America's Top Digital Counties Ranked for Exceptional Use of Technology

eRepublic's Center for Digital Government (Center) has completed this year's evaluation of America's most digital county governments. This year's Digital Counties Survey found many counties using information technology in increasingly innovative ways and improving service to their citizens.

The 2007 Digital Counties Survey is an annual study by the Center and the National Association of Counties (NACo). To recognize their hard work and innovation of the best governments, the survey's top digital counties will be honored at a national awards ceremony which will coincide with NACo's national conference in Richmond, Va. July 13-17, 2007.

In April, thousands of U.S. counties were invited to participate in the 2007 Digital Counties Survey. County officials responded to questions that included more than 100 measurements and data points about online service delivery, infrastructure, architecture and governance models.

The first-place winners in each of the four population categories are:

• Montgomery County, Maryland (500,000 or more population category)
• Richland County, South Carolina (250,000-499,999 population)
• Frederick County, Maryland (150,000-249,999 population)
• Charles County, Maryland & Nevada County, California (tie). (Less than 150,000 population).
  

"In today's world, technology is essential for effective and efficient government," said NACo Executive Director Larry E. Naake. "County governments realize this and are using technology in new ways to improve the delivery of services to Americans. The Digital Counties Survey illustrates the innovation being pursued by counties across the country."

Center Executive Director, Cathilea Robinett, added, "America's counties continue to make astonishing strides each year in their use of technology. In doing so, they greatly improve services to their citizens and make even better use of government's precious resources. Congratulations to all the winners!"

This year's survey was underwritten by Hyland Software and GTSI.