For Immediate Release: Friday, July 23, 2021
The Montgomery County Government’s efforts in using technology to provide better service to residents and businesses were recognized as among the nation’s best among counties with populations of one million or more in the 19th Annual Digital Counties Survey. The survey is presented by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the National Association of Counties (NACo).
Montgomery County’s Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions (TEBS) helped the County place sixth in the survey that identifies the best technology practices among U.S. counties, including initiatives that streamline delivery of government services; encourage open data, collaboration and shared service; enhance cybersecurity; and contribute to disaster response and recovery efforts.
“Top-notch counties are utilizing the governance frameworks, investment tools, broadband implementations and more that were put in place in response to citizen needs around COVID-19 . . . then capitalizing on those going forward to support digital experience initiatives,” said Phil Bertolini, vice president of CDG. “The Center for Digital Government congratulates this year’s winners for their accomplishments and continuing efforts to use technology to make government better.”
In playing a major role in Montgomery County’s response to the COVID-19 health crisis, TEBS has moved on from immediate emergency response and is now looking at lessons learned. It is also looking at which implemented emergency functions can apply to future service needs.
"Throughout the pandemic, TEBS has been a critical asset to our response efforts. Receiving this award is evidence of how successful they are amongst our peer jurisdictions around the nation," said County Executive Marc Elrich. "Congratulations to Director Gail Roper and the TEBS staff for this honor and my sincere appreciation for their hard work during the pandemic to ensure that the Montgomery County government remained open and responsive to our residents' needs"
Maryland’s most populous county has made major strides on its core infrastructure and architecture in the past year—including completion of an estimated 90-day project to connect the County public school system in just 11 days.
TEBS implemented a number of urgent projects at a rapid pace during the health crisis including:
“Montgomery County is thrilled and honored to be recognized as a Digital Counties Survey Winner for 2021,” said TEBS Director Roper. “As evidenced by this technology award, we will continue to identify innovative solutions to meet the emerging needs of our organization and community.”
For a full list of CDG and NACo winners click here.
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Release ID: 21-578