California Launches AskCA, AI Assistant for State Services

California is preparing to launch AskCA, an AI-powered digital assistant designed to help residents navigate the state's complex web of more than 200 agencies and departments. Governor Gavin Newsom's office announced the initiative on September 9, 2026, with pilot testing scheduled to begin October 1.

The platform aims to serve as a single point of entry for Californians seeking information from state and local governments. Rather than requiring residents to understand which specific agency handles their question, AskCA will use artificial intelligence to direct them to the right answers and services.

How the system works

AskCA was built using Anthropic's Claude AI model, with security infrastructure provided by the California Department of Technology. The partnership with Anthropic was announced by Newsom in July 2026.

The tool isn't publicly available yet. California residents age 18 and older can sign up to participate in the pilot program, which will run through the state's Office of Data and Innovation. According to state officials, the prototype has already been tested with fire recovery leaders, Altadena wildfire survivors, job seekers at a California Department of Human Resources job fair, and more than 100 general test users.

First application: job matching

Before the full AskCA trial begins, the California Department of Human Resources will deploy the AI engine for a job-skills-matching feature on CalCareers.ca.gov starting September 30. The tool will help job seekers identify state positions that align with their experience and qualifications.

CalHR Director Monica Erickson said the feature reflects the department's commitment to making state employment opportunities more accessible. The job-matching pilot will serve as an early test case for the broader AskCA platform.

Why it matters

Navigating government services typically requires knowing which agency handles which function—a barrier that discourages many residents from accessing programs they're eligible for. By using AI to interpret questions in plain language and route people to the right resources, California is attempting to reduce friction in citizen-government interactions. The approach could become a model for other states if the pilot demonstrates measurable improvements in service access and user satisfaction.

Jeffery Marino, director of the Office of Data and Innovation, said AskCA represents a shift from traditional web search to "a service-integrated tool, explaining services, streamlining logins, and unifying department services into a single experience."

The initiative stems from a March 2026 executive order and reflects Newsom's broader push to apply AI technology to government operations. In his statement, the governor framed the project as making government "more efficient, effective, and more engaged—meeting people where they are, making it easier to navigate services and ultimately delivering stronger results worthy of their tax dollars."

Details about the pilot program were first reported by FOX40.