Jan 10, 2025
CDT Reimagines its Open Source Data Portal
The California Department of Technology (CDT) has unveiled a new and improved Open Source Portal, where developers, government agencies, and the public can collaborate to share ideas and digital tools for solving problems.
Why it Matters: The California Department of Technology’s revamped Open Source Portal offers much more than just a pretty face. The updated portal, containing nearly 1,250 code sets, makes it easier to share digital resources and solutions by breaking down silos. The open-source approach means there’s no reason to reinvent the wheel. Tools created by one team can be shared and adapted for use by others, multiplying impact and driving innovation—saving time and money.
The portal is a treasure chest of tech solutions. Whether you’re building a website, a mobile app, or a e complex data visualization tool, it connects you to a range of resources, frameworks and reusable code that can integrate easily into others’ projects.
This revamp builds on the success of the recent CA.gov redesign success, which also was so much more than a simple update but a complete overhaul of functionality and redesign of front-end user interface. The updated Portal features a bold, user-centric design inspired by California’s Design System, which ensures a cohesive design and enhances usability and accessibility for all users. It is developed to simplify browsing code repositories and encourage users to contribute their own open-source code. State entities can leverage these contributions to save time and streamline development efforts.
California has long been recognized as the leader in government technology, and the launch of the Open Source Portal highlights CDT’s commitment to increase digital equity and accessibility through the sharing of reusable, open-source codes governments,
“We revamped the Open Source Portal and made it more user-friendly and easier to share and reuse open-source code,” said Blaine Wasylkiw, deputy chief technology innovation officer. “Government entities, businesses, and the public can use this collaborative tool to develop digital solutions quickly.”
The Portal also encourages contributions from the broader tech community, allowing developers to suggest improvements, report and fix bugs and propose new features. Open-source principles will offer solutions a chance to evolve with input from diverse perspectives, leading to tools that can grow and adapt for use by all sectors.
Ready to get involved? Visit the Open-Source Portal today to explore, use, or contribute to the growing collection of codes. Whether solving problems for a local community or building the next big thing, this is your chance to be part of something bigger. Together, we can build tools that make government services better, faster, and more accessible for all Californians.