California Alpha (Part 2)

California Alpha

Going Alpha.

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Episode 14

Duration: 01:32:22

Host: Luke Fretwell

Posted: July 8, 2025

In this episode

In this episode, we dive into a bold, state-sponsored experiment that reimagined how government can build digital services.

In 2019, the State of California launched California Alpha—a three-month prototype that challenged the status quo and showed what’s possible when you start from scratch with a small, focused team and a clear mission.

You’ll hear directly from the people who built it: the early hurdles, breakthrough moments, and lessons that could reshape how public services are delivered.

Whether you work in tech, policy, or public service—this is what it looks like to build government differently.

This conversation includes Alpha team members Kimberly Glenn, Aaron Hans, Art Khomishen, Carter Medlin, Angie Quirarte and Luke Fretwell.

Be sure to also listen to California Alpha (Part 1), where Angie discusses setting the Alpha foundation.