California Platform Yields Recovery Plan

Why this is here: Residents submitted over 1,300 comments on the Engaged California platform detailing their recovery needs after the Altadena and Pacific Palisades fires.

More than 900 residents affected by the 2023 Altadena and Pacific Palisades fires in California used a state digital platform, Engaged California, to shape a recovery action plan. They shared over 1,300 comments and evaluated 19 policy options. This plan now influences decisions about undergrounding utilities and setting fire-resistant building standards.

The platform facilitated consensus among residents and delivered a plan to state and local governments. Engaged California is now expanding to address the economic impact of artificial intelligence across the state.

However, the platform’s success relies on continued participation and its ability to scale beyond localized disasters. It remains to be seen if this infrastructure can consistently rebuild trust in government given the current climate. The program continues with the AI deliberation.