The configurable, modern solution provides Culver City with an easy way to adapt to complicated emerging regulatory challenges and generate additional revenue from the licensing process.
San Ramon, CA – Today, Culver City announced that it has begun processing cannabis business licenses using its new cannabis solution and licensing system developed by Accela, the leading provider of cloud-based productivity solutions for government. Accela’s civic solution for cannabis was selected by the city to deliver an easy-to-use, modern licensing solution that was up and running in six months. The go-live comes on the heels of successful Accela cannabis solution launches in multiple jurisdictions throughout the country.
“Accela’s out-of-the-box solution for cannabis allowed us to get up and running, processing applications quickly,” said Trisha Perez, Culver City’s senior computer programmer and analyst. The dynamic system enabled our team to be creative in establishing our process and will allow us to adapt to Culver City’s needs over time. I am glad to see that we have been able to move traditional counter services online so we can meet constituents where they are 24/7.
Today’s announcement demonstrates Accela’s leadership in delivering licensing, permitting and regulatory solutions, as well as leading best practices in the cannabis regulation market. After California voters legalized the sale and distribution of cannabis in the state, government regulators faced a daunting task to build a framework to transform an unregulated market into a legal market in just one year. With an estimated $5 billion market and $1 billion in local and state tax revenue at stake, the state turned to trusted experts to make it happen. California selected Accela to build their cannabis licencing and permitting solution in February 2017. The solution went live in less than one year.
Today’s announcement further proves Accela’s ability to provide robust, agile SaaS solutions to meet community needs and modernize government when it comes to cannabis and other emerging industries. The California cannabis landscape has been evolving over the past year. While the plant is legal a the state level, only one in three cities allow any kind of cannabis business to operate in their jurisdiction. And only one in seven California cities allow for recreational cannabis stores. As cities and counties work through their cannabis policies and regulations, Accela’s cannabis solution is designed to adapt and meet their needs.
“We congratulate Culver City on their processing of cannabis licenses and achieving a key milestone in this complex new industry,” said Accela’s Vice President of Strategic Operations Greg Felix. “Governments of all sizes are facing a growing number of challenges driven by regulatory changes in the cannabis market. Accela is proud to provide modern, easy-to-use applications for complicated emerging regulatory challenges.”
As the country becomes more “green” through changes in cannabis regulation, state and local governments are gearing up for what’s next. Nine states and D.C. already have recreational cannabis on the books and at least twelve more are considering cannabis legalization. Accela continues to provide innovative and flexible solutions to governments that are looking at how to navigate these uncharted waters and the technological challenges found in regulating new markets.
About Accela
Accela provides a market-leading platform of SaaS solutions that empower state and local governments to build thriving communities, attract and grow businesses, protect citizens and manage operations. From planning, building, licensing and permitting, to asset and service request management, finance, environmental health and more, Accela’s SaaS offerings level the playing field for small and medium governments and enable small agencies to use the same software as the big cities. Accela’s solutions serve more than 80 percent of America’s largest cities. Accela is headquartered in San Ramon, California, with additional offices around the world. For more information, visit www.accela.com
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Gabe Graham
Accela
ggraham@accela.com
