In this episode of the Tyler Tech Podcast, Cate Ryba, director of resident engagement at Tyler Technologies, and Sara Diaz, director of information technology for the city of El Cajon, California, join the show to discuss how digital services can strengthen community connections and build public trust.

Recorded live at Tyler Connect 2025 in San Antonio, the conversation explores how El Cajon’s My El Cajon app — powered by Tyler’s My Civic platform — is making government more intuitive and responsive. Sara shares how her team designed the app with real residents in mind, incorporating feedback from diverse users to ensure accessibility across ages, languages, and cultures.

Cate highlights how user expectations are evolving and why government technology must deliver the same seamless, reliable experiences that residents enjoy from private-sector apps. Together, they discuss how strong partnerships, data-driven improvements, and thoughtful design can help governments meet residents where they are — online, on their phones, and in their communities.

This episode also spotlights Tyler Connect 2026, where innovation and collaboration take center stage. Taking place April 7–10 at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, Connect brings together public sector professionals from across the country to explore new solutions, share ideas, and strengthen communities. It’s a week dedicated to learning, connection, and imagining what’s possible for the future of government technology. Explore registration details and early bird pricing in the show notes to start planning your Connect 2026 experience.

• Learn More and Register Now: Tyler Connect 2026 in Las Vegas

And learn more about the topics discussed in this episode with these resources:

• Download: Modern Governments Live in the Cloud
• Watch: How a City Sparked Civic Engagement
• Watch: My Civic App Offers a One-Stop Shop for Newark Community
• Watch: My Civic: One App to Engage Your Citizens
• Success Story: The Technologically Thriving City of El Cajon, California
• Blog: Let’s Empower, Connect, and Imagine at Connect 2026!
• Blog: Excellence 2025: Civic Interaction & Public Trust Solutions
• Blog: Excellence 2025: Digital Services & Cloud Solutions
• Blog: Partnering With Communities to Build Resilience
• Blog: How Small Cities Are Using Technology to Grow Resilience
• Listen: Strengthening Public Trust and Resilience

Listen to other episodes of the podcast.

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