WASHINGTON — The D.C. region did well in the Center for Digital Government’s annual awards for Top Digital Counties, with Arlington County winning first place in its category for the second year in a row.
The nonprofit Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties use the awards to identify counties with the best technology practices, including initiatives that streamline delivery of government services, encourage collaboration and shared services, plus enhance cybersecurity.
Montgomery, Fairfax, Prince George’s, and Loudoun counties all finished in the top 10 for their respective categories, based on population.
In awarding Arlington County first place in the 150,000-249,000 population category, the center notes that Arlington’s primary goals are transparency, open government and economic development.
It specifically cites Arlington’s Open Data Portal initiative and webcast program that allows the public to watch county board meetings, work sessions and commission meetings live over the internet.
“Digital counties are leveraging technology to improve the ways they conduct business and engage with citizens in increasingly innovative and exciting ways,” said Todd Sander, the center’s executive director.
Here’s where D.C. area counties landed on the 2017 Top Digital Counties list:
Population 1 million or more: Montgomery County, second place; Fairfax County, fifth place
Population 500,000 — 999,999: Prince George’s County, fifth place
Population 250,000-499,999: Loudoun County, seventh place
Population 150,000-249,999: Arlington County, first place
See the full list of county winners nationwide.
