Governor Newsom Launches California Breakthrough Project with Tech and Crypto Industry Leaders

Highlights:

• California has added executives from top crypto firms to a task force focused on government service reforms.
• The California Breakthrough Project targets faster hiring, better procurement, and stronger agency collaboration.
• Crypto firms gain influence as California seeks tech advice while Congress debates major digital asset bills.

Gavin Newsom, the 40th Governor of California, has launched a state task force to help improve public sector systems in the state. Executives from Ripple, Coinbase, MoonPay, and Snap Inc. are among the selected members. The group held its first meeting on June 6 at the headquarters of Ripple in San Francisco.

🚀 California's Web3 Task Force is officially underway!

Gov. Newsom is teaming up with execs from Coinbase, Ripple, and MoonPay to explore how blockchain tech can streamline government services, improve transparency, and modernize infrastructure. 💡

The first meeting was held… pic.twitter.com/LrNyOuymt3

— Crypto News Hunters 🎯 (@CryptoNewsHntrs) July 16, 2025

The task force will advise state agencies on improving hiring, procurement, and service delivery processes. They will identify inefficiencies and recommend changes that make the government work faster and more effectively. Members will also support pilot programs to test these improvements across various departments.

Newsom emphasized the role that the state plays as a leader in technology and innovation. California is home to 32 of the 50 largest artificial intelligence firms in the world. He said the state must tap into its local talent to drive public service improvements. The task force members will work directly with agency staff throughout each stage of implementation. Each idea tested must show measurable improvements in how services reach Californians.

California Breakthrough Project Sets Efficiency Goals Across Agencies

Governor Newsom paired the task force announcement with a new executive order that outlines clear performance goals. The California Breakthrough Project is part of this broader reform plan. The order, labeled Executive Order N-30-25, calls for faster hiring, improved purchasing, and shared contracts across departments.

The Department of Human Resources, Department of General Services, and Department of Technology will lead the reforms. These agencies must work together to reduce delays in hiring and simplify how the state buys and manages technology. Shared contracting vehicles will allow different departments to access the same service providers under one agreement.

The order requires every cabinet agency to submit one no- or low-cost proposal within 90 days. These proposals should address service delays, outdated procedures, or unnecessary spending. Officials will review the suggestions and use them to shape new pilot tests.

The Office of Data Innovation will expand Engaged California, a platform that collects worker ideas. This system lets public employees suggest changes based on their daily experience. The office must also launch the Innovation Fellows Program by August 15. The timing of the announcement matches national momentum around crypto regulation. During US Crypto Week, Congress reviewed bills like the Digital Asset CLARITY Act and the GENIUS Act. These proposals aim to define rules for stablecoins and digital asset platforms.

Crypto Firms Join as Policy Talks Continue in Washington

Even though the California Breakthrough Project does not revolve around blockchain, its members consist of leaders with a background in digital assets. There are approximately 200 blockchain companies based in California. A large part of the businesses are in the fields of finance, identity verification, and smart contracts. Their input may inform the technology decisions needed for faster and more secure service delivery.

Meanwhile, Coinbase has been supporting broader crypto policy efforts through Fairshake, a political action committee. The group holds $141 million in reserves as of June 30. Coinbase contributed $25 million in the first half of this year.