e.Republic's Center for Digital Government (Center) has found in its annual Digital Counties Survey that America's counties are embracing new technologies to involve citizens, are moving toward transparent government and are increasing green and sustainable measures while continuing to improve online services.
The 2009 Digital Counties Survey is an annual study by the Center and the National Association of Counties (NACo) which identifies best practices and recognizes those counties with exemplary digital service to their citizens.
Center Executive Director, Cathilea Robinett, said, "Despite challenging economic circumstances, America's counties are continuing to use new tools such as social media to engage and encourage citizen participation and feedback. Additionally, counties are moving forward in very responsible ways by green and sustainability efforts, energy efficiency monitoring, e-waste recycling and government transparency. We heartily congratulate all the winners!"
In recognition of their hard work and innovation, the survey's top digital counties were honored at a national awards ceremony which coincided with NACo's national conference in Nashville, Tennessee July 24-28, 2009.
"As counties face the budgetary challenges of 2009 and beyond, they are finding Information Technology essential for effective and efficient government," said NACo Executive Director Larry E. Naake. "Not only are county governments using technology to continue delivering services with fewer resources, they are using innovative technology to communicate more effectively with their citizens and businesses. The Digital Counties Survey illustrates the innovation and tenacity of counties across the country."
This year's survey was underwritten by Hyland Software, developers of OnBase, and Quest Software, Inc. Both companies are proud partners of county governments across America.
Congratulations to the Digital Counties Survey 2009 Winners:
500,000 or more population:
1st: Oakland County, MI
2nd: Montgomery County, MD (tie)
2nd: Sacramento County, CA (tie)
3rd: King County, WA
4th: Fairfax County, VA (tie)
4th: Orange County, CA (tie)
5th: Alameda County, CA (tie)
5th: Anne Arundel County, MD (tie)
5th: Prince George's County, MD (tie)
6th: Bernalillo County, NM (tie)
6th: Orange County, FL (tie)
6th: Westchester County, NY (tie)
7th: Los Angeles County, CA (tie)
7th: Wake County, NC (tie)
8th: San Diego County, CA
9th: Hennepin County, MN
10th: Tulsa County, OK
250,000-499,999 population:
1st: Loudoun County, VA
2nd: Dutchess County, NY
3rd: Hamilton County, IN
4th: Dakota County, MN
5th: Douglas County, CO
6th: Placer County, CA
7th: Washoe County, NV
8th: Ottawa County, MI
9th: Solano County, CA (tie)
9th: Washtenaw County, MI (tie)
10th: Anoka County, MN
150,000-249,999 population:
1st: Roanoke County, VA
2nd: Dona Ana County, NM
3rd: Scott County, IA
4th: Yuma County, AZ (tie)
4th: Peoria County, IL (tie)
4th: Frederick County, MD (tie)
5th: Racine County, WI
6th: Cumberland County, PA
7th: Gaston County, NC
8th: Jackson County, OR
9th: Saint Lucie County, FL
10th: Delaware County, OH
Less than 150,000 population:
1st: Charles County, MD
2nd: Gloucester County, VA
3rd: Nevada County, CA
4th: Skagit County, WA
5th: Olmsted County, MN
6th: Stearns County, MN (tie)
6th: Albemarle County, VA (tie)
7th: Napa County, CA
8th: Martin County, FL
9th: Columbia County, GA (tie)
9th: Franklin County, VA (tie)
10th: Sutter County, CA
