Government Operations Agency (GovOps) Undersecretary Sarah Soto-Taylor delivered a wide-ranging keynote address at the Forum on Emerging Technologies in December, underscoring California’s strategic push to embrace innovation, enhance collaboration, and maintain a sharp focus on human-centered service delivery. Speaking to a room of state leaders, technologists, and industry partners, Soto-Taylor outlined how the state is laying the groundwork for technological advancement while keeping equity and accessibility front and center.

She discussed the collaborative work being done across departments, especially the Department of Technology under Director Leanna Bailey-Crimmins, including the development of Envision 2026. Soto-Taylor described the plan as a foundation for impactful change over the next two years, emphasizing that, “It’s really going to lay that foundation, the groundwork for all of our state departments moving forward.” She reiterated the importance of human-centered design and the ongoing efforts to bridge the workforce skills gap through upskilling and training—two themes echoed throughout the day’s sessions.

Soto-Taylor commended speakers like Jeffrey Moreno, Director of the Office of Data and Innovation, for helping to introduce a “product mindset” into the public sector, particularly in the context of generative AI. She noted that many state employees are still learning what product management truly entails, but that it will be a central focus in the coming years. Highlighting recent efforts, she spoke about a Gen AI innovator showcase hosted by her agency alongside CDT, ODI, and other state partners. 

The state’s commitment to embracing generative AI extends beyond tools and pilot projects, she said, emphasizing the importance of ethical implementation that is “transparent, and trustworthy.” She noted that California is emerging as a national leader in this space, with other states looking to its example. At the same time, she acknowledged the need for improved governance and energy solutions to support responsible AI adoption, encouraging open dialogue with industry partners to address these long-term challenges.

She also pointed to procurement reform as a necessary shift in this new technology landscape. She referenced California’s increased use of Requests for Innovative Ideas (RFI²), describing it as a more agile, iterative way to explore solutions with vendors before committing to long-term contracts. “You’ll see a lot more of the use of RFI squared by our departments as we move forward,” she said. She also previewed a refresh of the state’s Project Approval Lifecycle (PAL) process to improve efficiency and better align with emerging technologies.

Public-private partnerships and working with academia are a cornerstone of the state’s strategy.  GovOps is developing memorandums of understanding with industry partners to support workforce education, while also promoting Gen AI and emerging technologies within the state’s broader educational systems—from K-12 through community colleges. “If we can create those partnerships with industry,” she said, “it’ll help support all of our citizens… and also our future employees for the state of California.”

With a limited timeline under the current administration, Soto-Taylor acknowledged the urgency of the work ahead. “We are sprinting all the way to 2026,” she said, adding that Governor Newsom has tasked state leadership with delivering on key priorities without delay. The agency, she explained, plans to build upon existing successes, including efforts to close the digital divide. She cited the state’s $6 billion broadband initiative—described as the largest open-access network in the country—and ongoing projects like ODI’s partnership with the Department of Housing and Community Development to streamline housing development across more than 500 jurisdictions.

Soto-Taylor also noted the progress made by the cradle-to-career data system, which has taken a “public-first” approach, building tools based on direct input from Californians. 

Watch the 15-minute keynote address below: