Santa Rosa Honored with 2025 Government Experience Award for Innovative A.W.A.R.E. System

The City of Santa Rosa is proud to announce it has been named a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Government Experience Award by the Center for Digital Government, recognizing the City's commitment to innovation, technological excellence, and public service. This national honor specifically celebrates Santa Rosa's Advanced Weather Analysis and Reporting Engine (A.W.A.R.E.), a groundbreaking digital platform developed entirely in-house to enhance community access to vital weather information.

A Milestone in Civic Innovation

The A.W.A.R.E. system is the result of a collaborative effort between Santa Rosa's Information Technology, Fire, and Water Departments, driven by a shared vision of a safer, more informed, and resilient community. This award places Santa Rosa among a select group of cities nationwide leading the way in delivering digital services that prioritize transparency, accessibility, and public safety.

Meeting a Local Need with Local Talent

Santa Rosa's geography and climate present unique challenges-from sudden temperature shifts to localized wind events and wildfire risks. Recognizing the need for timely, accurate, and accessible weather data, City staff developed A.W.A.R.E. to go beyond traditional weather reporting. The system collects, analyzes, and presents comprehensive weather data, delivering actionable insights for both residents and emergency personnel.

Key Features of A.W.A.R.E.

• Live Weather Data: Real-time conditions from nine permanent weather stations across Santa Rosa, including temperature, wind speed, humidity, and rainfall.
• Interactive Maps: Visual exploration of weather station locations and micro-climate variations across neighborhoods.
• Detailed Observations: Critical data such as fuel moisture and temperature readings to assess fire risk.
• User-Friendly Interface: Designed for accessibility across all devices, ensuring ease of use for all residents.

Advancing Public Safety and Preparedness

A.W.A.R.E. empowers residents to make informed decisions and supports first responders with data crucial for wildfire response and resource allocation. It represents a significant leap forward in public safety and community preparedness.

A Model of Interdepartmental Collaboration

Led by Programmer/Analyst Shawn Moore from the Information Technology Department, with key contributions from Krista Butts and Paul Lowenthal of the Fire Department, and support from Water Department staff, A.W.A.R.E. exemplifies the power of interdepartmental collaboration. By leveraging in-house talent, the City avoided outsourcing costs and delivered a solution tailored specifically to Santa Rosa's needs.

Join Us in Celebrating

The City invites all residents to explore the A.W.A.R.E. platform and experience firsthand how technology is enhancing life in Santa Rosa. This award reflects the spirit of innovation and community that defines our city, and we look forward to continuing to deliver services that make Santa Rosa a safer, smarter, and more connected place to live.

Residents can explore the A.W.A.R.E. system at SRCity.org/Weather.