California Wins Top National Award for Digital Government Experience
State is #1 in the Nation for Digital Government
Why it Matters: Through Governor Newsom’s directive to make government more effective and easier to use, the state is proving that technology can deliver equity, speed, and trust—while setting the standard for the future of digital government.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California has been named the Overall State Government Experience Winner in the 2025 Government Experience Awards, the nation’s top honor for making government services more accessible and easier to use.
Presented by the Center for Digital Government, the award recognizes states that put people first in how they design and deliver services online. This year, California stood out for the transformation of CA.gov, its main website and the state’s digital front door for nearly 40 million Californians.
“This award belongs to the more than 125 state organizations—our agencies and departments—that worked to make government better for Californians. Governor Newsom has been clear that a more effective and efficient government is essential, and this award is proof that we are delivering the tools and services that put Californians first.”
Liana Bailey-Crimmins, State Chief Information Officer and Director of the California Department of Technology
Rather than forcing people to navigate individual state department sites, CA.gov brings together more than 230 services in one place. The site was redesigned to be simpler, faster, and easier to use. You can renew a license, find health information, or get help during an emergency. It’s also built for everyone, with mobile-friendly pages, translations for non-English speakers, and full accessibility for people with disabilities.
In addition to its overall win, California also earned a GovX Project Award for its Los Angeles Fires Recovery Portal, CA.gov/LAfires. Launched in just hours following the devastating Southern California wildfires earlier this year, the portal gives residents a single, trusted hub for recovery resources. Developed in partnership with the Governor’s Office, Government Operations Agency, Office of Data & Innovation and many other departments, it includes information on shelter locations, rebuilding and insurance guidance, state and local assistance, and tools to replace critical documents like birth certificates and marriage licenses online. By offering all these services, the portal shows how technology can provide real, human-centered help when Californians need it most.
“I am so excited that the Center for Digital Government is recognizing the state of California as the number one state in Government Experience. This award recognizes the dedication of the State to ensuring that all constituents have access to the digital services that they need while improving the efficiency and effectiveness of government. Congratulations to everyone in California who contributed to their success!”
Teri Takai, Chief Programs Officer for the Center for Digital Government
California’s recognition also highlights its broader vision for the future of digital government. Under its statewide IT strategy, Envision 2026, the state is leading the way with initiatives like expanding broadband access through the Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative, building a secure digital identity verification platform to simplify and better secure residents’ information access to services, and exploring responsible uses of generative AI that will make government more efficient, effective and engaged. These priorities are all part of California’s work to future-proof government technology—ensuring it can adapt and continue to serve all Californians for years to come.
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The California Department of Technology leads the state to in the equitable and accessible delivery of digital government services through the oversight of the statewide IT strategic plan, IT project delivery, IT procurement, policy and standards, and enterprise architecture