Western Regional Innovation & Technology Alliance

What Western Regional Innovation & Technology Alliance does

Western Regional Innovation & Technology Alliance (WRITA) is a private, membership-based alliance founded in 2025 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that convenes state and local government IT leaders across seven Western U.S. states — Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. The organization sells Individual Memberships ($150/year) and Enterprise Memberships ($1,500/year), with optional stacked bundles with the Public Technology Institute ($225 and $2,000 respectively) that add national training, certifications, and consulting access. WRITA monetizes the vendor side through Gold ($5,500/year) and Platinum ($7,000/year) Strategic Partnerships that grant technology providers access to government decision-makers via content distribution, webinars, lead intelligence, and conference presence; it operates a network of 28 Platinum and 16 Gold partners alongside 33+ enterprise member agencies.

WRITA's core offering is not a technology product but a curated professional community: peer-to-peer networking, professional development, and cooperative problem-solving across jurisdictions. The digital layer is a WordPress-based website used for membership sign-up, event registration, and resource distribution; substantive value is delivered through two annual in-person events (Spring Conference & Exhibition and Fall Summit), committee structures (AI, Legislation, Education, Vendor Outreach, Awards), and stacked education partnerships with ASU CareerCatalyst, KSM Inc., and PTI. Members include CIOs and IT directors from cities such as Mesa, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Albuquerque, Scottsdale, Chandler, Avondale, Goodyear, and Great Falls, as well as organizations like the Maricopa Association of Governments.

The business model is a recurring subscription and sponsorship engine layered with event-based revenue. The 1–10 employee organization is governed by a Board of Directors with state-level representation from each of the seven Western states and run by a Chair (Scott Conn), Vice Chair (Paul Poledna), Treasurer (Arlene Chemello), and Secretary (Chuck Boyer). Vendor strategic partnerships (AWS, Workday, Palo Alto Networks, Verkada, Zoom for Government, CivicPlus, Okta, Rubrik, and others) account for the majority of revenue per relationship, while diversified enterprise and individual memberships, plus conference fees, broaden the base. WRITA has no disclosed institutional investors, parent company, or M&A activity; it appears to operate as an independent member-funded alliance.

Name

Western Regional Innovation & Technology Alliance

Legal name

Western Regional Innovation & Technology Alliance

Website

https://writa.us

Company type

Private

Founded year

2025

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

WRITA is a private, Minneapolis-based membership alliance founded in 2025 that unites state and local government IT leaders across seven Western U.S. states through Individual and Enterprise memberships, Gold and Platinum vendor Strategic Partnerships, and annual Spring Conference and Fall Summit events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Government IT Professional Services & Membership Alliance

NAICS

Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139), Professional Organizations (81392), Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Course Bundle Subscriptions & Learning Membership Marketplaces (EDAFAIAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Learning Content Bundling & Subscription Passes (All-Access Libraries) (MPACALAL)

Keywords

• Government IT alliance
• Public sector membership
• Peer networking services
• Government technology conferences
• Professional development events

Headquarters

HQ city

Minneapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Membership: Annual individual membership subscription at $150/year providing access to WRITA's knowledge resources, webinars, networking events, conferences, and member discounts.
2. Individual WRITA + PTI Stacked Membership: Bundled annual membership at $225/year combining WRITA individual benefits with Public Technology Institute national membership, including discounted certifications, consulting, and national conference access.
3. Enterprise Membership: Annual organizational membership at $1,500/year covering unlimited staff within a government agency domain, including benchmarking, research, training discounts, priority event access, and policy/funding alerts.
4. Enterprise WRITA + PTI Stacked Membership: Bundled annual enterprise membership at $2,000/year combining WRITA enterprise benefits with PTI organizational membership.
5. Gold Strategic Partnership: Annual vendor partnership at $5,500/year offering owned content distribution, conference presence, thought leadership webinars, email marketing, lead intelligence, and brand visibility to technology providers serving government clients.
6. Platinum Strategic Partnership: Premium annual vendor partnership at $7,000/year offering all Gold benefits plus exclusive Fall Summit thought leadership eligibility, executive access to CIO/CTO/CISO networking, priority exhibit placement, and top-tier brand visibility.
7. Conference Registration Fees: Revenue from paid conference attendance including the Spring Conference & Exhibition and Fall Summit. Early bird pricing and member discounts are offered. The 2026 Fall Summit registration is $299.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

WRITA sells tiered annual memberships (Individual $150, Enterprise $1,500, and stacked WRITA+PTI options) to government IT professionals and agencies across seven Western U.S. states, plus paid Strategic Partnerships (Gold $5,500, Platinum $7,000) for technology vendors. Members receive access to peer-to-peer networking, professional development through education partners, two flagship annual conferences (Spring Conference & Exhibition and Fall Summit), curated events such as the WRITA Conversation Café, and policy/funding alerts.

Product overview

WRITA is a collaborative alliance offering a multi-tiered membership and partnership portfolio. The core offerings include Individual and Enterprise memberships ($150-$2,000/year) providing access to peer-to-peer networking, professional development, conferences, and exclusive resources. Strategic partnerships (Gold at $5,500/year and Platinum at $7,000/year) offer vendors enhanced brand visibility, thought leadership opportunities, and conference exhibit presence. The alliance organizes two major annual events—the Spring Conference & Exhibition and Fall Summit—along with specialized programs like Leadership in Foundation and the WRITA Conversation Café. Integration with Public Technology Institute (PTI) adds national training, certification programs, and consulting services to the membership benefits.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Individual WRITA Membership Annual $150 individual subscription for government IT professionals providing access to knowledge resources, exclusive webinars, networking opportunities, and discounted rates for events and conferences across the seven Western states.
• Enterprise WRITA Membership Annual $1,500 enterprise membership covering an entire government agency domain with unlimited staff access, exclusive benchmarking and research, training discounts, priority event access, and policy and funding alerts.
• WRITA + Public Technology Institute Individual Membership Combined annual $225 individual membership including WRITA benefits plus national PTI organization membership, with access to PTI Certification and Certificate Programs, national conferences, discounted consulting services, and members-only resources.
• WRITA + Public Technology Institute Enterprise Membership Combined annual $2,000 organizational membership with all WRITA Enterprise benefits plus national PTI organization membership, including discounted consulting services and access to PTI's national community.
• Gold Strategic Partnership Annual $5,500 vendor partnership offering owned content distribution via WRITA's member newsfeed, 2 member webinars per year, member-wide email blasts, lead intelligence with leader retrieval, premium conference booth, and strong digital and onsite brand visibility.
• Platinum Strategic Partnership Annual $7,000 premium vendor partnership including all Gold benefits plus exclusive Fall Summit thought leadership eligibility with a 60-minute session, CIO/CTO/CISO executive speed networking invitation, enhanced lead intelligence, priority exhibit placement, and top-tier brand visibility.
• WRITA Spring Conference & Exhibition Annual paid conference featuring keynote speakers, vendor exhibitions, peer roundtables, and professional development programming for state and local government IT leaders. The 2026 conference was held April 26-28 in Mesa, AZ.
• WRITA Fall Summit Annual paid leadership summit featuring roundtables, high-impact sessions, regional policy discussions, and CIO/CTO/CISO executive networking. 2026 Fall Summit registration is $299 with early bird and member pricing available.
• WRITA Conversation Café Fast-paced roundtable format session where participants rotate through discussions with leaders from agencies and municipalities covering topics like smart city technology, cybersecurity, data and analytics, cloud platforms, and digital identity.
• Leadership in Foundation Full-day immersive program provided by Public Technology Institute, designed for public sector technology professionals to strengthen leadership foundation, expand strategic perspective, and build practical skills.

Quantifiable outcome

• Member testimonial: 'For all the money we spend on outside consultants, my team gets more from peer-to-peer communication via WRITA than anything money can buy.' — Scott Conn
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Amazon Web Services (AWS)coreTechnology or IntegrationAWS is a Platinum Strategic Partner of WRITA, providing comprehensive, secure, and scalable cloud platform services trusted by governments worldwide. AWS offers core infrastructure, AI/ML, analytics, managed security, and compliance tools (including FedRAMP, CJIS) for public sector agencies. AWS supports WRITA members in cloud modernization and digital transformation.
• ANM (American Network Management)coreTechnology or IntegrationANM is a Platinum Strategic Partner specializing in data-driven network infrastructure optimization, broadband strategy, performance analytics, and deployment support for public sector organizations. ANM provides WRITA members with tools and consultation to strengthen digital access, service reliability, and network performance measurement.
• Artisan SystemscoreTechnology or IntegrationArtisan Systems is a Platinum Strategic Partner delivering tailored IT consulting, system integration, and support services for the public sector. Their offerings include access to IT professionals, cutting-edge technology solutions, and innovative vendor relationships that help WRITA members navigate government IT challenges.
• FirstNet, Built with AT&TcoreTechnology or IntegrationAT&T Business (FirstNet) is a Platinum Strategic Partner providing end-to-end connectivity, communications, and networking solutions for government agencies including high-capacity internet, secure networking, SD-WAN, 5G, IoT, and cybersecurity services. They help WRITA members improve broadband access and modernize citizen-facing services.
• CDW•GminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCDW•G is listed as a Platinum Partner contributing to the WRITA Spring Conference & Exhibition and bringing technology solutions to government IT leaders.
• CitibotcoreTechnology or IntegrationCitibot is a Platinum Strategic Partner empowering local governments with AI-powered chat and text messaging tools enabling 24/7 resident service, streamlined service requests, and improved community engagement. Citibot's solutions support smart city goals around equity and inclusion by expanding access to residents.
• ClientFirst Technology ConsultingcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerClientFirst is a Platinum Strategic Partner — a vendor-independent IT consulting firm specializing in public agencies. They help cities, counties, and special districts with IT assessments, strategic planning, ERP system selection, and cybersecurity readiness through a people-centered approach.
• Enterprise Networks Solutions Inc. (ENS)coreTechnology or IntegrationENS is a Platinum Strategic Partner — an Arizona-based technology solutions provider with over 20 years of experience delivering secure IT infrastructure, managed services, and cybersecurity tailored for cities, counties, and school districts.
• Info-Tech Research GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInfo-Tech is a Platinum Strategic Partner — a globally recognized IT research and advisory firm delivering practical, vendor-agnostic insights, toolkits, and frameworks across cybersecurity, cloud transformation, and governance to help WRITA member technology leaders make sound decisions.
• 101VOICEcoreTechnology or Integration101VOICE is a Platinum Strategic Partner specializing in strategic IT transformation, operations modernization, and enterprise service management for the public sector, bridging the gap between technology and agency mission.
• iT1coreTechnology or IntegrationiT1 is a Platinum Strategic Partner — a trusted IT solution provider with over 20 years of public sector experience delivering secure cloud and SaaS solutions (Microsoft, AWS, Google), cybersecurity and compliance services (FedRAMP, CJIS readiness), managed services, and network modernization.
• Packet FusioncoreTechnology or IntegrationPacket Fusion is a Platinum Strategic Partner supporting local government technology leaders through professional development, consulting services, learning and networking events, workforce connections, and recognition programs.
• Public Technology Institute (PTI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPTI is a Platinum Strategic Partner and WRITA's primary education partner, actively supporting local government technology leaders through research, professional development, consulting services, learning and networking events, workforce connections, and recognition programs. PTI provides WRITA members with 10% discounts on training.
• QuickStart Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerQuickStart is a Platinum Strategic Partner offering immersive online IT training and certification programs in cybersecurity, cloud engineering, data analytics, and software development with flexible learning options and real-world project-based curricula, accessible to WRITA members.
• SDI PresencecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSDI Presence is a Platinum Strategic Partner — an IT services firm with over 30 years of experience serving government agencies, utilities, and transportation authorities, having partnered with more than 250 local government agencies. SDI joined WRITA in March 2026 and contributes thought leadership and best practices to WRITA's mission.
• ThinkGard (VC3)coreTechnology or IntegrationThinkGard is a Platinum Strategic Partner providing managed IT services, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, and compliance support (CJIS, HIPAA, FedRAMP) built specifically for government organizations. ThinkGard delivers secure infrastructure management, 24/7 help desk support, advanced threat monitoring, and incident response.
• Traversant GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTraversant Group is a Platinum Strategic Partner — a government relations firm helping technology companies navigate state and local government through procurement strategy, public policy expertise, and relationship building. They also contribute thought leadership on better models for government-vendor engagement.
• VerkadacoreTechnology or IntegrationVerkada is a Platinum Strategic Partner delivering cloud-based enterprise security solutions encompassing video surveillance, access control, environmental sensors, and centralized device management with AI-powered analytics for government agencies.
• WorkdaycoreTechnology or IntegrationWorkday is a Platinum Strategic Partner offering a unified, cloud-based platform combining human capital management, finance, payroll, planning, and analytics built for public sector compliance (FedRAMP, zero-trust architecture). Workday helps government agencies modernize from fragmented legacy systems.
• Zoom (Zoom for Government)coreTechnology or IntegrationZoom for Government is a Platinum Strategic Partner empowering U.S. agencies with a specialized, entirely U.S.-based communications platform providing secure video meetings, webinars, and team collaboration meeting stringent government security and certification standards.
• ASU CareerCatalystcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerASU CareerCatalyst is an Education Partner of WRITA, offering the Digital Inclusion Leadership Certificate program. WRITA members receive a $500 discount on the certificate program, which covers broadband technologies, digital inclusion planning, and program management under federal funding.
• KSM Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKSM Inc. is an Education Partner of WRITA providing project management, procurement, risk mitigation, and change management training. WRITA members receive free access to the Best Value Procurement course and a complimentary 1-on-1 strategy session.
• SDI Presence LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSDI Presence joined WRITA in March 2026 as a Platinum Strategic Partner. SDI is an IT consultancy with over 30 years of experience serving government agencies, utilities, and transportation authorities, having partnered with more than 250 local government agencies. Membership enables SDI to participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and industry forums to advance public sector innovation across the Western region.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• National League of Cities (NLC): National membership and advocacy organization for municipal governments, with programming that increasingly covers technology, smart cities, and digital equity. It is a broad-incumbent peer to WRITA serving many of the same city-level government IT decision-makers through a wider civic-leadership lens.
• Center for Digital Government (CDG): Research and advisory institute within eRepublic focused on digital transformation in state and local government, producing reports, awards, and executive programs. It is a broad incumbent peer in the government IT knowledge and convening space.
• International City/County Management Association (ICMA): Professional association for local government managers and senior administrators, including CIO-adjacent executives, offering training, credentials, research, and convening. It is a broad-incumbent peer operating a larger-scale version of WRITA's professional development and networking model.
• eRepublic / Government Technology: Multi-platform media, events, and research company serving state and local government technology leaders, including flagship events, awards programs, and a content network. It competes with WRITA for sponsor mindshare and member attention while operating at a much larger national scale.

Emerging players

• Code for America: Nonprofit civic technology organization that partners with state and local governments to deliver digital services and modern technology. It is an emerging peer in the government IT modernization conversation where WRITA members increasingly operate, with a more mission-driven and program-oriented model.
• Civic Innovation Network (City Innovate / Bloomberg Cities): Network programs that connect city government innovation leaders for peer learning, including Bloomberg Philanthropies' What Works Cities and City Leadership Initiative. It is an emerging peer competing for the same CIO/CIO-staff audience and the same sponsor pool around smart-city, AI, and digital service transformation.

Regional players

• Digital Government Institute (DGI): Event- and training-focused organization serving federal, state, and local government IT leaders through summits and workshops. It is a regional/event-focused peer to WRITA, with overlapping audiences in government IT training and conferences but a more East-Coast and federal lean.

Direct peers

• National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO): Member-driven association for state government CIOs offering conferences, research, advocacy, and peer networking. NASCIO is a direct functional peer to WRITA at the state government level, with a broader geographic footprint and longer operating history.
• Public Technology Institute (PTI): National membership organization serving local government technology leaders through research, training, certification, and consulting. It is WRITA's primary education partner (bundled memberships) and the most direct functional peer, as it delivers nearly identical value to government CIOs at a national scale.
• GOVIT Leadership Summit (PTI flagship event): Annual national leadership summit for local government technology leaders operated by PTI. WRITA members receive reduced access to this event via the WRITA+PTI stacked membership, making it a direct event-level peer competing for CIO attendance and sponsorship.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/writa-us

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Western Regional Innovation & Technology Alliance