This Week's Latest Tech News in Sacramento, CA - Sunday April 27th 2025 Edition

This week was pivotal for Sacramento’s tech sector, blending policy, investment, and innovation in ways that are already impacting daily life and economic opportunity.

Sacramento is now home to more than 1,400 tech companies, and recent headlines include a 25% jump in tech jobs, a $1.9 billion chip manufacturing investment from Bosch, and the rollout of forward-thinking smart city solutions like contactless transit payments and energy-saving technologies.

On the policy front, California’s lawmakers held multiple committee hearings to tackle AI safety, antitrust, and data center energy use - highlighting not only the pace of technological change but also the complexities of keeping regulation in step with growth.

Sacramento’s public and private sectors are working together to modernize innovation infrastructure, supported by new initiatives such as Governor Newsom’s streamlined affordable housing program leveraging state land and the ongoing expansion of tech education and workforce training at Sacramento State’s 200,000 sq ft Innovation Hub.

These efforts, including job training partnerships and inclusion goals for disadvantaged communities, are already translating to thousands of new high-paying tech jobs and a tech salary average of $110,000.

• Sacramento’s tech sector has seen a 25% increase in jobs, reflecting a surge in local opportunities.
• Bosch’s investment of $1.9 billion is boosting chip manufacturing in the region.
• Smart city initiatives introduced contactless transit payments and new energy-saving innovations.
• California lawmakers addressed AI safety, antitrust concerns, and energy regulation through a series of hearings, balancing regulation with growth.
• Partnerships between public and private sectors are modernizing Sacramento’s infrastructure for technology and innovation.
• Governor Newsom’s affordable housing program is leveraging state land to expand housing and support tech workforce growth.
• Sacramento State’s Innovation Hub is driving tech education and workforce development, opening doors for local talent.

Key Area	Recent Development	Impact
Job Growth	25% Increase	More career opportunities and higher salaries
Investment	$1.9B Chip Manufacturing by Bosch	New high-tech jobs and economic stimulus
Smart City Tech	Contactless Transit, Energy Innovation	Enhanced urban living and efficiency

“Sacramento is emerging as a powerhouse for technology and innovation, where collaboration between government, industry, and education drives real change,” said Patricia Thomas, a Sacramento State Innovation Hub leader.

For a closer look at this evolving landscape, see the details on smart city progress and economic drivers here, detailed state housing policy here, and tech workforce development at Sacramento State here.

In a notable development for California's tech industry, Governor Gavin Newsom recently sent a letter to the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) highlighting the importance of balancing AI regulation with ongoing innovation.

Newsom's communication expresses concern that regulatory measures should not jeopardize California's leadership in technology or hinder economic vitality, especially as the CPPA is considering comprehensive new rules on automated decision-making technologies, transparency, risk assessments, and more.

He cautioned that

“onerous regulations” could lead to significant unintended consequences and increased costs, potentially challenging California’s standing as a technology leader.

Newsom’s stance closely echoes the voices of major tech and business groups, who also worry that overregulation could slow down advancements and impact job growth statewide.

You can read more about his letter and its implications for state policy at POLITICO.

• California’s regulatory landscape is rapidly evolving. Recent legislative actions and proposed rules require businesses to notify consumers about the use of AI or automated decision-making systems and grant opt-out rights when applicable.
• CPPA's evaluation of new requirements includes annual cybersecurity audits, risk assessments for automated systems, and greater public engagement, with rulemaking expected to conclude later in 2025. Details about these regulatory processes and public comment opportunities can be found on the California Privacy Protection Agency’s official website.

Policy Area	Key Hurdle	Stakeholder
Transparency	Notifying consumers of AI use	Mary Moore
Risk Assessments	Annual security audits	Barbara Thomas
Public Engagement	Opportunities for feedback	Susan White

• Policy discussions coincide with new consumer protection laws. Businesses must now register with the CPPA if they use personal data for AI training, and state agencies are required to assess their AI uses.
• Legislation overview includes implications for workplaces and education. For more, see this comprehensive guide to California’s proposed AI regulations.
• Governor Newsom's approach spotlights public feedback and iterative policy development, signaling a statewide commitment to responsible, innovation-friendly AI governance.

In 2025, the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) has drawn international attention as it works on new rules for artificial intelligence (AI) and data privacy that could shape regulations well beyond California.

The CPPA’s proposed regulations address key topics like cybersecurity audits, risk assessments, and the use of automated decision-making technology (ADMT), reflecting the broader intent of both the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA).

• Cybersecurity audits: Businesses will be required to conduct annual cybersecurity audits to comply with the latest privacy regulations introduced by the CPPA.
• Risk assessments: Companies must carry out risk assessments related to their use of AI and automated decision-making technology in sensitive sectors.
• Consumer rights: Individuals now have the power to access and opt out of automated decisions made about their data, especially concerning employment, loans, education, and healthcare.
• Global industry feedback: Over 300 public comments were submitted by tech companies such as Apple, Google, and Meta and groups from the U.K. and Japan regarding the proposed regulations.
• Economic concerns: There are worries about the estimated $3.5 billion first-year compliance costs and possible job impacts due to the new rules.

“The evolving regulatory approach is attracting not only local but also global industry responses,” says Matthew Lee, a technology advocate closely following the developments.

Key Area	Stakeholder	Potential Impact
Cybersecurity Audits	Karen White	Stronger data protections for consumers
Automated Decision-Making	Christopher Wilson	Greater transparency in AI-driven choices

Representatives from leading tech companies - including Apple, Google, and Meta - as well as organizations from the U.K. and Japan have weighed in, highlighting both the challenges and potential global impact California’s rules could have on sectors from online marketing to health care and finance.

More than 300 public comments from businesses, privacy advocates, and technology groups have been recorded, covering topics such as the scope of “automated decision-making” and the cost and feasibility of the proposed requirements.

Some California lawmakers and policy analysts have expressed concerns about the economic burden the rules may bring, noting estimates of $3.5 billion in first-year compliance costs and possible job impacts, and questioning whether the CPPA is exceeding its authority in regulating AI (see detailed analysis here).

Despite the debate, the CPPA has been clear about the stakes, emphasizing the need for responsible regulation to protect consumers and maintain California’s leadership in tech. With public hearings and bipartisan privacy efforts ongoing, businesses should stay updated as the rulemaking process continues and as California’s regulations may influence broader AI governance both in the U.S. and abroad.

For the latest on the regulatory status and next steps, visit the CPPA’s official updates here.

To see how global companies are responding to these proposals and their wider implications, read more here.

California’s legislature is taking center stage in the national conversation on AI and tech regulation this session, with a surge of bills that aim to set clearer ground rules for a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Key proposals include AB 412, which mandates developers of generative AI to track and disclose all copyrighted materials used in training - sparking strong pushback from the tech industry, including warnings that “impossible compliance burdens” could drive jobs and innovation out of the state (AB 412 criticism).

SB 813 offers a different approach by creating a voluntary certification system for AI developers overseen by independent panels, with legal protections for those who meet safety standards, which could encourage responsible AI growth while avoiding heavy-handed regulation (SB 813 certification shield).

Several other measures, such as AB 33 (labor protections) and SB 11 (broader digital rights and consumer warnings for synthetic AI content), are also under review, reflecting the state’s desire to address new risks presented by AI (SB 11 digital rights).

Major debates this week focus on:

• Copyright Framework: SB 813 proposes a multistakeholder model for AI regulation, aiming to balance creator protection with affirmative legal defenses for certified developers.
• AI Safety Concerns: Advocacy groups support risk assessment and transparency in AB 412, while industry voices caution the bill could force proprietary disclosures and create compliance headaches.
• Workforce Impact: AB 33 addresses potential job loss due to AI, prompting debate over automation's speed and effect on California's labor market.
• Consumer Digital Rights: SB 11 introduces stronger protections about AI-generated impersonation and content, enforcing warnings and new standards for legal cases.

Key Points Table:

Bill	Main Focus	Supporters	Opponents
AB 412	AI Safety/Transparency	Jennifer Jones, Advocacy Groups	Tech Industry
SB 813	AI Certification/Copyright	Charles Hernandez, Legal & Policy Groups	Some Tech Firms
AB 33	Labor Protection	Lisa Miller, Workers’ Unions	Business Coalitions
SB 11	Digital Rights/Synthetic Content	Civil Liberties Groups	Some Industry Reps

As these bills move forward, California continues to navigate the challenge of promoting innovation while protecting the public, workers, and creators - keeping Sacramento at the forefront of shaping AI policy.

Wizix Technology Group’s recent acquisition of Standard Business Solutions (SBS) marks a significant development in Sacramento’s evolving tech sector. Announced in April 2025, this move combines Wizix - a rapidly expanding office technology provider - with SBS, a trusted name in the Bay Area’s print and technology landscape since 1980.

SBS, originally a family-run business founded by the Foley family, built its reputation on reliable service and trusted brands like Canon and Kyocera. Following the acquisition, Wizix plans to integrate SBS’s operations into its San Jose regional office, retaining all SBS employees and continuing support for their existing customers - a commitment that speaks to both firms’ emphasis on strong customer and employee relationships as detailed in the official acquisition announcement.

• Wizix expands footprint: The main driver behind the deal is to grow Wizix’s service area and increase its customer base across Northern California and Nevada.
• Ninth acquisition strategy: According to Jennifer Johnson, this is the ninth acquisition for Wizix since its founding, reflecting their ongoing strategy to scale through partnerships and retention of local talent and strengthening its market position in the Bay Area.
• Expanded solutions offered: The acquisition brings together both companies’ expertise to deliver an expanded array of solutions, including document management, copiers, printers, phone systems, and new areas like EV charging. This highlights Wizix’s push to meet the evolving needs of today’s business environment with additional service offerings launched earlier this year.
• Benefit for Sacramento businesses: For Sacramento businesses, access to these advanced solutions and consistent local support underscores the city’s commitment to supporting a competitive technology infrastructure as demand for robust IT and document support continues to increase.

Key Aspect	Details	Benefit
Acquisition	Wizix + SBS	Improved service coverage
Expertise	Document management, IT, EV charging	More solutions for customers
Employee Retention	All SBS employees retained	Continued local support

“Wizix’s strategy showcases their commitment to local talent and customer satisfaction,” said Barbara Thomas, highlighting the broader impact on Sacramento’s tech ecosystem.

Sacramento is leading the nation with its rollout of the first-ever bus-mounted bike lane enforcement cameras, launched in partnership between Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) and the City of Sacramento.

Instead of relying solely on parking enforcement officers, the city has equipped 100 SacRT buses with front-facing, AI-powered cameras from Hayden AI that automatically detect and record vehicles parked illegally in bike lanes and at bus stops along key routes.

When a violation is captured, the system logs a video, photo of the license plate, and the exact location and time before sending the incident to the city for review and processing.

This approach is intended to keep bike lanes clear, protecting cyclists who are otherwise forced into traffic - a major safety risk flagged by local advocates and officials.

The Sacramento program was enabled by California Assembly Bill 361, which allows cities to use forward-facing cameras for enforcing parking violations - making Sacramento the first city in the U.S. to deploy such technology for bike lane enforcement according to the City of Sacramento.

For now, a 60-day grace period through mid-June 2025 means violators receive warning notices but not fines.

After June 13, 2025, ticketing begins, and violations will be mailed to registered vehicle owners following manual review by the city's parking enforcement officers as reported by Streetsblog California.

Sacramento joins cities like Los Angeles, Oakland, Washington, D.C., and New York in using bus-mounted tech to enforce transit and bike lanes, though Sacramento is the first to focus specifically on bike lanes.

The city’s move is aimed at reducing frequent obstructions that make streets unpredictable and unsafe, particularly for those who bike or use transit daily. Officials hope this combination of technology and education brings lasting improvements to road safety and reliability for everyone traveling Sacramento’s streets.

To learn more about how these cameras work and the broader impact, visit the feature by Planetizen.

The luxury real estate scene in Sacramento is reaching new highs in 2025 as high-tech features and sustainable building practices drive both demand and record home prices.

This trend is visible not just in standout properties like the Loomis estate - now aiming for a regional record with its $15 million listing - but also across the broader market where smart home integration is quickly becoming a baseline for luxury.

Northern California’s top listings now often include features like climate-controlled garages for auto enthusiasts and fire-resistant construction using steel and concrete.

• Smart Home Integration: Homebuyers are seeking properties with advanced technology such as automated lighting, climate control, and security systems, making these features a new standard in luxury real estate.
• Sustainable Building: Builders are adopting energy-efficient materials and sustainable construction practices, reflecting a shift towards environmental responsibility and lower utility costs for homeowners.
• Energy Independence: Modern luxury homes are equipped with solar panels, energy storage, and backup generators, appealing to eco-conscious buyers who value energy autonomy.
• Adaptable Living Spaces: The demand for multigenerational and efficient layouts is rising, with homes featuring flexible designs that accommodate families and singles alike.

Increasingly, luxury homes offer energy independence, with advanced solar setups, smart home automation to control everything from lighting to security, and seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces highlighted in recent Sacramento Bee reporting.

These upgrades mirror a shift in buyer expectations driven by tech and sustainability. In fact, attention to environmental features is growing nationwide, as younger buyers increasingly seek green certifications, net-zero systems, and custom living solutions.

According to Patricia Wilson, "The attention to green living and smart technology isn’t just a trend, it’s now a fundamental expectation among Sacramento's luxury buyers."

The demand for homes designed for multigenerational households or smaller, more efficient spaces for singles is especially prominent, further supporting the need for adaptable technology in new builds, according to a recent overview on luxury real estate trends for 2025.

New construction in areas like Folsom and El Dorado Hills now routinely advertises smart thermostats, energy storage, and connected home systems, demonstrating how builders are keeping pace with buyer priorities in Sacramento’s top luxury communities.

Feature	Benefit	Buyer Demand Level
Solar and Energy Storage	Lower utility costs and grid independence	High
Smart Home Automation	Convenience and remote control of home systems	Very High
Sustainable Building Materials	Improved durability, fire resistance, and eco-friendliness	Rising

As these technologies become more widespread, local agents like Karen Rodriguez note that homes with comprehensive automation, storage batteries, and sustainability badges often sell faster and at a significant premium compared to their more traditional counterparts, pushing Sacramento into the spotlight for luxury innovation.

This week, Sacramento police announced a resolution to the long-mysterious case of Sheila Osborne, whose partially skeletonized remains were discovered in a vacant field back in 1991.

For over three decades, her identity was unknown, and the case became one of the city’s lingering cold cases. Breakthroughs came as investigators partnered with Othram, a Texas-based forensic DNA lab, to perform advanced genome sequencing on degraded remains.

• Advanced forensics: Investigators utilized cutting-edge genome sequencing to analyze hundreds of thousands of DNA markers, even when contamination was present.
• Public databases: The constructed DNA profile was matched with genealogy databases, enabling forensic genealogists to identify Sheila Osborne, a 40-year-old woman who had recently moved to Sacramento from Tennessee at the time of her death.
• Case progress: The cause of death was found to be blunt force trauma, and the case remains an open homicide investigation.
• Statewide impact: Since these methods were introduced, California alone has identified 61 previously unnamed victims, showcasing the effectiveness of DNA technology.
• Collaborative efforts: A partnership between local law enforcement, dedicated cold case units, and private forensic labs has been vital to resolving cold cases nationwide.
• Community involvement: Officers urge anyone who may have had contact with Osborne in 1991, or who holds relevant information, to come forward.

Technology and teamwork have changed the landscape of criminal investigations - offering families hope and moving investigations forward, even after decades. - Patricia Lopez

Resource	Details	Link
DNA Solves	Case summary and tech details	Read More
ABC10 News	Local news report and interviews	Read More
Yahoo News	Background and follow-up	Read More

Sacramento’s use of these innovative forensic methods not only brings renewed hope to families, but also demonstrates how technology and collaboration can move investigations forward - offering a path to closure, even after decades, as exemplified by the work of Charles Jones and his team.

The grand opening of Moirae Brewing Company in Cameron Park represents more than just a new spot for craft beer - it’s the result of years of planning, community connection, and the blending of diverse professional backgrounds.

Moirae Brewing’s co-founders, Karen Hernandez and Karen Moore, drew inspiration for their brewery from time spent in the tech industry and years in homebrewing.

Karen Hernandez is a certified cicerone and award-winning home brewer, while Karen Moore’s background includes seven years at Cisco leading customer experience projects.

After returning from Boston to the West Coast in 2016, their vision took root locally, though the pandemic caused delays before they could establish Moirae Brewing at 2650 Cameron Park Drive in 2025 Sacramento Bee.

Moirae Brewing brings home a variety of award-winning recipes, including its Von Hammersmark German-style pilsner and Stowe Away hazy IPA - both winning accolades at regional fairs.

The brewery’s mission emphasizes community, celebrating “one pint at a time,” and aims to be a local hub for relaxation, collaboration, and neighborhood connection Moirae Brewing Company.

Their journey included partnering with existing breweries to bring beer to local events and searching for the right space among El Dorado Hills, Folsom, and Cameron Park, a story that echoes the growth of the greater Sacramento craft beer industry.

This scene has seen a surge in new breweries and the influx of creative business owners, which continues to attract both beer enthusiasts and those interested in tech-driven hospitality concepts Sacramento's Craft Beer Growth.

• Innovation and entrepreneurship are reshaping Sacramento’s beer culture. The trend defines how breweries launch and grow with new ideas.
• Meticulous brewing processes set businesses like Moirae apart. Detail-oriented practices create award-winning recipes.
• Community engagement focus strengthens brewery ties with locals. Connecting with neighbors is central to Moirae’s mission.

In 2025, California reached a significant economic milestone by officially surpassing Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, according to recent data from the International Monetary Fund and U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

California’s nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) climbed to $4.1 trillion - more than Japan’s $4.02 trillion and trailing only the United States, China, and Germany.

This achievement has been largely driven by the state’s expansive technology and innovation sector, which remains central to California’s economic output and resilience.

Increasing venture capital, thriving startups, and a focus on sustainability and technology have all played substantial roles, especially in regions such as Silicon Valley and Greater Sacramento.

The state’s tech industry continues to attract new business starts and venture capital funding, fueling job creation and generating sustained global influence.

According to the Los Angeles Times, California's population grew by nearly 250,000 in 2024, creating new demands and opportunities for tech talent and infrastructure.

The scope of the technology sector’s impact is reflected in recent statistics:

• Tech, manufacturing, and agriculture are collectively among the top contributors to state GDP, highlighting the importance of these industries to California's overall economic health.
• Information and professional services sectors have seen steady job and revenue gains, underscoring their significant role in driving ongoing economic growth.
• Record-high tourism spending and global trade ties have amplified California’s economic performance, showcasing the state's strength in attracting international visitors and business.

Region/Nation	2024 GDP ($ Trillion)	Main Growth Drivers
California	4.1	Technology, Manufacturing, Agriculture
Japan	4.02	Manufacturing, Finance, Electronics

Economic experts like Daniel Wilson note California’s robust job growth - with an approximate 30% labor market increase since 1998 - and the outsized role played by sectors such as software, data, and green technology.

At the same time, leaders such as Joseph Smith have cautioned about the risks posed by federal tariff policies and housing affordability, warning that such factors could impact future progress.

For deeper analysis, see California’s latest economic announcement, a detailed BBC News breakdown, and a specialized Center for Jobs report covering cost-of-living and purchasing power trends.

Digital equity is still a central issue in Sacramento, especially as delays continue to slow down the fiber optic broadband rollout in 2025. Sacramento is set to receive a $38.7 million grant from the California Public Utilities Commission to help address these gaps, focusing on expanding high-speed internet to underserved neighborhoods through new last-mile fiber infrastructure capable of delivering speeds up to 10 gigabits per second.

This project targets about 43,000 residents, many of whom live in low-income areas, and marks a step toward bridging longstanding gaps in access (Sacramento Last Mile Connectivity Project).

• Digital equity efforts are critical for Sacramento's underserved neighborhoods; the city is deploying new fiber infrastructure with state grants to provide high-speed internet to 43,000 residents.
• Funding challenges threaten progress statewide, as potential $2 billion public broadband budget cuts could impact critical infrastructure, leaving up to 20% of Californians without reliable internet (public broadband funding cuts).
• Regulatory hurdles such as high costs, permitting delays, and government red tape remain significant obstacles, slowing project implementation (regulatory hurdles in broadband expansion).
• Expert recommendations highlight the need to streamline regulations and maintain steady funding to bridge the digital divide in Sacramento, benefiting students, businesses, and families citywide.

Key Stakeholder	Role in Digital Equity	Main Focus in 2025
William Martin	City Government Leader	Directing funds toward broadband infrastructure
Thomas Perez	Tech Industry Expert	Advocating for regulatory reforms and investment
Charles Williams	Community Organizer	Ensuring equitable internet access for residents

"Sacramento’s continued push for digital equity will depend on steady funding, clear infrastructure strategy, and efforts to simplify deployment so all residents can benefit from the city’s growing tech landscape."

Sacramento’s standing as a tech policy and innovation leader has only strengthened in 2025, fueled by significant investments and smart policymaking.

In the past year, the city has seen major developments such as a 25% rise in tech jobs and an influx of venture capital - up 30% from 2023 to 2025 - with the Bosch $1.9 billion chip manufacturing investment underscoring the region’s appeal to industry heavyweights.

This has brought the number of local tech companies beyond 1,400, supporting nearly 42,000 new jobs and pushing average tech salaries to $92,000, with experienced pros earning up to $141,905.

Sacramento’s affordable living costs, nearly 50% lower than the Bay Area, are making it a magnet for talent and new business, further bolstered by civic tech projects like expanded smart city technologies and the Tap2Ride contactless transit system, which has contributed to a 25% reduction in traffic congestion and improved emergency response times by 30% (latest regional tech news).

• Local tech industry expansion: Thomas Rodriguez reports that Sacramento's tech job numbers and venture capital funding have grown significantly, making the city more attractive for industry giants and startups alike.
• Affordable living attracts talent: Patricia Johnson notes that Sacramento’s cost of living advantage draws top tech professionals and entrepreneurs away from pricier markets like the Bay Area.
• Smart city improvements: Robert Martin highlights advancements in smart city tech and transit systems such as Tap2Ride, which are markedly improving traffic and emergency response performance.

Amid this growth, Sacramento’s commercial real estate market remains stable in the face of economic headwinds, with increased investment deal flow and steady multifamily, healthcare, and industrial sectors - despite uncertainty in retail.

Unemployment rates have ticked up to 4.6%, but job creation continues in tech as companies adapt and relocate to capitalize on the city’s competitive advantages (Sacramento CRE outlook).

Strategic initiatives like the SACOG 2025 Blueprint are also driving responsible growth by prioritizing sustainable community planning, anticipating nearly 600,000 new residents and over 260,000 new jobs by 2050 - while maintaining a focus on economic equity and environmental goals (SACOG Blueprint land use).

Sector/Initiative	Key Impact	Contributor
Commercial Real Estate	Stable performance with increased deal flow despite uncertainty in retail	Thomas Rodriguez
SACOG 2025 Blueprint	Focus on sustainability and equity as population and job growth accelerates	Patricia Johnson
Tech Job Creation	Continued hiring even as unemployment rises, driven by business adaptation	Robert Martin

With active collaboration between policymakers, business leaders, and the community, Sacramento continues to shape state and national conversations - ensuring its trajectory as a place where tech, policy, and quality of life intersect.