Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Terence Farrell (center) receives the Digital Counties Survey award from (left) Tim Woodbury, Director of Government Relations for Accela and (right) Katie Burke, Government Program Specialist for Laserfiche.
WEST CHESTER — Chester County took its place among the digital elite this week, when it was presented with a Digital Counties Survey award that recognizes the most innovative digital counties in the nation. Chester County ranks 10th among America’s 3,000-plus counties.
Presented by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the National Association of Counties (NACo), the Survey identifies the best technology practices among U.S. counties, including initiatives that save tax dollars through newfound efficiencies, boost transparency, focus on cybersecurity and citizen engagement, and that innovate through unique and exciting projects.
According to the judging panel, 2016 proved to be a big year for digital accomplishments in Chester County. The panel cited the introduction of OpenGov that publishes public spending online, the commitment to data security and migration to cloud-based systems, and a strong social media presence. Other factors that gained Chester County valuable points include the response-driven website and mobile applications, disaster recovery practices and continuity of operations, e-government programs and shared services.
Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Terence Farrell accepted the award, which was presented at the NACo annual conference.
“Over the past few years, Chester County has made a concerted effort to develop digital services that boost efficiencies and improve services for our citizens,” he said.
“This award acknowledges that effort, undertaken by the team in our Department of Computing and Information Services, our Digital Communications personnel, and representatives from many other departments. Congratulations go to all of them for helping Chester County make life better for everyone who lives and works here.”
Todd Sander, executive director of CDG said: “Digital counties have evolved to recognize the value of technology, empower their tech leaders and use new ideas, and the Center for Digital Government congratulates this year’s winners for their work to innovate, improve transparency and proactively address citizen demands and expectations.”
“Modern technology allows counties across the country to innovate, providing citizens with smarter, more cost-effective services,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “The Digital Counties Survey recognizes county innovations that truly benefit our communities and, by extension, America.”
The Digital Counties Survey is conducted annually in the spring. All U.S. counties are invited to participate in the survey, which examines the overall technology programs and plans of the county. This year marks the 14th annual survey and details of winners can be found at:
http://www.govtech.com/dc/digital-counties/Digital-Counties-Survey-2016-Winners-Announced.html.
