Awards and Recognitions

The City of Sacramento’s Information Technology Department is proud to be recognized for excellence in innovation, service, and community impact. Our mission to engage, empower, and improve the lives of Sacramento’s residents drives everything we do—and these awards reflect the dedication and creativity of our team as we continue to deliver technology solutions that make a difference.

 

2025 Digital Inclusion Week resolution

Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes and the City Council recognized the IT Department with a resolution commemorating Digital Inclusion Week. We celebrate the progress Sacramento has made toward closing the digital divide. Over the past decade, the City’s IT Department has led initiatives that expand access and opportunity—from bringing free Wi-Fi to local parks to distributing thousands of laptops and hotspots. Working with community partners, we’ve helped families, seniors, and students get connected and thrive in the digital world. Our efforts remind us that technology isn’t just infrastructure—it’s empowerment. Each connection supports a student’s education, a family’s job search, or a senior’s safety online.

This year’s theme, "Community-Driven Digital Futures", highlights why digital equity matters: ensuring every Sacramentan, no matter their zip code, has the tools to connect, learn, and succeed. 

Photo of three IT staff members holding City-issued resolution for Digital Inclusion Week open_in_full

IT staff (L to R): Cassy Vaioleti, Natasha Greer, and Rong Liu

Clear award plaque that says "MISAC 2025 Innovation Award City of Sacramento'" open_in_full

2025 MISAC Innovation Award for AI-driven enforcement

The City of Sacramento has been honored with the Municipal Information Systems Association of California (MISAC) Innovation Award for its groundbreaking AI-Driven Enforcement for Safer and Efficient Public Transit initiative. This recognition celebrates Sacramento’s leadership in using advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven technology to enhance public safety, improve transit efficiency, and promote sustainable urban mobility.

In partnership with SacRT and Hayden AI, the City of Sacramento equipped 100 buses with AI-powered, forward-facing cameras capable of detecting vehicles illegally parked in bus stops and bike lanes—critical areas that ensure the smooth, safe operation of public transit. The system captures video, photos, and GPS data in real time, which are then reviewed by city officials before citations are issued to ensure accuracy and fairness in enforcement.  

This project really shows how committed Sacramento is to using innovation to benefit the public,” said Staci Kranitz, Parking Manager, City of Sacramento. “Bringing AI into our parking system isn’t just about improving traffic flow and safety, it’s also about building a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone who lives and visits our city.

Unlike traditional enforcement methods that relied heavily on manual observation and reactive enforcement, Sacramento’s AI-enabled approach uses real-time analytics to proactively address inefficiencies and environmental impacts. The seamless integration of technology, sustainability, and data-driven decision-making positions Sacramento at the forefront of smart city innovation. Since launching the program, the city has observed tangible improvements in both efficiency and safety:  

  • Between December 19, 2024, and February 11, 2025, the city issued 2,740 warnings during a 60-day grace period to vehicles obstructing bus stops. 
  • As of May 8, 2025, over 7,500 citations have been issued to bus stop violators and 340 warnings to bike lane violators. 
  • A pilot study on two downtown routes (51 and 30) over 70 days detected 286 instances of illegal parking, reinforcing the need for consistent, technology-driven enforcement.

 

These efforts have led to fewer obstructions in bus stops and bike lanes, allowing buses to operate on schedule, improving safety for cyclists, and ensuring smoother, more reliable commutes for passengers. Residents report greater confidence in using public transit and alternative mobility options, marking a cultural shift toward cleaner, safer transportation. The City of Sacramento’s AI-Driven Enforcement for Safer and Efficient Public Transit initiative not only supports traffic flow and safety but also aligns with the city’s broader goals for energy efficiency, accessibility, and environmental stewardship - creating a smarter, greener urban mobility ecosystem for all.  

2025 MISAC award for excellence information technology practices

The City of Sacramento, Information Technology Department was recently recognized with the Municipal Information Systems Association of California (MISAC) Excellence in IT Practices Award for 2025. This prestigious award honors California public agencies that demonstrate outstanding performance and leadership in information technology operations, planning, and service delivery. The MISAC Excellence Award represents the highest level of achievement given by MISAC and recognizes agencies that meet or exceed rigorous standards across multiple areas of IT practice — including strategic planning, cybersecurity, customer service, project management, operations, and professional development.

“This award reflects our team’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and reliable technology services that support the entire City of Sacramento organization,” said Darin Arcolino, Chief Information Officer. “We’re proud to be recognized among the top public-sector IT departments in California.” 

MISAC 2025 Award for Excellence Information Technologies clear award open_in_full

The MISAC Excellence in IT Practices Award is part of MISAC’s ongoing effort to promote best practices and continuous improvement in local government technology. Award recipients undergo a comprehensive review process, including peer evaluation of IT policies, governance, and operational effectiveness.

The City of Sacramento joins a select group of California agencies recognized for their IT leadership and innovation in 2025. Visit the MISAC site for more information on the organization and on the Excellence in IT Practices Award. 

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