Orange County Recognized with National Digital Counties Survey Award
By: Orange County Communications Department
Thanks to the support of our residents, our Board of Supervisors, and the hard work of our dedicated employees, Orange County has enjoyed a streak of state and national recognition this year. We are excited to report that the trend continues with the receipt of a 2022 Digital Counties Survey award, presented in recognition of the breakthrough advances made across the digital sphere by staff members across almost all departments.
The Digital Counties Survey is offered by the Center for Digital Government, in partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo). Readers may remember that Orange County recently received a NACo Achievement Award for Public Safety Advancements. According to the Center for Digital Government, the Digital Counties Survey award “ identifies the best technology
practices among U.S. counties, including initiatives that streamline delivery of government services; encourage open data, collaboration, and shared services; enhance cybersecurity; and contribute to disaster response and recovery efforts. ” Given this wide scope, receipt of the award is truly a county - wide recognition. The survey itself is extensive, requesting datapoints and narratives about virtually every way in which a county ’ s activity extends into the digital world. Highlights from Orange County ’ s submission included the
While the award truly recognizes the efforts of all Orange County staff, our Information Technology Department supports much of the progress. Pictured L to R: N. Ganoe, A. Hackey, C. Shifflett, L. Clement, W. Merryman, J. Whipp.
recent improvements to our emergency operations connectivity, the efforts of the Orange County Broadband Authority (FiberLync), our public communication efforts (including this newsletter), the
expansion of our Information Technology Department, advancements in cybersecurity, and several additional functions related to our “ Digital Citizen Initiative. ” Survey respondents are ranked by the reviewers in comparison to other counties nationwide. Results are then categorized by the size of the locality, as determined by population estimates. Orange County received the fifth spot out of all respondents of up to 150,000 residents. When one considers our county is home to approximately 36,000 residents, the depth of the accomplishment becomes even more clear.
While we celebrate this award, we also plan to use it as a springboard to further continued advancement. Staff are currently working on expanded digital access, especially online payment processing and form completion. We hope to be in the running again next year!
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