Innovation

This division works collaboratively with leadership from County departments and agencies in the selection, development, and implementation of new technologies, programs, and services that address business challenges and support their needs.  Research and development efforts nurture new ideas from concept, through pilot, and into mainstream production. Additionally, this division leads technical teams on high profile projects requiring an agile approach to implementation.  These projects lead to business process improvement through cross-departmental collaboration and data sharing, while enhancing the client experience.

A current notable project is Accessing Coordinated Care to Empower Self Sufficiency, ACCESS Sonoma County.  Through closer coordination between the departments of Health Services, Human Services, Community Development Commission, Child Support Services and criminal justice departments support is more effectively delivered to clients with complex needs improving their health, well-being and economic stability.  Ultimately, the technology creates a scalable solution and blueprint for how county safety net departments can holistically manage care for citizen populations with complex needs.

Another innovative project currently being piloted at the county involves digital services with electronic forms and signatures.  The digitized forms include internal documents such as Human Resources forms and reimbursement requests, as well as forms submitted by citizens to governmental agencies, with a goal of reducing costs and providing more efficient services.  In conjunction with the electronic forms, the team enabled electronic signatures as a way to fully digitize these processes.