California Governor Gavin Newsom on April 30 unveiled a sweeping new initiative to integrate generative AI technologies across state agencies, aiming to enhance traffic management, public safety and customer service without cutting services.

The initiative will see the California Department of Transportation use generative AI to analyze traffic patterns and reduce congestion, while the Department of Tax and Fee Administration will leverage AI tools to streamline its customer support systems. Additional applications will include AI-driven analytics to help prevent traffic fatalities and improve road safety.

“This is about showing how California-based innovation can elevate government services here and worldwide,” says Nick Maduros, Secretary of the California Government Operations Agency.

The effort builds on Newsom’s 2023 executive order on AI and utilizes the state’s “request for innovative ideas” procurement model, which allows for rapid testing and scaling of new technologies.

It also complements California’s recently launched Engaged California platform, which seeks to deepen civic engagement—particularly in wildfire-prone communities.

State officials emphasize that the initiative is designed to demonstrate AI’s potential to make government more responsive, efficient, and accessible, while safeguarding public interest.