivering business value. The STC will provide templates and work with department CIOs in developing new strategies and ensure outcome accountability to move the state government toward a common technology vision with defined and measurable outcomes.
12. Will there be opportunities for public-private partnerships under Envision 2026?
Yes, Envision 2026 encourages public-private partnerships to serve the people by leveraging California’s role as a global technology leader to achieve its goals, ensuring efficient and cost-effective implementation.