California Updates State IT Strategic Plan

While not strictly relevant to planning, it's always interesting to compare plans prepared by planners with plans prepared by other branches of government, in this case the California CIO and the IT Council Strategic Plan Committee have prepared the new California State Information Technology Strategic Plan (PDF, 220KB) The plan lists six impressive strategic goals: Make Government services more accessible to citizens and State clients.

1 minute read

October 18, 2005, 5:28 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


California State Information Technology Strategic PlanWhile not strictly relevant to planning, it's always interesting to compare plans prepared by planners with plans prepared by other branches of government, in this case the California CIO and the IT Council Strategic Plan Committee have prepared the new California State Information Technology Strategic Plan (PDF, 220KB)



The plan lists six impressive strategic goals:


  • Make Government services more accessible to citizens and State clients.
  • Implement common business applications and systems to improve efficiency and costeffectiveness.
  • Ensure State technology systems are secure and privacy is protected.
  • Lower costs and improve the security, reliability and performance of the State's IT

    infrastructure.
  • Develop and rebuild our technology workforce.
  • Establish a technology governance structure.



    Among the specific recommendations that I found interesting:


  • The creation of a new "Director of e-Services", who reports to the State Chief Information Officer (State CIO)


  • By March 31, 2006, the GIO is to develop a State of California Geospatial Data and Web Services Plan that reflects the needs of state agencies for geospatial data, software licenses and web services.



    I must say that I was surprised to see no mention of Section 508 or accessibility in the plan. I even did a PDF search for the words "508" and accessibility, and found nothing. I suppose this means that all the state's websites are fully accessible to people with disabilities?







  • Chris Steins

    Chris Stines is Planetizen's former Editor and the founder of Urban Insight, a leading digital agency. Chris has 25 years of experience in technology consulting and urban planning and has served as a consultant to public sector state, county, and local agencies, Fortune 500 private firms, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations.

    Young Professional

    I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

    I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

    Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

    Get top-rated, practical training for planners

    "Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

    Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

    A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

    September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

    Geese flock to a frozen pond in Aurora, Colorado. There are houses in the background.

    Colorado’s Largest Data Center Could Rise Next to Homes — Without a Public Hearing

    The proposed campus would consume 11 times the power of Denver International Airport; as it has across the country, opposition mounts.

    September 17, 2026 - Capital & Main

    The Hoover Dam blocking the Colorado River. The river's water level is noticeably low. The cliffs surrounding the blue water are brown and jagged.

    US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico

    A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.

    September 11, 2026 - The Arizona Republic

    A busy highway in Richmond, with construction and the city visible in the background.

    'This is going to be painful:’ Virginia stares down $1.7 billion funding gap for highway maintenance

    The state may address the deficit by shifting $290 million from its construction budget to maintenance projects.

    2 hours ago - The Virginia Mercury

    The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

    Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

    Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

    September 18 - Inside Climate News

    Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

    Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

    The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

    September 18 - Mass Transit