On Feb. 23, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the launch of an innovative program, “Engaged California,” designed to obtain views and ideas from state residents that will improve state programs or create needed new programs.

Using technology, Newsom hopes to “bring Californians together to engage, interact, and share ideas to help shape government services and collectively create policy solutions.” Digital platforms will be used to support community conversations about important topics.

“Government works better when we build it together – and this means making it easier for everyone to be involved,” Newsom said in his press release. “After years of development, I am excited to launch this new pilot program to help create a town hall for the modern era – where Californians share their perspectives, concerns, and ideas geared toward finding real solutions. . .”

Engaged California is not a poll, a town hall nor a mimic of social media, according to the release.

“The launch of this program and our first deliberation will help us hear from the people we serve,” said California Office of Data and Innovation Director Jeffery Marino. “Far from just a technical tool, this is an innovative approach to foster greater collaboration and co-creation between the people of California and their government.”

The effort was a joint effort of the Government Operations Agency, the California Office of Data and Innovation and Carnegie California and other private and educational groups.

“Engaged California is a new tool the Office of Data and Innovation has been developing over the last two years that is intended to be a permanent feature of state government,” Nathan Gardels, Editor-in-Chief of Noema Magazine said in the press release. “Engaged California is a three-way tool that enables policymakers and administrators to listen to average citizens outside of election cycles and be responsive; it invites citizens to directly voice their concerns and proposals on an ongoing basis; and it is a platform that encourages and enables Californians from all walks of life to interact with each other to find common ground.” 

The initial use of Engaged California will focus on the response to the Los Angeles firestorms. This pilot program is being launched now for survivors and the greater Los Angeles community. 

Engaged California is found at https://engaged.ca.gov.