Survey Finds U.S. Counties Leading the Way with Open Government, Open Source and Data-Driven Tools


SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwired - Jul 10, 2014) - The Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the National Association of Counties (NACo) have announced the 2014 Digital Counties Survey winners. The annual survey recognizes leading examples of counties using technology to improve services and boost efficiencies. Here's a look at this year's first-place winners:

  • San Francisco County developed a top-notch open data site and created standards for the collection and free distribution of open data, as well as the social media center's use of innovative analytics to track public sentiment.

  • Clackamas County, Ore., completed a fiber-optic network that provides needed infrastructure and links the rural parts of the county with the non-rural areas.

  • Charles County, Md., is utilizing a large number of open source tools for tremendous cost savings, including the complete redesign of the website and content management system.

  • Roanoke County, Va., formed a partnership with state and federal law enforcement agencies in a data-driven approach to crime prevention, integrating location-based crime and traffic crash data to determine the most effective methods for deploying law enforcement and other resources.

The survey, conducted by the CDG and Digital Communities program, in partnership with NACo, identifies best technology practices among U.S. counties. 

"Congratulations to this year's winners for their dedication to public service and forging partnerships that proactively address rapidly changing citizen demands and expectations," said Center for Digital Government Executive Director Todd Sander. "Their ability to be continually innovative in an ever-changing technology landscape is admirable and commendable."

"Counties across the country are using technology to enhance services, maximize efficiency and save money," said NACo Executive Director Matthew D. Chase. "The Digital Counties Survey recognizes counties' best practices and effective uses of technology to better serve their communities."

Underwriters for this year's survey are CDW-G, Dell, Laserfiche, and Sprint.

CLICK HERE for the full listing of top 10 winners!

The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute focused on technology policy and best practices in state and local government. CDG is a division of e.Republic, the nation's only media and research company focused exclusively on state and local government and education.

The National Association of Counties (NACo) is the only national organization that represents county governments in the United States. Founded in 1935, NACo assists America's 3,069 counties in pursuing excellence in public service to produce healthy, vibrant, safe and resilient counties. NACo promotes sound public policies, fosters county solutions and innovation, promotes intergovernmental and public-private collaboration and provides value-added services to save counties and taxpayers money. More information at: www.naco.org.