California-Federal Collaboration on Bipartisan Technology Policy

November 18, 2025

New Era of State-Federal Collaboration

In a significant development for intergovernmental relations, California state government and federal agencies have established a joint working group focused on coordinating bipartisan technology policy initiatives. This unprecedented collaboration marks a new chapter in how different levels of government can work together to address complex technological challenges facing the nation.

The formation of this working group comes at a critical time when technology policy requires coordinated approaches across jurisdictional boundaries. According to the recent report from The Hill, this initiative represents one of the most structured attempts to align state and federal technology policies in recent years.

“This collaboration demonstrates how governmental entities can transcend traditional boundaries to address shared challenges in the technology space,” notes the report. The working group will serve as a forum for ongoing dialogue between California’s technology leadership and federal agencies responsible for national technology policy.

Structure of the Joint Working Group

The joint working group has been carefully structured to ensure balanced representation from both California state government and federal agencies. The group includes senior officials from California’s Department of Technology, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, and representatives from key federal agencies including the Department of Commerce, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

This collaborative body will operate through specialized subcommittees focused on specific technology domains:

Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure
Digital Inclusion and Broadband Access
Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies
Data Privacy and Protection
Olympic Technology Infrastructure and Security

Each subcommittee will be co-chaired by state and federal representatives, ensuring balanced input and shared responsibility for outcomes. The full working group will convene quarterly, while subcommittees will meet monthly to advance their specific agendas.

This structure reflects a thoughtful approach to governance that recognizes both the distinct roles of different governmental entities and the need for coordinated action on technology issues that cross jurisdictional boundaries.

Technology Policy Coordination Priorities

The joint working group has identified several priority areas for immediate attention, reflecting the most pressing technology policy challenges facing both California and the nation as a whole.

Broadband infrastructure development stands as a top priority, with particular focus on addressing the digital divide in underserved communities. Both California and the federal government have made significant investments in broadband expansion, and the working group will work to ensure these investments are complementary rather than duplicative.

Cybersecurity represents another critical focus area. As cyber threats continue to evolve in sophistication, protecting critical infrastructure requires coordinated approaches across governmental levels. The working group will develop frameworks for information sharing and coordinated response to cyber incidents affecting both state and national interests.

Artificial intelligence governance has also emerged as a key priority. As AI technologies rapidly advance, developing appropriate regulatory frameworks requires input from multiple stakeholders. The working group will explore approaches that balance innovation with necessary safeguards.

Data privacy standards represent yet another area where coordination is essential. With California’s Consumer Privacy Act setting state-level standards while federal privacy legislation remains under development, the working group will explore pathways toward harmonized approaches that protect consumers while providing clarity for businesses.

These priorities reflect a balanced approach to technology policy that recognizes both the opportunities and challenges presented by rapid technological change.

LA 2028 Olympics: A Catalyst for Collaboration

The upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympics has emerged as a significant catalyst for this intergovernmental collaboration. Hosting the Olympic Games requires extensive technology infrastructure development, robust cybersecurity measures, and coordinated planning across multiple agencies and levels of government.

The LA 2028 Olympics presents unique challenges that necessitate unprecedented coordination between California and federal authorities. From developing advanced transportation systems to implementing cutting-edge security technologies, the Games will serve as a showcase for American technological capabilities.

“The Olympics provides a concrete timeline and specific deliverables that help focus our collaborative efforts,” notes the report from The Hill. “It creates a natural laboratory for testing new approaches to intergovernmental technology coordination.”

Key technology initiatives related to the Olympics include:

Development of intelligent transportation systems to manage Olympic visitor flows
Implementation of advanced security technologies for venue protection
Deployment of next-generation wireless networks to support Olympic operations
Creation of digital platforms to enhance visitor experiences
Establishment of cybersecurity protocols to protect Olympic infrastructure

These Olympic-focused initiatives will serve as proving grounds for collaborative approaches that could be applied to other technology policy challenges in the future.

Bipartisan Approach to Technology Challenges

A defining characteristic of this joint working group is its commitment to bipartisan collaboration. Technology policy issues often transcend traditional political divides, creating opportunities for consensus-building across party lines.

The working group has adopted explicit principles to maintain its bipartisan character:

Balanced representation from officials appointed by administrations of both major parties
Focus on evidence-based policy development rather than ideological positions
Commitment to finding practical solutions to shared challenges
Transparent processes that invite input from diverse stakeholders
Emphasis on areas of common ground while acknowledging legitimate differences

This bipartisan approach reflects a recognition that effective technology policy requires stability and continuity across election cycles. By establishing frameworks that can survive changes in political leadership, the working group aims to create sustainable approaches to technology governance.

“Technology challenges don’t respect party lines,” the report observes. “This initiative demonstrates how officials from different political backgrounds can find common cause in addressing shared concerns about technology’s impact on society.”

Benefits of Coordinated Governance

The establishment of this joint working group offers numerous benefits for both California and federal agencies, as well as for the broader technology ecosystem.

Resource efficiency represents a primary benefit. By coordinating investments in technology infrastructure and research, governmental entities can avoid duplication and maximize the impact of public spending. This coordination is particularly important in areas like broadband deployment, where both state and federal programs target similar objectives.

Regulatory clarity offers another significant advantage. When state and federal regulations align, businesses face reduced compliance burdens and can operate with greater certainty. The working group will identify areas where regulatory harmonization can reduce friction while maintaining necessary protections.

Knowledge sharing across governmental entities will accelerate learning and improve policy outcomes. California’s experiences implementing technology policies can inform federal approaches, while federal research and resources can support state-level initiatives.

Crisis response capabilities will be enhanced through coordinated planning and established communication channels. When technology-related emergencies occur, having pre-existing relationships and protocols between state and federal agencies can significantly improve response effectiveness.

These benefits demonstrate the practical value of structured collaboration between different levels of government on technology policy issues.

Implementation Timeline and Milestones

The joint working group has established a clear timeline for implementation, with specific milestones to track progress toward its objectives.

The initial phase, already completed, involved establishing the working group’s structure, appointing leadership, and defining priority areas. This foundational work has created the governance framework necessary for effective collaboration.

The current phase focuses on developing specific policy coordination mechanisms in each priority area. Subcommittees are working to identify specific opportunities for alignment between state and federal approaches, with deliverables expected within the next six months.

The implementation phase will begin in early 2024, with pilot projects testing coordinated approaches in selected domains. These pilots will provide valuable learning opportunities and demonstrate the practical benefits of intergovernmental collaboration.

Olympic-specific initiatives will intensify starting in 2025, with major technology infrastructure developments scheduled for completion by 2027 to allow adequate testing before the Games begin.

Regular progress reviews are built into the timeline, with annual reports to stakeholders documenting achievements and lessons learned. This accountability mechanism ensures the working group remains focused on delivering tangible results.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While the establishment of this joint working group represents a significant step forward, several challenges must be addressed for the initiative to achieve its full potential.

Jurisdictional complexities present ongoing challenges for coordination. The U.S. federal system divides authority between different levels of government, creating potential tensions when policy priorities diverge. The working group will need to navigate these complexities while respecting the legitimate roles of different governmental entities.

Resource constraints may limit implementation capabilities. Both state and federal agencies face budget pressures that could impact their ability to fully implement coordinated approaches. Securing adequate funding for joint initiatives will require demonstrating clear return on investment.

Political transitions could potentially disrupt continuity. With elections occurring regularly at both state and federal levels, changes in administration may bring shifts in policy priorities. Building institutional frameworks that can withstand political changes will be essential for long-term success.

Despite these challenges, significant opportunities exist to establish new models for intergovernmental collaboration. If successful, this working group could become a template for addressing other complex policy challenges that cross jurisdictional boundaries.

The initiative also creates opportunities to position both California and federal agencies as global leaders in technology governance. As other nations grapple with similar challenges, lessons learned through this collaboration could inform international approaches to technology policy.

Implications for Future Policy Development

The establishment of this joint working group has significant implications for how technology policy may be developed in the future, both in California and nationally.

First, it suggests a growing recognition that technology challenges require coordinated responses across traditional governmental boundaries. As technologies increasingly affect multiple domains simultaneously, siloed approaches become less effective at addressing complex challenges.

Second, it indicates a shift toward more collaborative models of governance that bring together diverse perspectives and authorities. Rather than competing for jurisdiction, governmental entities are exploring how complementary authorities can be leveraged for greater impact.

Third, it demonstrates how specific events like the Olympics can serve as catalysts for institutional innovation. The concrete timeline and deliverables associated with the Games have created urgency that has accelerated collaboration that might otherwise have developed more slowly.

Finally, it suggests potential for similar models to address other cross-cutting policy challenges beyond technology. Climate change, public health, and infrastructure development all present similar coordination challenges that might benefit from structured collaboration between state and federal authorities.

As the joint working group progresses in its work, policy analysts and government officials will be watching closely to assess its effectiveness and potential applications to other domains.

The collaboration between California and federal agencies on bipartisan technology policy represents a significant innovation in intergovernmental relations. By creating structured mechanisms for coordination across jurisdictional boundaries, this initiative addresses the reality that today’s most pressing technology challenges require multifaceted responses.

With the LA 2028 Olympics providing both a catalyst and a proving ground for these collaborative approaches, the joint working group has a unique opportunity to demonstrate the value of coordinated governance. If successful, this model could influence how governments approach complex policy challenges for years to come.

For stakeholders in the technology ecosystem, this initiative offers hope that governmental approaches to technology policy might become more coherent and effective through improved coordination. While challenges remain, the establishment of this working group represents a promising step toward more integrated approaches to technology governance.