To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marc Shorr, Information Technology Director
Report Title: Proclaim November 18, 2026, as GIS Day in Contra Costa County
Recommendation: Recommendation of the County Administrator
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT Resolution proclaiming November 18, 2026, as GIS Day in Contra Costa County, as recommended by the Chief Information Officer.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact.
BACKGROUND:
This proclamation encourages all Contra Costa County Agencies and Departments to recognize November 18, 2026, as Geographic Information System (GIS) Day. An annual event with a 27-year history, GIS Day is dedicated to showing, teaching, and inspiring others. This year’s theme, "Powering Purpose and Innovation," highlights how GIS technology has changed the way we perceive, navigate, and shape our world. It shows how combining human creativity with technology helps us engage our community, discover hidden trends, and make smarter decisions using the power of location data.
GIS is a constantly evolving technology that supports the Department’s mission to provide County staff, partners and citizens with innovative solutions. Tools built on GIS technology are particularly well positioned to enhance citizen engagement and transparency that fosters joint problem solving and collaboration.
To celebrate GIS Day, the Department of Information Technology GIS Group will transform the lobby at 1025 Escobar Street, in Downtown Martinez into a map gallery that includes posters, interactive displays, educational materials and an opportunity to ask questions.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
County employees will be less aware of GIS technology.
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
and for Special Districts, Agencies and Authorities Governed by the Board
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IN THE MATTER OF Proclaiming November 18, 2026, Contra Costa County GIS Day.
WHEREAS, since 1999, the third Wednesday in November has been celebrated as GIS Day, a day to help people understand the value of spatial thinking, mapping and spatial analysis to their community and to society as a whole; and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa County is committed to utilizing GIS to inform decision making and better serve its residents and make useful geographic information open and easily available to the public, as a platform for innovation; and
WHEREAS, there is a need to promote GIS awareness, education and technical training to use this rapidly developing technology to its full potential; and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa County acknowledges those that have chosen GIS as their profession or as part of their discipline to improve the lives of our citizens; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the County of Contra Costa hereby proclaims November 18, 2026, as GIS Day.
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