County Awarded National Honors and Recognition
At the National Association of Counties’ (NACo) 84th annual conference in Las Vegas, Leon County received 12 national awards for exceptional county programs and services, bringing the total to 68 NACo awards since 2013. In addition, Leon County earned top honors for harnessing technology to increase services and efficiencies for citizens with the 2019 Digital Counties Survey Award from NACo and the Center for Digital Government.
Annually, NACo identifies county government best practices from across the nation. With awards in categories ranging from Risk and Emergency Management to County Resiliency, Infrastructure, Energy and Sustainability, Leon County continues to be a benchmark for local governments everywhere.
"We are very proud that our County services, programs, and technology all continue to receive the nation's top honors," said Leon County Commission Chairman Jimbo Jackson. "Our citizens can be proud of the many award-winning County programs that touch their lives every day, from resiliency to innovation and so much more."
Many of the NACo awards highlight programs, services and initiatives that advance county government and enhance services to citizens. Leon County awarded projects this year reflect a continued commitment to being a resilient, sustainable and innovative organization.
"These recognitions reflect the dedication, professionalism, and talent of our hard working Leon County employees," said Leon County Administration Vincent S. Long. "This culture of performance has made the County known nationwide as a local government of innovative problem solvers and committed public servants. We are already looking forward to raising the bar even higher for next year!"
In 2019, Leon County Government received the following awards for exceptional programs and services:
- Animal Abuser Registry in the category of Criminal Justice and Public Safety
- Emergency Shelter Operations Plan in the category of Risk and Emergency Management
- Ethics Training and Field Manual in the category of Personnel Management, Employment and Training
- Fire Hydrant Prioritization Policy and Funding Program in the category of Financial Management
- Green Team in the category of County Resiliency: Infrastructure, Energy and Sustainability
- Litter Reduction and Beautification Initiative in the category of County Resiliency: Infrastructure, Energy and Sustainability
- Minority, Women & Small Business Enterprise Program Enhancements in the category of Community and Economic Development
- Mobile Hotspot Lending Program in the category of Libraries
- Quarterly Economic Dashboard in the category of Community and Economic Development
- Residential and Commercial PACE Programs in the category of County Resiliency: Infrastructure, Energy, and Sustainability
- Street Lighting Prioritization Policy and Funding Program in the category of Financial Management
- Water Quality and Springs Protection Infrastructure Improvement Plan in the category of County Resiliency: Infrastructure, Energy and Sustainability
Founded in 1970, the annual NACo Achievement Award Program is an award series that recognizes innovative county government programs that increase services to county residents.
These national awards recognize the County’s high quality services and commitment to providing exceptional services. Leon County remains committed to strengthening what works, receiving citizen feedback, leveraging partnerships and listening to changing needs.
For the 2019 Digital Counties Survey Award, Leon County placed in the top five in the nation in its population category for implementing best technology practices. The annual survey evaluates how counties use and economize information, communications and digital technologies to serve their citizens. All United States Counties are encouraged to participate in the survey. Questions were asked in a variety of areas such as computing, networking, applications, data security, cyber security, open government, and mobile services. A panel identifies the very best examples of counties that are aligning government technology to support strategic priorities.
“We applaud this year's Digital Counties Survey winners for maximizing the value of technology in serving our residents,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “Technology plays an important role in achieving healthy, safe and vibrant counties. The Digital Counties Survey demonstrates how we embrace cutting-edge approaches to strengthening our communities.”
For more information, contact Andrew Johnson, Assistant to the County Administrator, at (850) 606-5300 / JohnsonAn@LeonCountyFL.gov or Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Community and Media Relations at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov .
About the National Association of Counties
NACo brings county officials together to advocate with a collective voice on national policy, exchange ideas and build new leadership skills, pursue transformational county solutions, enrich the public’s understanding of county government and exercise exemplary leadership in public service. Founded in 1935, NACo represents more than 3,000 counties.
About the Center for Digital Government
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 provides public and private sector leaders with decision support, knowledge, and opportunities to help them effectively incorporate new technologies in the 21st century.
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