Montgomery County Named Nation’s Top Digital Large County by Center for Digital Government for Record 5th Time

For Immediate Release: Thursday, July 18, 2019

The Center for Digital Government (CDG) this week named Montgomery County as the winner of its annual survey of the nation’s top digital governments in jurisdictions with populations of one million or more. This was a record fifth first-place award for Montgomery County in the 17-year history of the awards.

The survey is conducted by CDG in partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo). It identifies the best technology practices among U.S. counties, including initiatives that streamline delivery of government services and encourage open data, collaboration and shared services. The survey also heavily analyzes enhancement of cybersecurity and contributions to disaster response and recovery efforts.

The awards were presented at the 84th Annual NACo Conference & Exposition, which this year was hosted by Clark County/Las Vegas, Nev. Present from Montgomery County to accept the award were County Councilmembers Evan Glass and Craig Rice; Board of Elections Deputy Director Alysoun McLaughlin; and Department. of Technology Services ultraMontgomery Program Director Mitsuko Herrera.

Montgomery is the only jurisdiction to be ranked in the top 10 each year in its respective category since the inception of the survey in 2003. Montgomery has been ranked first or second in its category in each of the past seven years and is the only county ever to win first place recognition in consecutive years (2018 and 2019).

“Today in government, one of the best measures of efficiency is having a digital government that is innovative and stays ahead of the technology field,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “This award proves that we have a solid record in digital government and that our plans for the future will take advantage of this with innovative ideas that produce maximum results.”

Montgomery County’s submission for the award concentrated highly on the 10 major categories of judgment, including Leadership Alignment (are strategy and actions consistent with county priorities/policies); Citizen-centricity: Government Experience (mobile, engaged, digital services); Security (cybersecurity measures/ initiatives); and Innovative Methods and New Technologies.    

“Innovative counties across the U.S. are leveraging technology and data to complete unique projects that better serve citizens, save taxpayer money and protect citizen data,” said Teri Takai, executive director of CDG. “The Center for Digital Government congratulates this year’s winners for their accomplishments to make government work for the citizens and businesses they serve.” 

The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute focused on technology policy and best practices in state and local government.

Learn more about Montgomery County’s Department of Technology Services at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dts/.

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Release ID: 19-251
Media Contact: Neil H. Greenberger 240-777-6532