Prince George’s County has been named the #1 Digital County in the United States in the 19th annual Digital Counties Survey, in the large population category. The survey, conducted by the Center for Digital Government (CDG), identifies 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.

“We are Prince George’s Proud that our County was named the #1 Digital County this year, as it reflects the hard work we have done over the past few years to create a 21st century government that can better serve our residents,” said Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. “I want to thank our Office of Information Technology for their efforts to enhance our digital infrastructure and make our County a national leader. The changes we are making and new programs we are launching will further improve the quality of life for our residents, and we are excited that the best is truly yet to come for Prince George’s County.”

“I am proud to accept this award in recognition of the Office of Information Technology’s (OIT) diligent work, delivering relevant and best practices technologies expanding our digital footprint and virtual reality. In the face of the pandemic and many other challenges faced last year, we were not only able to pivot fast continuing essential services to our community, we ran one of the best elections processes ever with safe, high turnout, and implemented pandemic support and relief programs in record time. We seized the opportunity presented to us by the new normal virtual world which catapulted us to move forward. We have motivated tech savvy leadership, and talented resources that fuel our drive and success in achieving County Proud Priorities,” said Prince George’s County CIO Wanda Gibson. “This award again demonstrates that we are a leader in our region, state, and nation, and we are ready for the next generation challenge.”

The County stood out from other jurisdictions based on its best practices for comprehensive cyber strategy, including investing in a new Cyber Security practice with a countywide Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), a virtual Security Operations Center, and a “Security ScoreCard” risk management tool supporting the County’s 27-partner jurisdictional network. Technology efforts with a fast turnaround supported several of the County Executive’s COVID-19 initiatives including the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, Child Care assistance, Food distribution, small business support, the Ambassador Compliance Program, hotel support, meal assistance, vaccine pre-registration, and more. The County also implemented other virtual strategies, such as developing a Virtual Permit Center, accelerating digitization of documents across County agencies and integrating agency communications.

“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, CDG. “The Center for Digital Government congratulates this year’s winners for their accomplishments and continuing efforts to use technology to make government better.”

For more information about the Digital Counties Survey and a full list of winners, CLICK HERE.