Here are some of the state’s biggest IT projects heading into 2026, which could soon show up in budget change proposals.
CWS-CARES (CHILD WELFARE DIGITAL SERVICES)
Project link here
The project to create a modern, compliant comprehensive child welfare information system has spent hundreds of millions of dollars while engaging a portfolio of vendors supporting hardware, software and services. It has planned on several milestones in 2026, including a pilot test of Version 1.
EDDNEXT (EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT)
Project link here
While EDDNext doesn’t have any major IT milestones planned in 2026, it is in the middle of incrementally implementing its first program. The Employment Development Department is also in the process of implementing its new document management system. It will also be conducting important non-IT work such as redesigning benefit application forms and improving its contact center.
CALIFORNIA STATE PAYROLL SYSTEM (STATE CONTROLLER’S OFFICE)
Project link here
This is an important year for the California State Payroll System (CSPS), with the State Controller’s Office (SCO) scheduled to move out of planning and into Phase 1 in 2026. SCO recently chose CGI Technologies as the project’s system integrator.
ENTERPRISE DATA TO REVENUE (FRANCHISE TAX BOARD)
Project link here
The Franchise Tax Board (FTB)’s effort to modernize its tax system is entering the sixth year of its second phase (EDR2), with plans on the books to deliver the full EDR2 solution in January 2026 — followed by implementation in December 2026 and full state acceptance of the solution in 2027. A third phase of the project remains, when FTB plans to “deliver an enterprise tax accounting component and additional enterprise services.”
