Web Site Awards and Recognition
Stearns County Again Places in Top 10 U.S. Counties
originally reported July 9, 2008
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.
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.
Congratulations to the Digital Counties Survey 2009 Winners:
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
View the full list of winners at www.govtech.com/dc/surveys/counties/90/2009
Survey Ranks Top U.S. Counties with Outstanding Use of Technology
originally reported July 9, 2008
Sacramento, Calif. – e.Republic’s Center for Digital Government (Center) has completed this year’s evaluation of America’s top 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 2008 Digital Counties Survey is an annual study by the Center and the National Association of Counties (NACo). To recognize the 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 Kansas City, Missouri, July 11-15, 2008.
Center Executive Director Cathilea Robinett said, “The Digital Counties Survey continues to document the technological progress and innovation of county governments. Improved service to citizens and more efficient use of government resources are the results. Congratulations to all the winners.”
In April, thousands of U.S. counties were invited to participate in the 2008 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.
2008's Winners are
Less than 150,000 population:
1st: Charles County, Maryland
2nd: Stearns County, Minnesota
3rd: Nevada County, California
4th: Boone County, Missouri
5th: Skagit County, Washington (tie)
5th: Gloucester County, Virginia (tie)
6th: Olmsted County, Minnesota
7th: Geauga County, Ohio (tie)
7th: Randolph County, North Carolina (tie)
8th: Napa County, California
9th: Albemarle County, Virginia
10th: Delaware County, Ohio (tie)
10th: Sutter County, California (tie)
View the full list of winners at http://www.centerdigitalgov.com/
"We are seeing county governments utilizing the efficiencies of technology to deliver services to Americans," said NACo Executive Director Larry E. Naake. "Across a broad spectrum of service delivery needs and budgetary challenges, counties continue to develop improved service delivery options made possible by technology."
This year’s survey was underwritten by Hyland Software, developers of OnBase, CDW-G and Microsoft. All companies are proud partners of county governments across America.
The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government. The Center is a division of e.Republic, Inc., a national publishing, event and research company focused on information technology in the public sector. Their Web site is http://www.erepublic.com/.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) is a full-service organization that provides legislative, research, technical and public affairs assistance to county governments. Created in 1935, NACo continues to ensure that the nation’s 3,066 counties are heard and understood in the White House and Congress.
Award Places Stearns County in Top Tier in Nation
originally reported July 13, 2007
America’s Top Digital Counties Ranked for Exceptional Use of Technology
Sacramento, Calif. – 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, Virginia July 13-17, 2007.
In April, thousands of US 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.
"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!”
2007's Winners are
Less than 150,000 population:
1st: Charles County, Maryland (tie)
1st: Nevada County, California (tie)
2nd: Stearns County, Minnesota
3rd: Gloucester County, Virginia
4th: Sutter County, California
5th: Napa County, California
6th: Olmsted County, Minnesota
7th: Boone County, Missouri
8th: Delaware County, Ohio
9th: Albemarle County, Virginia
10th: Randolph County, North Carolina
150,000-249,999 population:
1st: Frederick County, Maryland
2nd: Roanoke County, Virginia
3rd: Racine County, Wisconsin
4th: Hamilton County, Indiana (tie)
4th: Scott County, Iowa (tie)
5th: Arlington County, Virginia
6th: Yuma County, Arizona
7th: Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
8th: Dona Ana County, New Mexico
9th: Horry County, South Carolina
10th: McLean County, Illinois
250,000-499,999 population:
1st: Richland County, South Carolina
2nd: Loudoun County, Virginia (tie)
2nd: Douglas County, Colorado (tie)
3rd: Dakota County, Minnesota (tie)
3rd: Howard County, Maryland (tie)
4th: Prince William County, Virginia
5th: Marin County, California
6th: Washtenaw County, Michigan
7th: Placer County, California
8th: Utah County, Utah
9th: Sedgwick County, Kansas (tie)
9th: Dutchess County, New York (tie)
10th: San Luis Obispo County, California
500,000 or more population:
1st: Montgomery County, Maryland
2nd: Orange County, Florida (tie)
2nd: Anne Arundel County, Maryland (tie)
3rd: Fulton County, Georgia
4th: Fairfax County, Virginia
5th: Snohomish County, Washington
6th: Oakland County, Michigan
7th: Sacramento County, California
8th: Westchester County, New York (tie)
8th: Tulsa County, Oklahoma (tie)
9th: San Diego County, California
10th: Wake County, North Carolina
This year’s survey was underwritten by Hyland Software, developers of OnBase, and GTSI. Both companies are proud partners of county governments across America.
Stearns County Again Receives National Recognition for Web Technology
originally reported July 18, 2006
FOLSOM, Calif. – County governments are using Information Technology with greater and greater savvy each year, according to the 2006 Digital Counties Survey, an annual study by the Center for Digital Government (Center) and the National Association of Counties (NACo). To recognize their hard work and innovation, the survey’s top digital counties will be honored at a national awards ceremony which will coincide with NACo’s national conference in Chicago, Illinois next month.
In April, all counties in the United States were invited to participate in the 2006 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.
"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 adds, "Counties continue to strive for excellence in serving their citizens. Our Digital Counties Survey showcases those counties most committed to service and innovation. Congratulations to all the winners!"
Less than 150,000 population:
1st: Charles County, Maryland
2nd: Nevada County, California
3rd: Olmsted County, Minnesota
4th: Boone County, Missouri
5th: Napa County, California
6th: Stearns County, Minnesota
7th: Sutter County, California
8th: Delaware County, Ohio
9th: Albemarle County, Virginia
10th: Randolph County, North Carolina
Nation’s Top 10 Digital County Governments Showcased
originally reported June 29, 2005
FOLSOM, Calif. – Information technology (IT) is being deployed on a grand scale by county governments across the U.S. to better serve citizens, according to the 2005 Digital Counties Survey, an annual study by the Center for Digital Government (Center) and National Association of Counties (NACo). In recognition of their work and innovations, the survey’s top-10 digital counties will be showcased and honored at a national awards ceremony in Honolulu, Hawaii.
In April, all counties in the U.S. were invited to participate in the 2005 Digital Counties Survey, which is underwritten by Onbase. Officials responded to a set of 22 questions that included more than 95 measurements or data points. The survey grouped counties into four population categories: 500,000 or more; 250,000-499,999; 150,000-249,999; and less than 150,000. A top-10 ranking was established for each category.
“It is a pleasure to acknowledge and showcase our nation’s most digitally-advanced county governments,” said Cathilea Robinett, executive director of the Center. “There is so much hard work and planning going on behind the scenes in county government – to make life a little easier for all citizens. Local governments are to be commended for their ambitious efforts, accomplishments and outstanding customer service.”
NACo Executive Director Larry Naake concurs. “The Digital Counties Survey effectively demonstrates how county governments of all sizes across the country are positively applying technology to deliver quality services to their citizens,” he said. “This award is a reflection of their outstanding work and innovations.”
Less than 150,000 population:
1st: Charles County, Maryland
2nd: Nevada County, California
3rd: Napa County, California
4th: Sutter County, California
5th: Boone County, Missouri,
6th: Stearns County, Minnesota
7th: Olmsted County, Minnesota
8th: Albemarle County, Virginia
9th: Delaware County, Ohio
10th: Deschutes County, Oregon
County Again Receives National Recognition for Its Technology Efforts
originally reported June 30, 2004
Folsom, Calif. – A national survey conducted by the Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties (NACo) named the top 10 most technologically-advanced, cutting-edge county governments in the United States.
The top 10 counties in the population category of 150,000 or less are
- Charles County, Maryland,
- Nevada County, California;
- Stearns County, Minnesota;
- Napa County, California;
- Oconee County, Georgia;
- Sutter County, California;
- Olmsted County, Minnesota;
- Albemarle County, Virginia;
- Delaware County, Ohio; and
- Butler County, Iowa.
The 2004 Digital Counties Survey, which examined how county governments are evolving in their use of information technology (IT) to deliver services to their citizens, grouped counties into four population categories: 500,000 or more; 250,000-499,999; 150,000-249,999; and less than 150,000.
“The Digital Counties Survey is one of a series of studies we conduct throughout the year that examines how governments are applying IT to effectively serve their constituents,” said Cathilea Robinett, executive director of the Center for Digital Government. “Our goal is to keep our fingers on the pulse of technology policies and practices in state, city and county governments, and acknowledge the hard work and effort put forth by of all of them.”
All counties were invited to participate in the survey. Officials responded to a set of 17 questions and ranked their jurisdictions on a four-point scale, providing background data for final verification and validation.
“The 3,066 counties in the United States vary greatly in size and population,” said Larry Naake, executive director of NACo. “The Digital Counties Survey awards effectively demonstrate how county governments of all sizes across the country are positively applying technology to deliver quality services to their citizens.”
Statistics
- Eighty-eight percent of all respondents in the top three population categories have an IT strategic plan, and 45 percent of those have updated their plans in the previous two years.
- An average of 19 percent of all counties surveyed provide Web-casting (audio, video or live streaming video) of their county governing body meetings.
- Sixty percent provide meeting agendas or minutes on their Web sites.
- In the top two population categories, more than 50 percent of the counties allow online submission of job applications for 26 percent or more of available county positions.
The top-ranked digital counties will be honored by the Center and NACo at an awards reception held in conjunction with NACo’s Annual Conference and Exposition, July 16-20, in Maricopa County, Ariz.
For more information on the Digital Counties Survey, contact Rhonda Wilson at 916.932.1321 or rwilson@centerdigitalgov.com. Or visit www.centerdigitalgov.com.
County Receives National Recognition for Its Technology Efforts
originally reported October 6, 2003
Stearns County is once again recognized for using innovative technology to better serve its citizens. The County recently received two national awards; one for best web site and the other is a Best of Breed award for the Computerized Law Enforcement System.
The awards were presented by the Center for Digital Government, in conjunction with Government Technology magazine and Microsoft Corporation.
The Best Web Site award grouped counties into four categories based on population; Stearns County took 3rd place in the nation among counties with a population of less than 150,000. This is the first year this award has been given.
Each county's web site was judged on functionality, features, ease of use, online services, etc. Stearns County touted such projects as the document subscription service, webcasting, the televising of meetings on cable, property tax and park permit payment systems, its online forms and job applications.
"When budgets are tight and resources are scarce, it's more important than ever to use technology to help reach the needs of our citizens," said George McClure, Information Services Director. "It's about improving service and bringing government closer to the people. We want to make county government more accessible and make it easier for residents to conduct county business."
In recognition of this achievement, Stearns County was honored at the National Association of Counties' (NACo's) annual conference.
The Center for Digital Government, Government Technology Magazine and Microsoft Corp. also doled out Best of Breed Awards, recognizing some of the most cutting-edge programs implemented by Counties.
Nine counties nationwide received a Best of Breed Award for their technology-savvy projects. Stearns County was one of them, receiving recognition for its computerized law enforcement program.
The Automated Public Safety system links the Sheriff's Department and every police department in the County, allowing them to work together and communicate with each other from their office or their squad car. The law enforcement agencies can share criminal records, investigation or suspect data, and other critical information through a secure computer network. In the past, police departments kept their own criminal information in their own computer database. Now Stearns County is the only county in the state to have all law enforcement agencies sharing a single system.
"Before this solution was put in place, the officers had to call in everything verbally through dispatch," said McClure. "Now with laptop computers in the squad cars, they get access to all of the records information and databases. They even have the ability to download mug shots and search the identity of a person."
This project allows all law enforcement agencies in the County to be more effective and efficient, while significantly improving public safety.
Stearns County received a state award from the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) for this same project last year.
The Center for Digital Government conducts the national "Best of the Web" award program and they have received national recognition in major publications such as The Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post's Newsbytes Magazine.
| County | Rank |
| Charles County, Md. | 1 |
| Florence County, S.C. | 2 |
| Hernando County, Fla. | 2 |
| Sutter County, Calif. | 2 |
| Stearns County, M.N. | 3 |
| Cochise County, Ariz. | 4 |
| Skagit County, Wash. | 5 |
| Blue Earth County, M.N. | 6 |
| Albemarle County, Va. | 7 |
| Steuben County, N.Y. | 8 |
| Randolph County, N.C. | 9 |
| Eagle County, Colo. | 10 |
| Pennington County, S.D. | 10 |
| Stanly County, N.C. | 10 |