Coconino County is pleased to share the exciting news that we have been recognized as one of the top counties in the United States for deploying digital technology practices for better government in the 2022 NACo Digital Counties Survey
Coconino County is pleased to share the exciting news that we have been recognized as one of the top counties in the United States for deploying digital technology practices for better government in the 2022 National Association of Counties (NACo) Digital Counties Survey, conducted by the Center for Digital Government.
This is the third consecutive year Coconino County has placed in the top 10 counties in the up to 150,000 population category. The county is being recognized for our focus on five specific areas: enhanced services, IT security, service delivery, community partnerships, and people and culture. County IT officials also concentrated on improving fiber and high-speed Internet connections in unserved and underserved rural communities across northern Arizona to boost digital equality.
In just the past year to improve Internet connections, the county conducted a feasibility study to understand the challenges of implementing fiber across rural northern Arizona, more specifically identifying construction build-outs that would address the problem. The first phase would implement 432 strands of fiber from Flagstaff, Ariz., to the border of Utah. The second phase would add 432 more fiber strands connecting Tuba City to the Four Corners region. However, the county is awaiting approval on formal right-of-way requests from several landowners before moving forward.
In other efforts that touch technology, Coconino County developed an information security program to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the county’s information assets. Additionally, an IT service delivery model has been created to improve the customer experience and provide transparent cost information to stakeholders.
“Obtaining this achievement is an honor and we are very humbled to receive this award for 3 consecutive years. The credit for this achievement goes to our diverse and talented workforce,” commented County Chief Information Officer Matt Fowler.
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 is a division of e.Republic, the nation’s only media and research company focused exclusively on state and local government and education.
“Our nation’s top counties continue to succeed and deliver on key services, breaking down barriers to broadband connectivity and accessibility, building upon innovative and smart initiatives that enable government to better plan for and protect their citizens, constituents, and assets,” said Brian Cohen, vice president, CDG. “The Center for Digital Government is excited to recognize and congratulate this year’s winners for their accomplishments and continuing efforts to use technology to make government better.”
For more information on Coconino County’s fiber optic project connecting rural communities, please visit us online at: https://coconinocountybroadbandinitiative.com/ and also the NACo Digital Counties Winners website at: https://www.govtech.com/digital-counties-survey-2022-results