Santa Cruz County Embraces Blockchain Technology
Santa Cruz County in Northern California is among the latest to adopt blockchain-based solutions on a governmental level. In a meeting held on April 25, the Board of Supervisors for the County of Santa Cruz unanimously decided to implement the usage of digital wallets for government services and official documentation purposes.
HUMBL-Powered Digital Wallet Pilot Program
The white-label digital wallet powered by HUMBL will launch a 3-stage pilot program starting in July 2023. Beta testers during the pilot period will be mobile users seeking to access government services such as bicycle registration and RV parking registration. Other potential pilots include registration of park facilities, tracking volunteer hours, over-the-counter building permit distribution, and pet licensing.
Improving Equity and Access for the Community
Zach Friend, a Supervisor for Santa Cruz County, emphasized the importance of digitizing paper documents, records, and services to improve convenience, equity, and access for the residents of Santa Cruz County. Following a successful pilot, the county plans to provide a formal report and rollout plan no later than September 2023.
Collaboration with HUMBL and Local Concerns
The digital wallet project took shape in April 2022 after the Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors started collaborating with HUMBL on the digital wallet technology infrastructure. However, local residents have expressed concerns about the project, including the potential for inappropriate use and sales of personal data by HUMBL. During the pilot period, local officials will assess users’ trust in the technology and their understanding of the processes involved.
A Step Forward in Blockchain Adoption for Government Services
As Santa Cruz County moves forward with the implementation of a blockchain-based digital wallet for government services, it marks a significant step in the adoption of innovative technology in the public sector. The pilot program will be crucial in determining the success of the project and addressing any concerns raised by the local community. If successful, this initiative could serve as a model for other counties and governments seeking to streamline their services, improve efficiency, and foster trust through secure and transparent processes.
