Courtesy photo.
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County was recognized as one of the Top 10 counties with populations up to 150,000 in the United States for deploying digital technology by the 2025 Digital Counties Survey conducted by the Center for Digital Government.
This is the sixth consecutive year Coconino County has placed on the Top 10 list for excellence in the areas of cybersecurity, digital experience, aligned leadership, continuous innovation, data management, information technology investments, resilience, and broadband expansion.
“Technology touches everyone’s lives, shaping how we connect, work, learn, and experience the world every day. One of our key focus areas is digital transformation. Having instant access to information online, rather than driving hours for an in-person meeting, has been widely embraced by the public,” commented Matt Fowler, Coconino County Chief Information Officer. “We have an amazing team and to place in the Top 10, six years in a row, demonstrates the passion and dedication our staff provides our communities.”
Coconino County is home to expansive rural and tribal lands that present a challenge for high-speed internet connectivity, while access to broadband is increasingly essential to thrive in the modern world. It drives economic opportunities, improves health outcomes, enhances education, and ensures social and civic engagement. Expanding broadband in these areas is not just a matter of convenience but a necessity.
Digital accomplishments recognized by the survey include:
- Established an innovative partnership with SpaceX Starlink to test mobile beta services. The project installed Starlink mobile internet connectivity on school buses for students with commutes exceeding an hour each way.
- Created a limited term Rural Broadband Manager position to support the upcoming Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding.
- Developed a new Broadband Strategic Plan that identifies the County’s infrastructure needs and provides a clear, actionable roadmap for expanding broadband access. The plan serves as a guide for improving digital connectivity across Northern Arizona, regardless of the funding source.
- Continued enhancements to the SeeClickFix application in partnership with the Communications Department, which allows residents to request services, report a concern or ask a question. SeeClickFix will also be used as a communications tool during countywide emergencies where, based on location, residents can find shelters, sandbags, evacuation zones, and resources.
“We are honored to have placed in the Top 10 for our population category in this year’s Digital Counties Survey. We are extraordinarily proud to have placed alongside so many highly respected County agencies,” said Helen Costello, Deputy Chief Information Officer. “Thank you to our Information Technology team and Coconino County leadership for all the hard work and support in providing innovative solutions to our customers and constituents.”
The Top 10 ranked counties were honored at a ceremony during the National Association of Counties summer conference in Philadelphia on July 11.
The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute focused on technology policy and best practices in state and local government. A division of e.Republic, CDG offers strategic insight, benchmarking, and recognition programs to support innovation in the public sector.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) strengthens America’s counties, including nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees. Founded in 1935, NACo unites county officials to advocate for county government priorities in federal policymaking; promote exemplary county policies and practices; nurture leadership skills and expand knowledge networks; optimize county and taxpayer resources and cost savings; and enrich the public’s understanding of county government.