In a recent meeting of the Joint Committee on Information Management and Technology, Oregon state officials emphasized the critical need for modernization within state IT systems. The discussions highlighted that modernization is an ongoing process rather than a one-time achievement, with officials stressing the importance of continuous updates and improvements to avoid falling back into outdated practices.

The meeting featured insights from the state's Chief Information Officer (CIO), who articulated a shift from traditional capital expenditure models to operational expenditure frameworks. This change reflects a modern approach where ongoing costs, such as software licenses, are prioritized, ensuring that essential services like email remain functional as long as payments are made.

A significant focus was placed on the establishment of six assistant state CIO roles, aimed at providing support to various agencies in their modernization efforts. These roles are designed to facilitate communication between IT professionals and business stakeholders, ensuring that modernization strategies align with agency goals and best practices.

The committee also discussed the importance of governance in the modernization process. Effective governance is seen as essential for maintaining progress and ensuring that agencies adhere to established best practices. A governance guide was introduced to help agencies navigate the complexities of modernization, emphasizing the need for training and support to bridge skill gaps within teams.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the challenges faced by agencies, including a shortage of skilled project managers and business analysts. The CIO noted that while there is a growing pool of available talent due to recent federal layoffs, there is still a pressing need for effective recruitment strategies to attract qualified professionals to state positions.

Looking ahead, the committee outlined next steps for enhancing modernization efforts, including fostering enterprise alignment and exploring the integration of artificial intelligence and data innovation into state operations. The discussions underscored a commitment to not only modernize technology but also to improve the overall customer experience for constituents.

In conclusion, the meeting served as a pivotal moment for Oregon's IT strategy, reinforcing the state's dedication to ongoing modernization and the importance of aligning technology with the needs of its agencies and the public. As agencies prepare to update their strategic plans by June, the focus will remain on building a sustainable framework that supports continuous improvement and innovation in state services.