A national research and advisory institute focused on technology policy and best practices in state and local government.
The Center for Digital Government’s (CDG) Surveys and Awards programs provide a trusted, third-party evaluation of public-sector IT operations, helping agencies validate progress, benchmark accomplishments against peer jurisdictions, and recognize leaders driving continuous improvement.
Participants benefit from:
- National recognition for excellence and progress
Eligible participants may receive national recognition and awards for outstanding or significantly improved IT performance. - Independent validation and credibility
Gain an objective, third-party assessment that helps demonstrate progress and build confidence with executives, elected officials, and stakeholders. - A foundation for productive conversations
Use survey insights to support data-driven discussions around priorities, investments, and future planning. - Actionable insights and peer learning
Access ideas, best practices, and lessons learned from jurisdictions across the country to help inform continuous improvement.
Digital Counties Survey
In partnership with NACo, the annual Digital Counties Survey evaluates how counties nationwide are using technology to improve service delivery, strengthen operations, and better serve residents. Awards for the Top 10-ranking counties in five population categories are presented each July at NACo’s annual conference. View 2025 results
Timeline: Opens February 4 – Submissions due April 1
Eligibility: U.S. counties, parishes, and consolidated city/county
Digital States Survey
The biennial Digital States Survey examines states’ use of technology to improve service delivery and constituent engagement, increase capacity, streamline operations and achieve other state priorities — assigning a letter grade based on quantifiable results. Awards are presented in September at NASCIO’s annual conference. View 2024 results
Timeline: Opens February 25 – Submissions due June 10
Eligibility: State CIO/Centralized IT Office
AI 50 Awards
This new, annual recognition program, produced in association with the Center for Public Sector AI (sister division to CDG), highlights individuals and organizations making significant contributions to AI adoption and advancement. Public- and private-sector participants focused on public service are eligible to submit. Awards are presented in the summer. View 2025 results
Timeline: Opens March 10 – Nominations due April 10
Eligibility: States, counties, cities, non-profits, private sector, educational institutions
Government Experience Awards
The GovX Awards honor states, counties, cities and special districts which are setting the standard for blending technology with creativity to build people-first services. The exciting annual virtual awards presentation is held each fall. View 2025 results
Timeline: Opens April 30 – Nominations due June 24
Eligibility: States, counties, cities, special districts and their departments/agencies
Digital Cities Survey
The annual Digital Cities Survey evaluates how cities nationwide are leveraging technology to enhance service delivery, improve operational efficiency, and better serve residents.
Awards for the Top 10-ranking cities in five population categories are presented each November at the National League of Cities City Summit. View 2025 results
Timeline: Opens May 28 – Submissions due July 23
Eligibility: U.S. cities, villages, towns, consolidated city/county
How Can the Private Sector Get Involved?
For private-sector organizations, CDG’s Surveys and Awards programs are a valuable source of market intelligence. As part of CDG’s annual membership programs, participating companies gain access to:
- aggregated survey data and insights that reveal public-sector priorities
- investment trends, and areas of opportunity across state and local government.
These insights help inform planning, shape go-to-market strategies, refine messaging, and align solutions with the real needs of government IT leaders, enabling more informed decision-making and more effective engagement with the public sector.
